During the VMware Explore event in Las Vegas, our solutions architects Ken Guo and Michael Wright presented a technical overview of VMware Edge Compute Stack™, offering a comprehensive understanding of its features, benefits, and intricacies. Built on the foundation of VMware vSphere, VMware Tanzu, and VMware vSAN, VMware Edge Compute Stack offers a complete solution addressing edge requirements and integrates with other VMware essentials, including VMware SD-WAN and VMware RabbitMQ.
The session covered topics including ways to deploy VMware Edge Compute Stack, product components and architecture, orchestration architecture, zero-touch provisioning and operational workflows, the technical tradeoffs between small footprint and availability, integrations with other VMware products including VMware Aria for observability and VMware Edge Intelligence™ to intelligently monitor network traffic, edge site design and edge app delivery, and top use cases for VMware Edge Compute Stack.
For more detailed insights, watch the full video from VMware Explore Las Vegas.
Enterprises are searching for answers at the edge
Tackling the varied requirements of different industries that use edge computing demands a refined and thoughtful approach. The edge deals with technical issues and logistical issues that are very different from traditional data center and cloud hosting requirements. Space constraints, especially in environments where physical room is at a premium, require ingenious solutions that maximize efficiency without compromising on performance. Equally important is integrating legacy systems with edge technologies, ensuring a seamless transition and functionality across generations of tech.
Security concerns take on heightened significance, necessitating robust and sophisticated protection measures to safeguard sensitive data against evolving threats. Latency sensitivity becomes a pivotal aspect where immediate data processing and decision-making are essential. This comprehensive approach aims to address the unique challenges and exploit the opportunities presented by edge computing in diverse sectors.
VMware Edge Compute Stack is designed to address these differences at the edge, to facilitate a seamless and efficient operational experience. Key features include:
PLC virtualization and OT protocol support: ECS enables the virtualization of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and supports operational technology (OT) protocols such as PROFINET, essential for industrial automation.
VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator (VECO): A pivotal component, VECO ensures zero-touch or minimal touch deployment, enhancing the ease of setting up edge computing environments.
Enhanced security measures: Incorporating VM encryption and future advancements in AI and data platforms, ECS prioritizes security across all layers.
Comprehensive Kubernetes support: VMware Edge Compute Stack extends support for Kubernetes at the edge, ensuring compatibility with containerized applications.
Cross-VMware integration: The solution seamlessly integrates with existing VMware products, ensuring a consistent and familiar operational environment.
Technical deep dive into VMware Edge Compute Stack
The session delved into various technical aspects of VMware Edge Compute Stack, highlighting its robust architecture and versatile capabilities. For example, the solution supports both containers and VMs for edge runtime, offering flexibility in application deployment and management. It incorporates Tanzu Kubernetes Grid (TKG) for managing Kubernetes clusters, facilitating efficient container orchestration.
VMware Edge Compute Stack leverages SASE for network connectivity and private 5G, addressing the diverse networking needs of edge sites. For a wide choice of scalability and deployment options, the solution can be deployed in environments ranging from single-node to multi-node clusters, accommodating various scalability requirements.
Practical applications and use cases
VMware Edge Compute Stack is designed to cater to a range of industry-specific applications. In manufacturing, it can manage real-time applications, including virtual PLCs, enhancing efficiency and productivity on manufacturing lines. The solution facilitates advanced computer vision applications in retail stores, aiding in fraud detection and improving customer experiences. Because of its flexible options, VMware Edge Compute Stack can support a variety of applications and verticals, tailored to specific industry needs. (Check out another example of how VMware Edge Compute Stack supports manufacturing in our blog from Hannover Messe 2023.)
VMware Edge Compute Stack stands out as a comprehensive solution for edge computing needs, integrating advanced virtualization technologies, robust security, and Kubernetes support. As the product continues to evolve, VMware is committed to enhancing its features and expanding its application spectrum, ensuring it remains at the forefront of edge computing solutions.
