With the rise of edge computing companies, businesses are increasingly turning to innovative partners to help them stay ahead of the curve.
The realm of edge computing has witnessed a substantial surge in recent years, propelled by the proliferation of remote work, the Internet of Things (IoT), and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies, which have necessitated connectivity at the network’s periphery and novel applications.
Consequently, edge computing has been deployed extensively across a range of verticals and for a variety of use cases. This development is not surprising, given that the International Data Corporation (IDC) has forecasted a robust expansion of the global enterprise and service provider expenditure on hardware, software, and services for edge solutions until 2025, with spending expected to surpass $274 billion.
Established networking and telecom service providers have joined the fray, offering wireless and connectivity solutions to facilitate the operation and protection of applications at the network’s edge. Meanwhile, the advent of 5G, IoT, and secure access service edge (SASE) has spawned a new wave of startups focused on application development, connectivity, automation, and data collection, with a particular emphasis on managing the surge of data influx from the edge.
The importance of edge computing startups
In the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of technology, it is often the startups that have the power to disrupt the status quo and propel the industry forward. This is particularly true in the field of edge computing, where the need for innovative solutions has never been more pressing.
While established edge computing companies undoubtedly have a valuable role to play in driving the growth of this burgeoning sector, it is the startups that are uniquely positioned to offer fresh perspectives, embrace new ideas, and push the boundaries of what is possible. With their ability to take risks, experiment with emerging technologies, and pivot quickly in response to changing market demands, edge computing startups are poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of the industry.
Top 10 edge computing companies to watch in 2023
Let’s get to know the top 10 edge computing companies to watch in 2023! As the field of edge computing continues to expand and evolve, these companies are at the forefront of innovation, delivering cutting-edge solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing businesses today.
Adaptiv Networks
Adaptiv Networks, a smart business connectivity provider, has introduced its cloud-managed SD-WAN service, known as Adaptiv Enterprise Connect, to the market. This service enables enterprises to focus on new applications and users at the network edge while providing an exceptional user experience for all business cloud services and private corporate applications.
Founded in 2002, the Quebec-based company, which is privately held, is setting its sights on a few key verticals, including hospitality, healthcare, and retail. To promote its network as a service and co-managed cloud solutions, Adaptiv is relying on its channel partners.
Celona
Celona is one of the most intriguing edge computing companies to keep an eye on, as it offers a platform that allows enterprises to create private 5G/4G LTE networks, catering to a previously unaddressed gap in the connectivity market. Through its strategic partnership with Aruba Networks, the Cupertino-based firm is further expanding its presence in the market for cellular products.
Additionally, Celona’s 5G LAN Device Certification Program and solution provider partner program, Fanatics, demonstrate the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline the deployment and adoption of private LTE/5G networks and provide a formal means for resellers, MSPs, and systems integrators to engage with Celona and register private 5G and LTE deals.
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Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless, a wireless communications equipment designer and service provider, has been honing its focus on IoT software and managed services following its acquisition of M2M Group, a cluster of companies dedicated to IoT connectivity, in 2020. The Canadian telecom equipment manufacturer specializes in developing diminutive embedded wireless modules with 5G capabilities, tailored specifically for IoT applications.
In September, Semtech, an IoT provider based in Camarillo, California, unveiled its intention to acquire Sierra for $1.2 billion to unify their cloud portfolio, encompassing advanced security, provisioning, device management, and geolocation capabilities for optimized IoT applications. This acquisition will bolster Semtech’s offerings in the field of edge computing companies.
Versa Networks
Versa Networks, an SD-WAN-turned-SASE specialist, is empowering enterprises to overcome security and connectivity challenges, particularly as next-generation connectivity technologies like 5G become more prevalent. The company asserts that secure SD-WAN can streamline management across an expanding mobile footprint and that traditional wired internet services must coexist alongside 5G networks.
Versa, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is a privately held standalone SASE company, and it recently disclosed a $120 million private equity funding round in October. As such, it is among the most prominent edge computing companies, offering solutions for managing and securing complex networks.
Aruba Networks
Aruba Networks, an HPE company, is a significant edge networking player for hardware, software, and services, making it one of the leading edge computing companies. Aruba’s flagship Aruba Edge Services Platform (ESP) enables companies to accelerate their digital transformation by automating network management, providing edge-to-cloud security, and offering predictive AI-powered insights.
In addition to its 500/600 series Wi-Fi 6/6E access points, Aruba offers a comprehensive portfolio of CX switches, and its solutions can be managed primarily through its cloud-first, AI-powered management platform, Aruba Central, which is a major selling point for customers. With the support of its partners, Aruba’s offerings are employed in a range of use cases, including those at the network edge and in areas that are acquiring connectivity for the first time. Aruba’s presence in the market is a testament to its ability to offer cutting-edge edge networking solutions.
Aarna Networks
Aarna Networks, established in 2018, is striving to simplify edge orchestration for enterprises by offering private 5G and enterprise edge computing application automation software. Aarna Edge Services, the company’s SaaS platform, delivers zero-touch orchestration as a service for edge infrastructure and public clouds, enabling users to manage compute, storage, and network operations from the edge to the cloud.
The San Jose-based startup’s principal go-to-market strategy is via its channel partners. Aarna has amassed a total of $3.5 million in funding, with its most recent funding coming from a seed round in December 2021. As a one of the most noteworthy edge computing companies, Aarna Networks has the potential to revolutionize the way enterprises manage their edge infrastructure and streamline their operations.
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Cato Networks
Cato Networks, a cloud networking provider that specializes in SD-WAN and SASE, is a significant player in the edge computing market. The company has integrated its SD-WAN and cloud-native security service edge technologies to offer global cloud services that enforce access policies, secure against security threats, and prevent sensitive data loss.
Cato Networks operates exclusively through its channel partners, and it recently hired Frank Rauch, a leading figure in the channel industry, as its new global channel chief. This move is aimed at expanding the company’s business worldwide and helping its partners profit from the transition to cloud-native networking and security, as stated by the Tel Aviv-based firm. With its blend of SD-WAN and SASE capabilities, Cato Networks is one of the most innovative edge computing companies offering cloud and edge computing solutions in the market.
Cradlepoint
Cradlepoint, an expert in wireless edge networking based in Boise, Idaho, was acquired by Ericsson in 2020, bringing its expertise to the telecom equipment giant. Cradlepoint is revolutionizing the potential of LTE and next-gen cellular technologies, such as 5G, with its NetCloud Exchange, an extension of its cloud-managed Network-as-a-Service offering. The Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager platform enables IT administrators to manage branch offices, vehicles, and IoT environments, making it a top contender among edge computing companies.
During the pandemic, Cradlepoint has been collaborating with its customers, with the help of its partners, to explore the possibilities of cellular and wireless as their primary connection point, where it was once only considered as a backup or failover option for businesses. This has been particularly beneficial for use cases that require temporary connectivity that can be quickly scaled up or down. Cradlepoint’s commitment to innovation and its ability to deliver cutting-edge wireless solutions has placed it among the most prominent edge computing companies.
Macrometa
Founded in 2017, privately held Macrometa offers its Global Data Network and edge computing platform to help developers build real-time applications and APIs.
The San Mateo, Calif.-based company in 2022 revealed a handful of partnerships, including a partnership with DevCycle in September to launch Edge Flags, what the two companies are calling the world’s first ultra-low-latency global feature flags solution for developers. In November, it
entered into a partnership with content delivery network services provider Akamai Technologies that the company said would include product integrations.
Azion
Azion is one of the most interesting edge computing companies. It provides several solutions to facilitate the deployment of edge computing. Their Edge Platform is one such product that empowers developers to design and release serverless applications. This platform also allows for the creation of zero-trust security architectures and IoT deployments, further reinforcing Azion’s commitment to providing comprehensive edge computing solutions.
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Current edge computing market leaders
While there are numerous edge computing companies with great potential, a handful of industry leaders have emerged as the go-to providers for cutting-edge edge computing solutions. These companies have demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs of the modern enterprise and have developed innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible with edge computing.
We will review some of the current market leaders in edge computing and examine the unique strengths that have helped them rise to the top of the industry.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): As a major player in the cloud computing market, AWS is well positioned to offer a variety of edge computing solutions, including AWS IoT Greengrass, which extends AWS to the edge of the network.
- Microsoft Azure: As a leading provider of cloud computing and artificial intelligence services, Azure is also a top contender in the edge computing market. Its Azure IoT Edge platform enables users to run AI, Azure services, and custom logic on devices.
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP): With its strong focus on data analytics and machine learning, GCP is well suited to deliver edge computing solutions that allow users to analyze and act on data in real time.
- Dell Technologies: A major player in the IT industry, Dell Technologies offers a broad range of edge computing solutions, including its VMware Pulse IoT Center, which enables users to manage, monitor, and secure their IoT devices.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE): HPE has a strong portfolio of edge computing products and services, including its HPE Edgeline Converged Edge Systems, which enable users to process data and run applications at the edge of the network.
Bottom line
The edge computing market is growing at an unprecedented rate, and for good reason. The ability to process and analyze data closer to the source has the potential to unlock new levels of efficiency, productivity, and innovation across a wide range of industries.
As we’ve seen, there are a number of edge computing companies that are leading the charge, each with their own unique strengths and capabilities. From established players like AWS, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies to up-and-comers like Macrometa and Aarna Networks, these edge computing companies are shaping the future of the industry and paving the way for a more connected, intelligent, and efficient world.
