Edge Computing

Six Pillars of Digital Transformation

Enables data processing and decision-making closer to the source to support low-latency, resilient, and mission-critical operations.

  • Eliminates latency "round-trips" to centralized clouds for real-time reactions.
  • Ensures mission continuity in disconnected or contested environments (DDIL).
  • Essential for IoT, Autonomous Systems, and Tactical Infrastructure.
Back to Framework Explore ODXA
Mission outcomes delivered through integrated digital capabilities Mission Solutions & Capabilities Architectural integration aligns tradeoffs, design decisions, and cross-pillar dependencies Architectural Integration Tradeoffs • Alignment • Design Decisions Cloud, DevOps, emerging compute, and decentralized platforms enabling portable execution everywhere Ubiquitous Computing Edge Computing enables data processing and decision-making closer to where data is generated to support low-latency, resilient, and mission-critical operations. Edge Computing Artificial Intelligence enables systems to learn, reason, and assist decision-making through data-driven models embedded across digital and operational workflows. Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity protects systems, data, and missions through Zero Trust principles, resilience, and continuous risk management across all domains. Cyber Security Data Management governs how data is collected, integrated, secured, and used to drive insights and decisions across the enterprise. Data Management Advanced Communications provides secure, resilient connectivity enabling data, systems, and people to operate as an integrated whole. Advanced Comms Strategic Domain Organizational Domain Process Domain Digital Domain Physical Domain

Core Capability

Placing compute, analytics, and control functions near sensors and users to support mission-critical operations where latency or connectivity constraints limit cloud reliance.

Definition

Short Definition:

Edge Computing enables data processing and decision-making closer to where data is generated to support low-latency, resilient, and mission-critical operations.

Long Definition:

Edge Computing extends digital capabilities beyond centralized environments by placing compute, analytics, and control functions near sensors, users, and operational systems. This pillar is essential for environments where latency, connectivity, security, or autonomy constraints limit reliance on centralized cloud platforms. Within the ODXA framework, edge computing requires coordinated architectural decisions across all domains to ensure decentralized assets remain manageable, secure, and aligned with mission strategy.

This Pillar Is

  • Processing at the Source: Turning raw data into insights before transport.
  • Tactical Autonomy: Ensuring systems function without a constant cloud link.
  • Latency-Aware: Architecture designed for sub-millisecond response.

This Pillar Is Not

  • Just "Small Servers": It's about the location and function, not just form factor.
  • A Cloud Mirror: You cannot simply copy-paste central cloud stacks to the edge.
  • Independent Silos: Edge nodes must remain part of a unified framework.
“Edge Computing bridges the Physical and Digital domains by processing sensor data and driving real-time controllers locally.”
CENTRAL CORE / CLOUD Policy Governance • Global Model Training ORCHESTRATION FABRIC Workload Distribution • Resource Optimization • Interoperability OPERATIONAL EDGE Site-wide Coordination • Regional Analytics TACTICAL EDGE Point-of-Action • Real-time Inference SENSOR ACTION SENSOR ACTION END-TO-END EDGE ARCHITECTURE • SENSOR-TO-ACTION

In the ODXA framework, Edge Computing creates a Sensor-to-Action lifecycle. The architecture allows data to be processed and acted upon locally at the Tactical Edge, coordinated site-wide at the Operational Edge, and strategically augmented by the Central Core.

GEAR Integration & Architect's Map

Edge Computing creates a Sensor-to-Action lifecycle, bridging the Physical and Digital domains within the GEAR system.

FORGE Methodology in Edge Computing

Architects use FORGE to move from isolated IoT sensors to a resilient architectural capability.

Stage Architect's Focus Key Artifacts
Find Identify latency hotspots, remote assets, and high-frequency local data sources. Sensor Inventory, Latency Heatmap
Observe Analyze environmental constraints (power, cooling) and connectivity (DDIL) limitations. Site Constraint Analysis
Reconcile Align operational technology (OT) needs with IT security and data standards. Edge Governance Policy
Ground Root edge nodes in existing onsite hardware and local network fabrics. Edge Node Deployment Readiness
Enhance Augment mission via autonomous intelligence, real-time response, and zero-touch ops. Autonomous Edge Blueprint

Edge Dimensions Map

How the Four Dimensions are adapted for decentralized point-of-action processing.

Dimension Edge Play Example Check
People Field operator upskilling and decentralized decision rights. Can field staff manage nodes without on-site IT support?
Process Store-and-forward automation and remote patching lifecycles. Does our update process survive 24-hour network outages?
Policy Data sovereignty rules for edge capture and local retention. Is sensitive data encrypted before local edge storage?
Technology Lightweight orchestration (K3s/WASM), rugged hardware, and sensors. Is the node hardware rated for on-site vibration/heat?

Edge-Domain Intersection

Architect's checklist for aligning Edge Computing across O-DXA domains.

Domain Edge Requirement Verification Point
Strategic Identify mission workflows requiring local autonomy. Verify balance between decentralized and central control.
Organizational Define ownership across IT and Operational Technology (OT). Check for clear lines of decentralized site accountability.
Process Automate "Zero-Touch Provisioning" for remote nodes. Verify edge-to-cloud model deployment lifecycles.
Digital Optimize microservices for limited-resource environments. Check for offline-capable Identity (Edge-IAM) services.
Physical Manage environmental hardening (heat, vibration, dust). Verify physical tampering protection for public nodes.

System-of-Systems Context

Enabling AI

Acts as the host for Inference—allowing AI models to act on data in real-time at the source while the Cloud handles heavy training.

Enabling Data Management

Provides "Data Reduction" at the edge, filtering massive streams of raw sensor data so only high-value insights are sent over costly communications links.

Dependency on Ubiquitous Computing

Relies on the portability layer to ensure that code developed in the central lab can actually execute on diverse edge hardware.

Dependency on Cybersecurity

Requires decentralized "Zero Trust" because edge nodes are physically accessible and more vulnerable to compromise than a locked data center.

When to Start Here

Prioritize Edge Computing if your mission outcomes are suffering from "Latency Lag" or if your operations are crippled every time the wide-area network connection drops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edge Computing just another name for IoT?

No. IoT (Internet of Things) focuses on the *connection* of devices. Edge Computing focuses on the *processing and control* capabilities provided to those devices at the point of action.

How does 5G impact the Edge?

5G provides the "highway" (Advanced Communications) that allows edge nodes to communicate with high bandwidth and low latency, making massive Edge deployments possible.

Is it more expensive than Cloud?

The initial hardware cost can be higher due to site distribution, but the **Operational ROI** is found in reduced bandwidth costs and the prevention of high-stakes mission failures during outages.

Learn More

The Six Pillars

Framework Overview

The ODXA Domains

Learn ODXA Structure

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Next Steps on Your Transformation Journey

Use the Six Pillars as a common language between business leaders, architects, and operators. From here you can dive into pillar pages, listen to interviews, or explore ODXA in depth.

The Six Pillars

Explore the foundational technical capabilities that enable digital transformation, from AI to advanced communications.

Execution Pillars Overview

The ODXA Domains

Navigate the structural layers of the enterprise to align strategy, people, processes, and technology.

Map Domain Structure

Transformation Dimensions

Understand how to balance the critical dimensions of People, Process, Policy, and Technology in every initiative.

Understand Dimensions

FORGE Methodology

Apply our active methodology to Find, Observe, Reconcile, Ground, and Enhance your transformation efforts.

Apply the Practice

Continue Your Journey

Browse all DTA episodes organized by aspect to see architectural guidance in practice.

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