Edge Databases: What They Are And Why You Should Be Using Them

Edge databases are the secret weapon you need to stay ahead of the competition.

Abstract world map data visualization | Envato stock image

Edge databases are an emerging solution in database technology. They utilize a new form of computing that is rapidly increasing in popularity — edge computing. You’re probably wondering what on Earth is edge computing? And why would you use an edge database over a cloud service? I’ll answer all (well, most) of those questions in this article and explain why you should be on the edge (pun intended) of the next big thing.

Table of Contents

1. What is Edge Computing?
2. What are Edge Databases?
   a) Other benefits of Edge Databases:
3. Edge databases vs Cloud services
   a) Gaming/Streaming example — Lowering costs
   b) Device ecosystem — Increased API call speed
   c) HarperDB vs MongoDB
   d) HarperDB vs PostgreSQL
4. Limitations
   a) New technology
   b) High effort to decouple existing solutions
5. Final thoughts

What is Edge Computing?

Before we delve into edge databases, we first need to understand edge computing.