Report cover image

The Edge Computing Imperative: Trends and Use Cases Across Security, Inferencing, Media, IoT, and Data Sovereignty

Publisher IDC
Published Sep 17, 2025
Length 13 Pages
SKU # IDC20411692

Description

This IDC Market Perspective discusses how edge computing is transforming IT infrastructure by decentralizing data processing to the network edge, driven by IoT proliferation, 5G deployment, and the need for real-time decision-making. Key trends include advancements in security, AI inferencing, media delivery, IoT integration, and data sovereignty compliance. Managed services and specialized infrastructure are critical for scalable adoption, enabling applications like autonomous systems, Smart Cities, and immersive media. Organizations must adopt unified strategies, leverage edge-to-cloud pipelines, and prioritize security and regulatory adherence to unlock edge computing's full potential."Edge computing is not a choice but a strategic imperative, transforming IT architecture to meet the demands of real-time data, 5G, and AI-driven innovation." — Jitesh Bhayani, research VP, Worldwide Telecom Services, IDC"As this document delineates, edge computing will drive the development of numerous use cases across many industries. The commercial success of these use cases will rely on strategic partnerships among ecosystem participants, including service providers, technology vendors, hyperscalers, and enterprises. A key challenge in these partnerships is establishing business models that drive value to all participants." — Ghassan Abdo, research VP, Worldwide Telecom, IDC

Table of Contents

13 Pages

Executive Snapshot

New Market Developments and Dynamics

Introduction

Security at the Edge — Fortifying the Distributed Perimeter

Use Cases for Edge Security

Inferencing at the Edge — Real-Time AI in Action

Use Cases Across Industries

Media at the Edge — Delivering Immersive Experiences

Key Trends in Edge Media Delivery

Innovative Use Cases

IoT at the Edge — Bridging the Physical and Digital Worlds

IoT Use Cases at the Edge

Data Sovereignty at the Edge — Navigating Regulatory Landscapes

Compliance Challenges and Best Practices for Edge Environments

IDC's Point of View

Complexity and Opportunity in Distributed Edge Environments

Strategic Recommendations for Edge Computing Adoption

Learn More

Related Research

Synopsis

Search Inside Report

Pricing

Currency Rates
How Do Licenses Work?

How Do Licenses Work?

The primary function of a report license is to define how many people within a company are authorized to use the purchased report. This is separate to how a report might be delivered. Unless specifically identified otherwise, the purchase option is Single User. Below is a helpful description of that license, along with a sampling of others most commonly offered.

  • This license allows only one user to have access to and to use/read the report. It is not one user at a time or one user group; it is an individual who will be reading and utilizing the report.

  • This license allows for the entire purchasing company to read and use the report. This is the license level that would allow for a report to be placed on an internal company shared drive for access by all employees of that direct company. This license does not extend to parent or sister company use.

  • This license is designed to allow an entire department within a company full access to a report. The departmental license is a great option for companies that have more than one location and the department is spread out all over the country/world

  • This license is for companies that have one location where they want the report to be accessible by all employees within that physical location.

  • This is the most flexible of the licensing options. Some publishers will allow you to get a license for a preset number of people (typically 5). These licenses are ideal for small work groups.

License options are at the discretion of each publisher. As such, not all licenses indicated above are available for every product. If you are uncertain of the best license for your needs or would like a license that is not proactively available, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.

Head shot

Questions or Comments?

Our team has the ability to search within reports to verify it suits your needs. We can also help maximize your budget by finding sections of reports you can purchase.
Chat Now
Contact Us