Research and Innovation

Next-level cloud

With its promise of optimised use of the cloud, Edge computing opens up interesting new perspectives for our businesses. But we have to remain vigilant as regards the security of these networks, where the rules have changed.

Optimised data processing with a decentralised cloud

Edge computing is a new distributed network model that came to prominence just as the Internet of Things was taking off.

For Thales – which has made developing advanced sensors one of its core businesses – these new on-board technologies, where operational and information technology converge, pave the way for promising new applications. But they also raises their own set of challenges, especially when it comes to cybersecurity.

Katarzyna Kapusta, at the Thales Research & Technology lab in Palaiseau © Thomas Behuret. Thales

At the source of the data

Katarzyna Kapusta is a cybersecurity engineer.

"Edge computing is an extension of smart sensor technologies, a field in which Thales has a wealth of experience.

Data is processed closer to where it’s generated and compute functions are allocated to the right components on the fly, paving the way for new applications and even more advanced sensors for predictive maintenance, space systems and other use cases."

Edge computing represents a step change. In short, we’ll need to rip up the rule book and start again.

Laurent Laudinet - Internet-based Technology Segment Manager