Actian Zen for the Intelligent Edge Era

Article by Ashley Knoble and Derek Comingore

Cloud computing has been a dominant computing model dating back to 2002 when Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched. In 2012, Cisco coined the term “Fog Computing,” which is a form of distributed computing that brings computation and data persistence closer to the edge.

Fog computing, also known as edge computing, set the stage for the current Intelligent Edge era. The Intelligent Edge is the convergence of both machine learning and edge computing, resulting in intelligence being generated where data is born. The benefits of the Intelligent Edge are many, including:

• Reduced bandwidth consumption.
• Accelerated time-to-insights.
• Smart devices that take automated actions.

The Intelligent Edge requires TinyML (Tiny Machine Learning) and traditional analytics running on smaller, less powerful devices. With smaller devices comes reduced disk capacities. Hence, software install footprints must be reduced.

Harnessing a single data management platform that accommodates a variety of intelligent edge use cases is preferred for consistency, reduced security surface, and data integration efficiencies. With increased data management and analytics on edge devices, security needs also increase. Security features such as data encryption quickly become required.

Embedded Databases for Edge Computing

Unlike traditional databases, embedded databases are ideal for edge computing environments for key reasons that include:

• Small Footprint. Embedded databases require minimal storage and memory, making them ideal for devices with limited resources. This allows for smaller form factors and lower costs for edge devices.
• Low Power Consumption. Embedded databases are designed to be energy efficient, minimizing the power drain on battery-powered devices, which is a critical concern for many edge applications.
• Fast Performance. Real-time data processing is essential for many edge applications. Embedded databases are optimized for speed, ensuring timely data storage, retrieval, and analysis at the edge.
• Reliability and Durability. Edge devices often operate in harsh environments. Embedded databases are designed to be reliable and durable, ensuring data integrity even in case of power failures or device malfunctions.
• Security is paramount in the edge landscape. Embedded databases incorporate robust security features to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
• Ease of Use. Unlike traditional databases, embedded databases are designed to be easy to set up and manage. This simplifies development and deployment for resource-constrained edge projects.

Introducing Actian Zen–An Embedded Database for Use Cases at the Edge

Actian Zen is our best-in-class multi-model embedded database for disruptive intelligent edge applications. With Zen, both partners and customers build intelligent applications running directly on and near the edge.

Additionally, traditional server and cloud-based deployments are supported. This results in a cohesive end-to-end data architecture for efficient data integration and reduced security vulnerability. Intelligent edge and edge-to-cloud applications can be deployed with confidence.

Analytics can be run directly where the data is being generated, utilizing Zen’s database technology. Actian Zen saves organizations time and simplifies what is otherwise a complicated and fragmented data architecture. Customers and partners obtain millisecond query response times with Zen’s microkernel database engine. And with native ANSI SQL support, users easily connect their favorite dashboard and data integration tools.

The Family of Proven Zen Products

Zen is a feature rich intelligent edge database designed to solve a wide spectrum of industry use cases and workloads. As such, Actian offers Zen in three specific editions tailored for custom and unique use cases.

• Zen Mobile is designed for smart IoT and mobile devices. Deployment is achieved via direct application, embedding as a lightweight library.
• Zen Edge offers an edition custom tailored for edge gateways and complex industrial devices.
• Zen Enterprise enables customers and partners to solve their largest data management workloads and challenges. Zen Enterprise accommodates thousands of concurrent users while offering flexible deployment options including traditional on-premises and cloud environments.

Key Features and Benefits for Edge Environments

By leveraging Zen, companies gain immediate access to business and operational insights. Both partners and customers reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), save expense via lesser dependence on cloud computing and storage technologies, and improve sustainability.

Employee training is also reduced by using a single cohesive data platform. In parallel, when data must be propagated to the cloud, Zen provides a rich set of data access APIs supported by popular development frameworks and platforms.

Harness Edge Intelligence Today

With the arrival of the Intelligent Edge era comes a new set of technology and business requirements. Actian Zen, a lightweight multi-model embedded database, is at the forefront of the Intelligent Edge era. And, with the latest release of Zen 16.0, we are committed to helping companies simplify and solve for both intelligent edge and edge-to-cloud applications.

Get started today by contacting us or downloading the Actian Zen Evaluation Edition.

About Actian Corporation

Actian makes data easy. We deliver cloud, hybrid, and on-premises data solutions that simplify how people connect, manage, and analyze data. We transform business by enabling customers to make confident, data-driven decisions that accelerate their organization’s growth. Our data platform integrates seamlessly, performs reliably, and delivers at industry-leading speeds.