European Edge Strategies: Scope and Definitions, 2024

This IDC Market Perspective presents the framework by which IDC describes and forecasts the worldwide and European edge IT markets. This document is designed to establish a common understanding of the concepts of edge, core, and endpoints as they relate to IT service locations. As new technologies and services enter the market, a common understanding of the edge market scope and definitions is important for both IT buyers and IT providers. For IT buyers, understanding the market segments is helpful in developing effective core and edge IT strategies. For IT providers, having a common framework and language is essential in understanding and connecting with IT buyers and participating in the broad distributed IT ecosystem."2023 was a particularly strong year for edge IT in Europe. There were new legislation as well as new and existing programs that were started or renewed. In addition, there were new workloads requiring assets to be closer to devices either for mobility purposes or near-real-time decision-making that accelerated the deployment of new edge products and services," said Luis Fernandes, senior research manager, European Edge Strategies.