Azure IoT Edge
Azure IoT Edge is a cloud-based service from Microsoft that extends cloud intelligence and analytics to edge devices, enabling them to run AI, data processing, and business logic locally. It allows developers to deploy and manage containerized workloads on IoT devices, reducing latency, bandwidth costs, and enabling offline operation. This platform integrates with Azure IoT Hub for device management and cloud connectivity.
Developers should learn Azure IoT Edge when building IoT solutions that require real-time processing, offline capabilities, or reduced cloud dependency, such as in industrial automation, predictive maintenance, or remote monitoring. It's particularly useful for scenarios where low-latency decisions are critical, like autonomous vehicles or smart factories, and when dealing with bandwidth-constrained environments.