Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of edge computing?

1. To manage licenses for operating systems.

2. To enable voice and video communication over the Internet.

3. To increase Web application performance.

4. To control the underlying infrastructure.

The correct answer is: To increase Web application performance.

The main purpose of edge computing is to increase web application performance. Edge computing processes data close to where it is generated or used, rather than relying solely on a centralized data center. This proximity reduces latency and allows for quicker data processing and response times, which is essential for applications requiring real-time data access and decision-making. With traditional cloud computing, all data must travel to a central server, potentially causing delays due to distance and network congestion. Edge computing circumvents this issue by performing computations at the 'edge' of the network, where data is initially created, such as on IoT devices or local servers. This is especially relevant for applications like streaming media or gaming, where performance and speed are critical for user satisfaction. In contrast, managing licenses for operating systems and enabling voice and video communication do not directly relate to the core benefits of edge computing. While edge computing can contribute to improved performance in applications like video communication, that is not its main purpose. Similarly, controlling underlying infrastructure is more aligned with traditional data center operations and does not capture the unique benefits offered by edge computing in enhancing application performance.