Almost three-quarters (72%) of IT leaders are already using edge computing to provide innovative services, according to Intel. From ultra-connected autonomous cars to low-latency AR, VR and gaming: to remain competitive in the digital age, businesses will have little choice but to fully embrace the new opportunities that come with the deployment of edge computing, according to a new report published by Intel. Almost three-quarters (72%) of IT leaders are already using edge computing to provide innovative services, according to the chip giant, whether that is to create new products, open new revenue streams or boost efficiencies. "Businesses can no longer afford to ignore the edge," says the report, stressing the technology's potential to better access and understand the unprecedented amounts of data that are generated over networks every second. As the name suggests, edge technologies consist of moving the hosting of computer services to the edge of the network, so that the process happens as close as possible to the people that use the service, which significantly reduces latency.

Data management and data analytics are two critical fundamental resources that should be used by Thai enterprises and tech startups to develop innovative services backed by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, instead of working to develop intelligent products or services to compete with global players. Chai Wutiwiwatchai, research unit director of the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec), said local enterprises can benefit from the many data sets held by state agencies through 20 ministries and the private sector. "Intelligent products and services driven by AI may not be easy to enter for local enterprises and startups, as there are too many global tech players and AI tech-embedded tools available for free in the market," he said. But the government must urgently digitise the existing data sets of all agencies, 70% of which are stored on paper and in portable document format (PDF) files. Speaking on the sidelines of the "AI Shapes the Future" forum last week, Mr Chai said innovative products and services embedded with AI tech have been increasingly accessible in the global market for four years, especially through popular use cases of image recognition, biometrics, cybersecurity and smart speakers.

When it comes to drone technology, the focus in India is mainly on either amateur photography drones or military applications of drones in India. But between these two ends of the spectrum, lies the whole gamut of drone technology. The drone startup sector is nascent in India and is still to make its mark. But its prospects are promising and under the right policies and an able vision, drones can contribute a lot to Indian economy as well as help in solving many social and ecological problems. The fast-adoption of drone technology would give added advantage to India particularly in the sector of agriculture.