Is the Computing Continuum Already Here?

TL;DR

The paper discusses the computing continuum as a new paradigm that enables seamless, dynamic deployment of applications across diverse infrastructures, leveraging cloud-native features and Kubernetes for transparency and resource management.

Contribution

It introduces the computing continuum concept, detailing its key features and architectural principles for enabling dynamic, transparent, and scalable distributed computing environments.

Findings

Defines the computing continuum paradigm and its core features.

Explains how Kubernetes can support the computing continuum.

Highlights potential benefits for deploying complex distributed applications.

Abstract

The computing continuum, a novel paradigm that extends beyond the current silos of cloud and edge computing, can enable the seamless and dynamic deployment of applications across diverse infrastructures. By utilizing the cloud-native features and scalability of Kubernetes, this concept promotes deployment transparency, communication transparency, and resource availability transparency. Key features of this paradigm include intent-driven policies, a decentralized architecture, multi-ownership, and a fluid topology. Integral to the computing continuum are the building blocks of dynamic discovery and peering, hierarchical resource continuum, resource and service reflection, network continuum, and storage and data continuum. The implementation of these principles allows organizations to foster an efficient, dynamic, and seamless computing environment, thereby facilitating the deployment of complex distributed applications across varying infrastructures.