The Seminal Role of Edge-Native Applications

We introduce the concept of "edge-native applications" that fully exploit the potential of edge computing and have a deeply symbiotic relationship with it. Such an application is custom-designed to take advantage of one or more of the unique attributes of edge computing such as (a) bandwidth scalability, (b) low-latency offload, (c) privacy-preserving denaturing, and (d) WAN-failure resiliency. The application may also contribute to scalability through adaptation to reduce offered load. We contrast edge-native applications with shallower uses of edge computing in a taxonomy that spans "edge-enhanced, device-native applications", "edge-accelerated, cloud-native applications", and "device-only applications". We close with a case study that illustrates these concepts in the context of cognitive assistance for automotive safety.