SUSE unveils edge solutions to boost retail operations

SUSE has introduced the SUSE Edge Suite and SUSE Edge 3.2, focusing on solutions aimed at enhancing retail operations through edge computing.

The retail sector is rapidly evolving with advancements in edge computing. SUSE's new edge solutions aim to address the critical requirements facing retailers, enabling enhanced systems for merchandising, fraud prevention, real-time inventory handling, and smart payment processes. These solutions promise improved shopper experiences, cost reductions, and increased staff efficiency.

Keith Basil, SUSE's General Manager for the Edge Business Unit, stated, "SUSE is committed to delivering edge solutions that empower retailers to succeed in today's competitive environment. SUSE Edge Suite and SUSE Edge 3.2 are transformative for retailers needing a comprehensive set of tools and capabilities to optimise their edge operations, enhance security, and accelerate innovation."

The SUSE Edge Suite combines functionalities from SUSE's Linux and Rancher products into one comprehensive package designed for Retail Edge scenarios. It promises improved operational efficiency and reduced costs by ensuring consistent performance across retail locations. Moreover, SUSE emphasises robust security features to protect critical retail systems against cyber threats and to ensure compliance with industry standards.

Enhanced innovation capabilities come with SUSE's open source platform, facilitating rapid deployment of new services like responsive merchandising and smart payments that build on data analytics, automation, and AI/ML technologies. SUSE's suite also offers real-time data processing for swift fraud detection and prevention.

The SUSE Edge 3.2 platform introduces features aimed at easing deployment and lifecycle management, like validated designs, automation tools, flexible pricing models, and zero-touch deployment. It also supports AI/ML workloads and generative AI models, enhancing retailers' ability to innovate.

A recent Forrester Consulting study commissioned by SUSE highlights the obstacles retail businesses face in harnessing edge computing, such as security worries, the need for staff training, and scaling of new solutions. These challenges can be mitigated with SUSE's expertise and solutions. The study indicates that as retailers deploy a broad array of edge technologies, maintaining pace with these implementations can be challenging. It found that retail decision-makers are focused on using edge computing to anticipate customer needs and improve operational efficiency.

The study further reveals that 71% of retail respondents are concentrated on enhancing store operational efficiency in the next 12-18 months, with 44% planning to implement fraud detection strategies. Transitioning to a containerised infrastructure is seen by 43% as a means to achieve greater efficiencies. Additionally, 80% of respondents see open source as vital for their edge applications, with 67% recognising its importance in their infrastructure strategies. Moreover, partnerships are deemed crucial for success, with 91% engaging or planning to engage in partnerships to realise their edge computing objectives.

SUSE's Edge Suite and Edge 3.2 aim to address these emerging needs, providing retailers with the tools necessary to streamline their edge operations, secure critical infrastructure, and foster sustained innovation growth.