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The metaverse is a hot topic right now, and with good reason. It promises an immersive and expansive network of persistent, real-time virtual 3D worlds. A fully realized and rich digital universe that runs parallel to our physical world where you can socialize with friends, learn, meet new people, game, shop, and much more.The metaverse is still in its infancy, but it has massive potential. For example, while the global metaverse market was valued at $63.83 billion in 2021, its projected to grow to $1,527.55 billion by 2029.The metaverse is exciting precisely because its attainable. Were currently progressing towards Web 4.0 - a version of the internet where augmented reality (AR) and big data will play a huge role. And this is where the metaverse comes in. The technologies that lie at Web 4.0s core are the same technologies the metaverse needs to thrive - AR, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), 3D remodeling, cloud computing, and edge computing. Edge computing is a vital building block for the metaverse.The Metaverse and Cloud ComputingAs the metaverse matures and expands, demand for cloud computing services will skyrocket. Why? Because hosting rich and complex 3D environments requires abundant compute and storage resources. And very few businesses will want to meet this demand with their own hardware. So instead, theyll rely on cloud computing providers.The large cloud providers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, will undoubtedly play a significant role here, but they wont be the only ones. Smaller cloud companies that can provide specialized GPUs and VM instances tailored-made for the metaverse will also rise in prominence.Similarly, the metaverse will also increase demand for hybrid cloud solutions as a way to ensure bandwidth limitations or connectivity disruptions dont impede users ability to experience a seamless metaverse.Why Edge Computing Is Vital to the Metaverses SuccessAs we touched on above, the need for improved performance and seamless experiences will drive changes in cloud computing as we know it today. However, this wont stop at hybrid cloud expansion or specialized cloud providers. Edge computing - where compute, storage, security, and networking happens physically closer to end-users, will also have a vital role to play.Edge computing improves response times and saves bandwidth, making it perfect for many metaverse use cases. For example, consider time-critical video games like first-person shooters. These games require instant feedback for actions, and latency over 30ms can result in poor hit registration when you fire at other players. In other words, high latency kills your ability to play the game as intended. But when these games are hosted in data centers across the world, higher latency becomes inevitable. In fact, even on the fastest connections, there is a latency of 5 microseconds (0.005 milliseconds) for every 1km of cable traveled by the data. Edge computing solves this problem.Beyond video games, latency has a massive impact on our decision-making and overall enjoyment of immersive experiences. For example, a mere two-second delay in load time during a transaction can lead to shopping cart abandonment rates of 87%.Essentially, edge computing will be fundamental in reducing latency in virtual worlds and empower developers to create better virtual experiences that support potentially millions of concurrent users in an immersive shared 3D space.

Decentralization is a distinguishing feature of most popular cryptocurrencies. However, the lack of a central authority in charge of transaction verification poses a problem: the network must validate transaction data to ensure that all information is correct and accurate.This determination is where the concepts of Proof-of-work and Proof-of-stake come into play.Proof-of-work and proof-of-stake are consensus mechanisms that allow blockchains to function securely. So that only authentic users can contribute new transactions to the blockchain, these consensus processes get used.Explaining Proof-of-WorkProof-of-work is a system in which computers compete to be the first to solve complex puzzles.Because the energy and resources required to finish the puzzle are often considered the digital counterpart of the real-world process of mining valuable metals from the earth, the process gets referred to as mining.Miners are authorized to generate a new block a grouping of transactions if they successfully solve the puzzle ahead of other miners. Then, the network of nodes will independently audit the existing ledger and this new block. If everything checks out, the new block is chained to the preceding block, producing a chronological transaction chain. The miner is paid in Bitcoins to compensate for providing their resources.Explaining Proof-of-StakeProof-of-stake minimizes the amount of computing labor required to authenticate blocks and transactions that ensure the security of the blockchain and, consequently, a cryptocurrency.Proof-of-stake alters coin owners machines to change the way blocks are added. The owners submit their coins as collateral in exchange for the ability to validate blocks and hence, be called validators.The block is then mined, or validated, by validators chosen at random. Instead of using a competition-based mechanism like Proof-of-work, this mechanism randomizes who gets to mine.Many validators validate blocks, and when a certain number of validators confirm that the block is correct, it is finalized and closed.A Breakdown of Proof-of-Stake vs. Proof-of-WorkThe most notable advantage of Proof-of-work is security and dependability. Because of the complexity of the mathematical equations required for verification, manipulating the system is practically impossible. The main downsides of Proof-of-work are its high energy consumption and slow speeds.Proof-of-stake, on the other hand, eliminates the need for complicated computations. So, in terms of energy efficiency, it outperforms Proof-of-work. Instead, those with most of the networks native currencies have the authority to validate transactions.The premise is that people who have a large stake in the system are less inclined to influence it. And if they do, their stake could be obliterated.When it comes to speed, Proof-of-stake outperforms Proof-of-work as well. For example, Ethereum, a Proof-of-work blockchain, can only execute 30 transactions per second at the most. Once the network has migrated to Proof-of-stake and has launched its shard chains, it hopes to be able to handle up to 100,000 transactions per second at peak times.ConclusionWhen it comes to security and decentralization, Proof-of-work still gets deemed superior. On the other hand, the Proof-of-stake is the winner when it comes to speed. There is not a single consensus mechanism that is superior to the others on all fronts in every situation.At Datacenters.com, our provider agnostic approach allows us to partner with hundreds of different data center operators, offering the widest selection of solutions possible. As a result of this, were uniquely positioned to know which hosting providersare accommodating of bitcoin miners and which arent. As most miners know firsthand, not every data center is willing to allocate the space and power necessary to operate a successful mining operation.Datacenters.com is the leading technology platform, directory, and online marketplace for data center solutions. Our portfolio consists of 340+ providers with 2,900+ facilities in 85 countries, allowing users to search, compare, and contact industry leading solution providers with the click of a button.Our team of expert advisors are available to guide you along the path free of charge. Schedule time today to speak with our team so they can connect you with providers eager to win your business.

A lot has changed since the days when bare metal was considered a dirty word in the data center. Today, running Kubernetes on bare metal offers a variety of benefits that wouldnt have been possible even five years ago. But what changed? And what operational advantages does this union offer for cloud computing in 2022 and beyond? Lets get into it.A Brief HistoryTwo significant innovations are at the heart of the rising popularity of Kubernetes on bare metal infrastructure. The first catalyst was Linux containerization and the ability of developers to attach their application services to infrastructure at a more powerful API level. The second catalyst is the rising popularity of intelligent application services like machine learning, big data analytics, and high-performance computing. Again, bare metal was the natural fit here. Why? Because these emerging technologies demand infrastructure that can handle high-bandwidth and low latency workloads. In other words, they demand many compute resources and bare metal delivers.These recent innovations have enabled full exploitation of the underlying hardware, offering a more efficient and high-performance alternative to using a virtualization layer.Now lets get into some specific benefits of Kubernetes on bare metal.A Perfect Union - Realizing Kubernetes on Bare Metal InfrastructureWhile traditionally, the trend has been deploying Kubernetes in virtual machines, this deployment approach is becoming less popular. Virtual environments add additional costs (expensive licensing, among others) and complexity. Furthermore, organizations that want to leverage the entire stack of benefits and efficiency of cloud-native technology need to utilize fully optimized cloud infrastructure. This means switching over to bare metal.Opting for a simpler yet more performant match (Kubernetes on bare metal) paves the way for many exciting possibilities, which well discuss in this section.Bare Metal at The EdgeData is the lifeblood of companies in the modern world. This is especially true in industries like media and entertainment that harness vast amounts of data and need to drive fast interactions in real-time. This is where edge computing comes in. Edge computing is an IT architecture approach where client data is processed at the networks periphery, as close to the source as feasible. To accommodate this, edge deployments usually mean multiple sites.For several reasons, bare metal is quickly becoming the standard choice for multi-node clusters at the edge. Standardized integrations between bare metal and Kubernetes, like the Spectro Cloud Cluster API MAAS provider, have played a significant role here. However, comparison tests between Kubernetes bare metal vs. virtual machines (VMs) have also sealed the deal. A study by CenturyLink found that Kubernetes containers on bare metal achieved considerably lower latency (three times lower) than Kubernetes running on VMs.Kubernetes on Bare Metal Will Be the Default for 5GThe majority of telecom providers working on 5G are opting for Kubernetes on bare metal. This match is regarded as less resource-intensive than VMs while also allowing for quick deployment and greater ease when it comes to making changes. Low-latency and cost-effective operations are paramount for a fast and widespread 5G rollout.Why Should You Deploy Kubernetes on Bare Metal (Organizational Benefits)Beyond the role Kubernetes on bare metal is playing in some of the worlds cutting-edge technology projects, this match has many benefits for individual organizations.PerformanceBare metal environments enable direct access to CPU and RAM resources, which results in lower latency. For Kubernetes deployments, container-hosted applications can directly leverage hardware devices, maximizing resource utilization. Essentially, the union provides improved performance and is especially powerful for latency-sensitive or GPU-intensive workloads.Cost-EffectivenessIn terms of the total cost, Kubernetes on bare metal can work out significantly cheaper than VM alternatives for several reasons. First, at its most basic level, it eliminates the cost of virtualization software. You also dont have to pay to host an OS on both the bare metal server and the VM. Additionally, operational and labor costs are also lower because you dont have to pay for the management and maintenance of the virtualization layer. And lastly, with no hypervisor overhead, all of your servers resources go to running the workloads, resulting in reduced infrastructure costs.SecurityWith data breaches on the rise, security is understandably a top priority for organizations in 2022. Luckily, Kubernetes on bare metal addresses some key security vulnerabilities. Bare metal administrators have complete control over system configuration, vastly reducing the potential for cyber attacks. Additionally, bare metal environments eliminate the noisy neighbor effect inherent in VMs. This effect occurs when the VM uses the majority of available resources and therefore causes network performance issues for other tenants on the shared infrastructure.Configurations for Specific WorkloadsTypically, VM instances sport configurations designed to meet the needs of general workloads. While this might be fine for most scenarios, it does make things challenging when you need highly specific hardware configurations. Bare metal solves this by allowing for highly customizable configurations that can support a variety of demanding workloads.What Does the Future Look Like?Its not yet clear whether Kubernetes on bare metal will one day replace the need for virtual machines altogether. As it stands today, many organizations prefer to deploy Kubernetes on virtual machines for several reasons. Namely, they hold the isolation of virtual machine instances in high esteem or dont have the tools or experience to effectively manage Kubernetes on bare metal servers.However, the cloud-computing landscape is rapidly changing in response to the worlds ever-shifting technology demands. One significant area of change is the demand for direct access to hardware required for emerging applications, like machine learning algorithms. Equally important is the rise of 5G in the telecommunications space. And on an organizational level, Kubernetes on bare metal is also proving to add significant performance and cost benefits, further contributing to many companies making the move.While we cant predict the future, everything seems to be indicating that Kubernetes on bare metal will continue to dominate. Its quickly becoming the default API for infrastructure, providing the predominant abstract layer for infrastructure in the public cloud. As we look to the future, we expect to see far more use cases for Kubernetes on bare metal.

Gaming has been one the fastest growing industry for the last 20 years, with considerable advancements in technology. The growth rate in the gaming industry shatters records continuously, and innovations keep things more exciting and fun than ever. We have seen an evolution from pixel art to 2D and 3D models in terms of graphics.The pandemic has caused a sudden spike in the gaming industry and generated a revenue of 156 billion dollars as of September 2021. Moreover, the global video game market is predicted to cross 200 billion dollars by 2023.Cloud gaming is a new buzzword with the potential to shake the industry. Cloud-based gaming is the next frontier in the gaming ecosystemseveral major cloud providers offering their services with their own benefits and drawbacks. Companies like Amazon (Amazon Luna), Google (Stadia), and Sony (PlayStation Now) are the most common.In this article well discuss the rise of cloud gaming and how it brings a a new area of opportunity to the cloud industry. Lets get started.What is Cloud Gaming?Cloud gaming is a method to play video games via remote servers in data centers. With cloud gaming, there is no need to download and install games on your system or console. Instead, streaming services need a reliable internet connection for sending information to a browser or application installed on the recipient device.You stream games like you stream a Netflix or Youtube video. Its a streaming service providing high-quality content at the cost of server capacity and internet bandwidth. Cloud gaming companies generally operate on a subscription basis, and users pay for access to the advanced system to stream content.The benefits of cloud gaming include:No need to update the hardwareLocation independenceInstant game launchCross-platformLower costIntegration with other devicesCloud Providers Become A New Game ConsoleThe widespread adoption of the cloud has changed how mobile and video games are created and played. Players can now access the latest games regardless of hardware and location. All they need is a stable internet connection.Unlike game consoles, cloud-based games move content execution from console to cloud. For instance, Microsoft has transformed Xbox consoles into Xbox cloud gaming services running virtual Xbox boards in server farms. It delivers an experience similar to native Xbox Series X hardware that improves load times and supports streaming on large screen devices.Similarly, Amazon launched Luna, a cloud gaming service, in October 2020. Luna uses an optional gamepad controller leveraging a separate Wi-Fi connection to minimize a games input lag. Apart from these, Netflix has also been rumored to expand its focus toward the gaming market.In addition, Googles Stadia combines the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) with its cloud infrastructure. However, its difficult to determine the future of cloud gaming technology; the companys new gaming service has been recognized with a lot of features and hype.Why is Cloud Gaming Important?Cloud gaming has a lot of benefits not only for gamers but also for developers and publishers. Cloud gaming eliminates the up-front costs of purchasing and maintaining a powerful game console or gaming PC. Rather, you can pay a small monthly subscription fee to stream, contain and access a high-powered virtual gaming PC.On top of that, you can access games and the saved data anywhere, as all data is stored in the cloud. You can get instant access to games on any device with a strong internet connection.Moreover, from the developers and publisher side of things, cloud gaming is a big win as it eliminates the need for DRM and the potential for pirating since users are not downloading the games.Cloud gaming ensures that gamers have equal access to the hardware and performance. It can be a huge benefit for online and competitive gaming and helps publishers reduce development costs.The benefits of cloud gaming are as follows:Cloud gaming is a new way to offer a high-quality experience to gamers from anywhere and on any device.Advanced game software runs on robust servers in data centers, and the scenes flow to users across the internet in real-time.Users can leverage the power of a dedicated gaming PC without having to buy, build, or carry one around.Users can launch a real, playable game in a browser window only by clicking an advertisement.The load times for cloud-based games reduces based on the cloud providers servers.Leveraging cloud technology in the gaming industry eliminates the need for users to have storage space, specialized hardware, and piracy issues.Final WordsCloud gaming is booming, and it keeps getting better with each passing day. It takes your favorite game from the server and rums it on a powerful, industrial-strength system inside a secure data center. Cloud-based gaming lets you play the latest games on almost any device with a strong internet connection. However, there are still a lot of hurdles to cross before cloud-based games are truly accessible; it feels like we are on the way to something big. The rollout of 5G technology will optimize the power of cloud gaming.