WebAssembly as a Common Layer for the Cloud-edge Continuum

Abstract

Over the last decade, the cloud computing landscape has transformed from centralised architecture made of large data centres to a distributed and heterogeneous architecture embracing edge and IoT processing units. This shift has created the so-called cloud-edge continuum, which closes the gap between the large datacentres and the end-user devices. Existing solutions are, however, dominated by proprietary silos and incompatible technologies, built around dedicated devices and run-time stacks. In this position paper, we motivate the need for interoperable solutions that would run seamlessly across hardware devices and software environments, while achieving good performance and a high level of security-a critical requirement for code and data processed off-premises. We argue that the technology provided by WebAssembly running on modern virtual machines and shielded within trusted execution environments, combined with a core set of services and support libraries, allows us to meet both goals. We also present preliminary results from a prototype built with these technologies and deployed on the cloud-edge continuum.