This article only represents the author's own views.

As cloud computing continues to grow, increasingly sophisticated customers are becoming more demanding with their rapidly diversifying needs from service providers. Such users, engaged in cutting-edge technologies like 5G, the internet of things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), are driving up demand for an emerging generation of “edge computing services,” which provide faster data transmission by moving computing power and offsite data closer to remote users.

One of China’s leading independent players in that space, Baishan Cloud Holdings Ltd., is hoping to become the first to bring its “edge” to Hong Kong investors, after submitting its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange late last month. The deal counts CICC and Haitong International, two major China-focused investment banks, as its joint sponsors.