SPS Drives 2017 Platforms for the Internet of Things (IoT)

Not all IoT platforms meet companies' needs. That is why the Telekom Cloud allows its customers to choose from a range of offers. But they all have one thing in common: They are certified with the highest security and data protection standards. 

Microsoft's Azure+ has been available via the Telekom Cloud since March 2017. With Azure+ makes a standardized IoT platform available at the touch of a button. Its modular structure makes it quick and easy for customers to implement, individualize and use the platform. The solution's key functions include analytics, dashboard, digital twin, rules engine, event management, simulation, multi-client capability and device management. Thanks to artificial intelligence, machine learning functions can even recognize anomalies in machine data. Standardized interfaces also enable users to link up their key communications technologies, devices or individual IoT solutions. 

Compact box for sensor data

HARTING MICA® (Modular Industry Computing Architecture) is available for the interface to the data sensors in machines and systems. This compact, robust and inexpensive box records sensor data, coordinates SPS systems and communicates with the central IT systems and the cloud. HARTING MICA® consists of a computer that meets many industry standards. The associated software virtual industrial computing virtualizes applications on the connected devices and systems without the overheads of traditional virtualization. This, at a stroke, renders incompatibilities a thing of the past. Furthermore, data from existing manufacturing systems can be gathered and industry 4.0 projects can be turned into reality quickly and inexpensively.

The Cloud of Things as a control center

Deutsche Telekom's IoT platform provides users with access to all device and operational data, enables them to set threshold values for alarms, update firmware and software and control machines remotely. Two functions in particular make the Cloud of Things integration even easier:

• The Cloud Fieldbus eliminates the need for time-consuming programming work, and supports protocols form the fieldbus family, such as Modbus, OPC UA and CAN. This function gives companies access to their machinery and equipment along with stored data in minutes.
• Using Cloud Remote Control, based on remote virtual network computing, users can configure their IoT devices and machines remotely and perform diagnostics with nothing more than a keyboard and mouse. On their screen users see the user interface of the device they are accessing as if the device were right in front of them. They call up the function straight from the Cloud of Things portal and communicate via an encrypted connection. This saves time as well as ensuring that hackers cannot attack the VNC endpoints via the Internet.

The benefits

All Telekom Cloud-based IoT platforms and solutions offer the following advantages:

• Flexibility thanks to modular structure
• IoT at the touch of a button thanks to pre-configured services
• Combined IoT services of leading providers
• IoT platform as a managed service – hosted in Germany
• Ready to use in a very short space of time, because all important protocols, technologies and formats are supported
• Functions and resources can be added/canceled flexibly
• Certified security