by Gary Mintchell | Dec 13, 2022 | Data Management, Manufacturing IT, Operations Management
I remember suggesting to OT suppliers about studying the new (at the time) unstructured database systems then coming out. Most were suspicious. Now, studies show that 80% or more of enterprise data is unstructured. Fortunately tools grew with the new database technology. One such developer is Datadobi, who just announced StorageMAP Version 6.3 enabling companies to archive, pipeline, and replicate unstructured data to object storage on-premises or in the cloud without lock-in.
The 6.3 release introduces the ability to copy network-attached storage (NAS) data to any S3-compatible object storage system. The new file-to-object copy functionality adds to StorageMAP’s ability to help IT leaders archive, pipeline, and replicate file data to S3.
With StorageMAP 6.3, companies can create a copy of file data on a cost-effective object storage server or service within different geographies, tech stacks, or networking providers. This enables organizations to archive aging and/or redundant, obsolete, and/or trivial (ROT) data to less expensive storage, pipeline data to the cloud for running cloud-native analytics and AI/ML applications against the data, or maintain a safe copy of data on heterogeneous storage operating systems (OS) helping protect against OS specific bugs or hacks.
The update addresses the four main critical concerns for enterprises:
• Cost Control – Orphaned data — datasets owned by employees of a company that are inactive but still enabled on an organization’s network or systems — represents a source of “dark” data consuming valuable capacity on NAS systems. Being able to move these datasets from NAS systems to S3-compatible object stores without lock-in allows IT leaders to significantly reduce costs and free up space on expensive production storage.
• Conformance to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Policies – According to 451 Research, 53% of enterprises currently have a formal ESG program in place or are planning for one. With the new StorageMAP capabilities, datasets with a higher degree of CO2 emissions associated with it can be relocated to cleaner storage. In addition, IT leaders can consolidate a larger number of NAS systems to reduce energy consumption and CO2 generation.
• Risk Reduction – Orphaned or ROT data can introduce risk to organizations because it is often unmonitored due to a clear lack of business ownership or excessive aging. The option of relocating this data from production NAS systems to remote or cold object storage can help prevent it from being exploited or leaked.
• Maximizing Unstructured Data Value – The average organization only uses 50% of available data for decision-making. With StorageMAP’s latest release, unstructured data can be quickly copied to the cloud and analyzed by cloud-native AI/ML. This allows IT leaders to gain valuable insights into customer behavior, trends, and more.
by Gary Mintchell | Dec 12, 2022 | Automation, Embedded Control, Motion Control, Networking, Safety, Security, Technology
The Rockwell Automation PR team must have worked overtime following November’s Automation Fair. Here are a number of releases on new products and services. These cover a spectrum of technology areas that further reveal the breadth of Rockwell’s reach.
- Smart Machine Development
- GuardLink with EtherNet/IP
- FactoryTalk Logix Echo
- Cyber Endpoint Protection Services
Simplify Smart Machine Development with Improved Micro800 Controllers and Design Software
Machine builders can save engineering time and costs with the enhanced Allen-Bradley Micro850 and Micro870 2080-Lx0E controllers using the latest Connected Components Workbench software from Rockwell Automation.
- Class 1 implicit messaging capability up to eight EtherNet/IP devices support
- Streamline integration of controller to drives, supporting PowerFlex 520 series and Kinetix 5100 drives over EtherNet/IP with pre-defined tags and pre-developed user-defined function block (UDFB) instructions.
- Connected Components Workbench software version 21 required.
GuardLink 2.0 with new EtherNet/IP Interface
- GuardLink 2.0 offers advanced diagnostics by way of the new Allen-Bradley 432ES GuardLink EtherNet/IP On-Machine Interface or a combination of Dual GuardLink Relay and EtherNet/IP Interface.
- GuardLink 2.0 protocol also enables safety-rated control device status reporting and automatic diagnostic reporting to an HMI using CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP.
- Connect up to 96 safety devices via three independent safety channels.
- The interface can cascade power to additional interfaces and can keep track of timing and frequency of events to improve maintenance and create process efficiencies.
- The 432ES supports linear, star and Device Level Ring topologies while meeting safety ratings up to SIL 3, Cat 4 PLe.
New Capabilities in Emulation and Support with First expansion of FactoryTalk Logix Echo
- Attention was dedicated to improving testing, giving users access to more than 20 variations of the 5580 ControlLogix platform at their disposal.
- FactoryTalk Logix Echo simplifies the emulator experience by providing users the opportunity to download directly to FactoryTalk Logix Echo without modifications.
- Having the emulation of the 5580 ControlLogix Ethernet port means that to other software, FactoryTalk Logix Echo looks like another controller, offering flexibility to expand your emulation to visualization or other controllers.
- Version 2 will be the first emulation platform to support safety controllers by introducing GuardLogix 5580 controller catalogs.
- The inaugural version supported one 17 slot chassis, but the latest release now supports the creation and communication of multiple chassis with one FactoryTalk Logix Echo license.
Comprehensive Endpoint Protection Services
- For organizations to secure their operations and reduce cyber threats, a successful cybersecurity strategy requires solutions to secure endpoints – any device that is connected to a network outside of its firewall, including laptops, HMIs, switches, IoT devices, and more.
- Rockwell Automation and CrowdStrike are providing manufacturers with comprehensive Endpoint Protection Services, combining Rockwell Automation’s Industrial Cybersecurity Services and CrowdStrike Falcon platform to monitor, protect, investigate, and respond to incidents.
- Purpose-built in the cloud with a single lightweight-agent architecture, the CrowdStrike Falcon platform delivers rapid and scalable deployment, superior protection and performance, reduced complexity, and immediate time-to-value.
- When customers choose the CrowdStrike Falcon platform through Rockwell Automation, they receive the industry-leading software coupled with OT-specific Falcon policies, developed by Rockwell Automation cybersecurity specialists, and backed by software and phone support.
- Endpoint Protection fits into the expansive Rockwell Automation portfolio of Managed Services along with Incident Response and Threat Detection to provide customers with a holistic cybersecurity solution.
by Gary Mintchell | Dec 9, 2022 | Automation, Edge, Manufacturing IT, Networking, Operations Management
Siemens has had a manufacturing IT presence for many years. Here are two announcements bolstering its portfolio. Industrial Edge and Networking products.
Siemens Expands Industrial Edge
- Industrial Edge Management System (IEM V2.0) for Kubernetes clusters addresses IT users in production and saves IT resources, energy and costs
- Industrial Edge Hub provides greater license management visibility
- New virtual edge device and new Simatic IPC edge devices offer more flexibility when implementing IIoT applications
The Industrial Edge Management System (IEM V2.0), an alternative offering to the existing IEM 1.3, is available for the open-source system Kubernetes. IT professionals can now easily integrate Industrial Edge into existing Kubernetes clusters. This makes shop floor automation more IT-oriented, and ultimately more efficient and easier to handle for IT users.
Since computing power can be flexibly allocated within one or more Kubernetes clusters, companies can save IT resources and thus energy and costs.
The Industrial Edge Hub will help ensure better future usability in terms of license management as well as provide a clear and convenient overview of all device management licenses and apps purchased through the Industrial Edge Marketplace. Users will be able to either actively retrieve statistics via the Industrial Edge Hub or have them reported automatically. The statistics will include: the number of purchased apps, the assignment of licenses to the industrial edge management systems, as well as the remaining number of installations and licenses. In addition, users will receive warnings when quotas are exceeded as well as recommendations for action to avoid such warnings in the future.
For further information regarding Siemens Industrial Edge for IT specialists click here.
Industrial Networks: New Generation Industrial Ethernet Switches
- Scalance XC/XR-300 series with compact and 19-inch rack models
- Next-generation industrial networks connect OT and IT for more flexible and secure production
- New switches will support Time-Sensitive Networking
Siemens has now renewed the Industrial Ethernet Switches of its Scalance XC-/XR-300 series and upgraded them with additional functions for next-generation industrial networks. So-called managed Layer 2 switches from the Scalance X Industrial Ethernet Switch product family are now available – both as compact models and as 19-inch variants for control cabinets. The new switches thus replace the portfolio of the current Scalance X-300 series and carry the model designation Scalance XC-/XCM-300 in the compact version and Scalance XR-/XRM-300 in the 19-inch version.
The switches of the new Scalance XC-/XCM-300 and Scalance XR-/XRM-300 series have a high port density.
by Gary Mintchell | Dec 7, 2022 | Manufacturing IT, Operations Management
HiveMQ announced the availability of the HiveMQ Enterprise Extension for Amazon Kinesis, a new feature that allows users to quickly move their MQTT data from the broker into AWS using Amazon Kinesis Data Streams. With this release, HiveMQ customers can now integrate MQTT data reliably and securely to any of the three major cloud providers – AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud – or simultaneously in a multi-cloud environment.
HiveMQ’s platform-agnostic, full-featured broker offers 100% MQTT compliance, efficient network utilization, enterprise-grade security, reliable data delivery and the ability to scale to millions of always-on concurrent connections to meet the requirements of any IoT application. The extension framework gives customers the flexibility to integrate seamlessly with enterprise systems to support multi-cloud strategies and eliminate vendor lock-in.
The new HiveMQ Enterprise Extension for Amazon Kinesis offers the following features:
• Seamless integration of MQTT data into Amazon Kinesis Data Streams
• Indirect support for Amazon Kinesis Data Firehose and Data Analytics as they read data from Kinesis Data Streams
• Configuration of access credentials and authentication via AWS Identity and Access Management
• Continuous support and feature updates from HiveMQ
The early access version of the HiveMQ Enterprise Extension for Amazon Kinesis is available for download now.
by Gary Mintchell | Dec 6, 2022 | Automation, Internet of Things, Manufacturing IT, Networking, Operations Management, Standards
The Industry IoT Consortium (IIC) announced it had updated its Industrial Internet Reference Architecture (IIRA). The IIRA Version 1.10 addresses the challenges of current industrial IoT systems and industry trends, such as the convergence of IT and OT, digital twins, systems comprised of independent systems, and the inclusion of “non-human” digital users.
The foundational views of the IIRA (Business, Usage, Functional, and Implementation) have not changed. Still, the IIC revised and extended the sections to address how organizations use the views. For example, the new IIRA includes mapping essential industrial IoT functions to system requirement categories. This helps organizations understand which functions will best meet their needs.
Another addition to the IIRA V1.10 is a new set of Architecture Patterns that system designers can use to tailor standard system features and implementations. The IIRA V1.10 also illustrates how system designers can overlay patterns with each other (or with different architecture patterns) to help them build new system implementations from a collection of well-understood models.
The Industry IoT Consortium delivers transformative business value to industry, organizations, and society by accelerating the adoption of a trustworthy internet of things. The Industry IoT Consortium is a program of the Object Management Group (OMG).
