by Gary Mintchell | Jan 15, 2025 | Cloud, Enterprise IT, Operations Management, Technology
Technology advancements and innovations plus applications solving bigger problems have led my work, research, and writing from virtual PLCs to virtual servers. That’s why I have loved technology ever since I was 14 and soldering resistors, capacitors, and coils into circuits.
Here is a Dutch company (the product is available globally, of course) that has launched a “highly efficient” Virtual Private Server (VPS) solution.
Some of the year-end prognoses sent my way (many sort of self serving) predicted les reliance on cloud and a return to more on prem solutions. Perhaps this company provides help both ways.
Their blurb touts, “Powered by High Performance CPUs, Local NVMe Storage and Lightning-fast 10 Gbps Uplink Speed, Packages Start at Just €3.99/month.”
Leaseweb Global, a cloud services and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider, January 14 announced the launch of a new highly efficient Virtual Private Server (VPS) solution. Designed for businesses that need a combination of exceptional price-performance, fast local storage and easy deployment, Leaseweb VPS packages start at just €3.99/month to deliver affordable solutions that don’t compromise on quality.
Leaseweb’s new VPS solution provides customers with the flexibility to expand their infrastructure as their business needs grow. Delivered via a low-touch, self-service portal, it requires limited technical expertise for setup or management, enabling users to configure their server, monitor resources and manage snapshots with ease. This makes it ideal for businesses seeking a straightforward, scalable and efficient hosting service, as well as those looking for an entry-level solution to Leaseweb Public Cloud.
Technical specifications keep advancing.
With lightning-fast 10Gbps uplink speed, and powered by high performance processors and local NVMe storage, the Leaseweb VPS solution provides ample compute, RAM and generous traffic across all packages. In addition, built-in security and reliability features, including firewalls, DDoS protection and ISO-certified data centers, offer peace of mind and comprehensive protection for all customers. For those customers wanting to include backup, this is available as an add-on service.
“Our new VPS solution has been designed from the ground up to offer the ideal balance of performance, usability and cost,” said Mathijs Heikamp, Director Product Management at Leaseweb Global. “By combining the latest hardware, advanced automation and an intuitive self-service portal, we’re delivering a cloud infrastructure solution that can effortlessly adapt to customer requirements.”
Here is information about Leaseweb since this company is new to me—and perhaps to you.
Leaseweb is a leading Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider serving a worldwide portfolio of 20,000 customers ranging from SMBs to Enterprises. Services include Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Dedicated Servers , Colocation, Content Delivery Network , and Cyber Security Services supported by exceptional customer service and technical support. With more than 80,000 servers, Leaseweb has provided infrastructure for mission-critical websites, Internet applications, email servers, security, and storage services since 1997. The company operates 28 data centers in locations across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, all of which are backed by a superior worldwide network with a total capacity of more than 10 Tbps.
Leaseweb offers services through its various Leaseweb Sales Entities which are Leaseweb Netherlands B.V., Leaseweb USA, Inc., Leaseweb Singapore PTE. LTD, Leaseweb Deutschland GmbH, Leaseweb Australia Ltd., Leaseweb UK Ltd, Leaseweb Japan KK, Leaseweb Hong Kong LTD, and Leaseweb Canada Inc.
by Gary Mintchell | Jan 9, 2025 | Automation, Technology
CES goes on this week in Las Vegas. Qualcomm is there; I am not. But…I have news. I’ve also heard that Qualcomm is quietly taking chunks of business from Nvidia. Not sure about that, but the company does put out some quality chips.
This news regards Qualcomm Aware, a platform enhancing applications like IoT.
Highlights:
• Qualcomm Aware adds observability, monitoring and location services to enable the development of IoT solutions that meet specific needs and challenges of consumers and enterprises across a wide range of industries and use cases.
• By pre-integrating Qualcomm Aware software across select Qualcomm Technologies and third-party processors, Qualcomm Technologies will provide a simple, fast and cost-effective mechanism for developers and enterprises to access data on the state, health, status and location of device deployments.
At Consumer Electronics Show 2025, Qualcomm Technologies announced the next evolution of the Qualcomm Aware Platform, a cloud-based services platform that allows companies to add observability, monitoring, and location capabilities to intelligently connected devices across industries, including logistics, retail, energy, smart home, robotics and more. As a key component of the broader IoT Solutions Framework, Qualcomm Aware will eventually be pre-integrated across select Qualcomm Technologies chipsets and third-party hardware—adding value for OEMs and ODMs, enterprise users, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
As a horizontal enablement platform, Qualcomm Aware allows for a highly integrated way to add cloud-based observability and insights, geolocation, fine indoor positioning, firmware updates, and device management services to connected devices. This means that device manufacturers can unlock new insights on the connected devices they sell and take preventative actions to fix and troubleshoot devices. Similarly, retailers can understand how often their high-value inventory turns over and get alerts if items are stolen. Distributors can also view delivery efficiency and accuracy metrics for their fleets, and users of those devices can add longevity to devices by always having them equipped with the latest software, operating system, and features.
by Gary Mintchell | Dec 11, 2024 | Automation, Embedded Control, Technology
Ah, AI. It’s everywhere. Often the wrong questions are asked and answered in general and tech media. The real question is what problem will it solve—and how well.
This news comes from Copia Automation who attempts to solve the problem of how controls engineers write, manage, and document industrial code.
As the first step in Copia’s vision of integrating AI into industrial automation, Copia Copilot enhances productivity, efficiency, and quality by automating routine coding tasks, simplifying complex processes, and equipping industrial workers with the tools they need for successful knowledge transfer and onboarding.
Core Capabilities
- Code documentation: Automatically create well-structured, clear documentation for PLC and other industrial code, reducing manual effort and ensuring consistency.
- Code translation: Seamlessly convert between Ladder Logic and Structured Text, making it easier to work across different programming languages.
- Code summarization: Quickly understand what a set of code does by asking the Copilot to explain it.
- Code modification: Improve, format, or troubleshoot existing code, allowing engineers to streamline their workflows and enhance code quality.
- New code generation: Generate boilerplate routines and custom code blocks for common automation tasks, saving time and accelerating development cycles.
- File referencing: Easily reference PLC project files from Copia repositories for more accurate and context-aware AI outputs.
Copia Copilot is currently available as part of an Alpha release, with plans to expand its functionality and reach in the coming months.
by Gary Mintchell | Nov 21, 2024 | Automation, Industrial Computers, Technology
Other World Computing’s products are not often directly automation related. You may find many uses outside of control and HMI applications. They also show where some breakthrough computing resources are heading. These news items relate to Thunderbolt 5 ports and storage for high resolution photography.
Other World Computing (OWC), a leader in delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable technology solutions that enhance and extend the life of Macs and PCs, announced the general availability launch of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub – opening a new world of workflow possibilities and performance.
By turning a single cable connection into three ThunderboltTM 5 ports and one USB-A port, the new OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub breaks the connectivity handcuffs of host machines not offering enough Thunderbolt 5 ports. With up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed – up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 – and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs, the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub redefines productivity. Connect portable SSDs exceeding 6000MB/s*, up to three 8K displays @60Hz with DSC, today’s USB-C connector compatible devices, and yesterday’s USB-A desktop accessories – all while keeping modern notebooks and tablets powered and charged up for mobile use with 140 watts.
Key Features of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub:
- Easy Port Expansion – Adds more universally compatible Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports to a Mac, PC,iPad Pro, or tablet to greatly expand device connectivity possibilities and productivity
- Incomparable Speed – Work and play faster with up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs
- Works with Millions – No worries or confusion…connect to Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, or USB4 machine or device with 100% compatibility**
- Best Today, Best Tomorrow – Delivers the best performance of devices with today’s computers and best speed possible in the future with a Thunderbolt 5 Mac or PC
- Multiple Daisy Chains – Create three separate daisy chains of devices – even bus-powered – and remove devices from one chain without affecting the other chains
- Powerful – Safely delivers up to 140 watts to charge the most power-hungry notebook computer
- Stunning Visuals – Connect to the latest and future Thunderbolt, USB-C, and DisplayPort displays for incredible 4K, 5K, 6K, and up to three 8K displays***
- Thunderbolt Certified – Built-in OWC reliability and dependability for Mac and Windows
- Silently Cool – Fanless aluminum enclosure for quiet and cool operation
For further information and specs or to place an order.
Other World Computing (OWC), a leader in delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable technology solutions that enhance and extend the life of Macs and PCs, announced the general availability launch of the latest addition to its OWC Atlas Pro family of memory cards – the 240GB OWC Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type A Card. Based on popular demand, this new capacity option combines the fast speeds users expect from OWC with a more accessible price point, making it the ideal choice for Sony users who require professional-grade performance without the need for maximum capacity.
OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type A Atlas Pro cards are perfect for pro filmmakers and extreme action photographers who want to dramatically speed up their offloads while retaining full compatibility with existing devices. Users experience double the speeds of CFexpress 2.0 cards with 1850MB/s read speeds through OWC Atlas USB4 CFexpress 4.0 card reader while providing 1700MB/s write speed for current and future cameras that can take advantage of such performances. OWC’s Atlas CFexpress 4.0 Type A cards are VPG200 certified, ensuring they work seamlessly with all existing Sony camera modes. Like the 480GB to 960GB cards, the new 240GB capacity cards are:
- Lightning Fast – Up to 1700MB/s write and 1850MB/s read speeds for the most advanced use cases of professional content creators, including fast burst RAW image sequences and high bitrate video recording up to 8K
- Dependable – Delivers 400MB/s minimum sustained write speed
- Compatible – Designed for use in Sony Alpha and FX cameras, including a9 III, a1, a7SIII, a7IV, a7rV, FX3, FX6, FR7, and FX30, as well as CFexpress Type A memory card readers and reader slot-equipped devices
- Supportive – VPG200 certified to work with all Sony camera modes and enable the highest allowable settings in Sony Alpha, FX, and FR7 cameras
- Compliant – Fully compliant with CFexpress Type A 4.0 specification and meets Type A 2.0 specifications
- Versatile – Includes Type A to Type B adapter to obtain maximum speed when paired with an OWC Atlas USB4 CFexpress 4.0 Card Reader
- Tough – Impact, bend, shock, ESD, UV ray, and X-ray resistant
The 240GB capacity Atlas CFexpress Type A cards are now generally available for $199.99.
by Gary Mintchell | Nov 19, 2024 | Automation, Security, Technology
I once sold a program to a customer that promised to track and maintain an inventory of one vendor’s technology assets in the plant. The president of another company explained to me about 10 years later about the company’s development of a technology asset discovery and tracking system that had done the program I had sold a quantum leap better.
Obviously, technology asset tracking is a customer need. Now that those controllers and sensors and the like are connected exposing the company to cybersecurity risk, combining this with a security system makes sense.
This news from a company blog post announces just such a merger. Service Now has signed an agreement to acquire Mission Secure to accomplish just that.
Neelima Rustagi writes on the company blog, “This acquisition directly benefits our OT customers in industrial markets such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy and utilities, oil and gas, and transportation and logistics by enhancing their ability to make informed decisions and optimize their operations. It marks a significant milestone as we continue to expand our portfolio of OT solutions, delivering greater value and efficiency to businesses.”
She further expands on the topic:
Mission Secure technology will enable ServiceNow to provide OT asset visibility, making it easier for organizations to track and manage their OT, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), sensors, robotic systems, and control modules.
Having a limited view of assets can make it difficult for leaders to understand how to prioritize, manage, and optimize their OT. It’s particularly challenging for organizations in industrial markets due to the complexity of their control systems, networks, and communication protocols. These businesses can no longer afford to operate in the dark.
Through this acquisition, we’ll enable customers to use ServiceNow for OT asset inventory featuring a native discovery capability for OT networks. This will allow customers to monitor traffic to determine what’s on their network and to poll and query devices to get inventory details.
Visibility provides the foundation for managing all workflows. Mission Secure technology creates this visibility by using advanced algorithms. It integrates smoothly into existing workflows, allowing customers to see their asset landscape. This level of visibility enables customers to reduce the impact of human error in change management and resolve OT device issues faster to improve uptime.
By bringing Mission Secure into the fold, ServiceNow is creating a unified platform for digital factories. The new ServiceNow OT discovery capability will enhance OT device metadata available to our OT partners by adding context to the inventory and essential connectivity data. This will help customers maximize operational uptime through integrated workflows and contextualized data insights. We’ll provide even greater flexibility as we continue to grow our partner ecosystem.
The Mission Secure acquisition follows our previous acquisitions of 4Industry and EY Smart Daily Management Application, as well as G2K, broadening ServiceNow’s reach in the digital factory space and strengthening our position in the OT sector. We’re better positioned than ever to offer these essential capabilities and bring even greater value to our customers.
by Gary Mintchell | Nov 15, 2024 | Automation, Motion Control, Technology
This news lies far from my core of experience. I, however, have been impressed with Festo technology ever since my first factory visit probably close to 20 years ago. Just when I begin to believe that innovation is dwindling in this market, a new product arrives.
Festo introduces its new flagship valve terminal, the VTUX. The VTUX can serve as I/O, remote I/O, and decentralized I/O. These compact and rugged IP65/67-rated terminals can be located anywhere on a machine that boosts operational performance and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) installation productivity. VTUX modularity results in less inventory and lower overhead costs.
VTUX is both compact and lightweight, an advantage for end-of-arm tooling and conserving space on a machine or in a control cabinet. The terminal is made from a high-performance polymer so rugged and durable that these units can be placed in welding cells.
The key to the VTUX’s flexibility is its modular design. For high flow rates up to 670 l/min, a high flow sub-base is used and for space saving needs, the compact sub-base. A single valve model can be used for both sub-bases, which simplifies ordering, stocking, and support. High flow and compact sub-basses of one or four valve positions can be mixed and matched on a terminal. VTUX terminals can have up to 128 valves with up to 128 solenoid coils. The VTUX also features vacuum capability.
VTUX offers a platform for fully integrated vacuum solution for configuration of up to sixteen vacuum channels per terminal. The platform enables bidirectional communication from the PLC to the vacuum generator. Vacuum and ejector pulse can be individually controlled. VTUX vacuum delivers high vacuum or large suction volume flows and can be combined with valves. Parameters can be changed via teach-in from the PLC during operation. There is an integrated vacuum sensor for continuous monitoring of actual values and there is a parameter-based air saving function. The system monitors vacuum for early detection of faults or errors during operation.
The electronics side of the terminal offers the same flexibility as the pneumatics side by featuring mix and match modules. For example, users can add multiple analog or digital I/O modules, including I/O-Link. The modular concept continues through to the method of communication between controller and terminal. The choices include the new Festo Automation Platform (AP) for backplane speed communication in all top communication protocols. All AP-based modules appear to the control engineer to be under a single IP address, simplifying commissioning and allowing smaller and less expensive PLCs to be specified. Additional communication modules include IO-Link, AP-I for decentralized I/O, and multipin connector.
VTUX terminals are assembled and tested prior to shipment from the Festo Regional Service Center in Mason, Ohio, which means they are drop-in ready for installation. As a core Festo product, VTUX components are stocked globally for fast, assured replacement and minimum downtime wherever the machine is located. The modular design not only lowers inventory, but also decreases the learning curve, troubleshooting time, and repair. The VTUX offers an outstanding price/performance ratio.
