Why Compute at the Edge is Critical for IIoT

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As Industrial IoT (IIoT) becomes more prevalent in industrial operations, the traditional separation of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) is rapidly disappearing. The Purdue Model, which separates IT and OT networks into different levels for security reasons, is no longer sufficient in the age of Industry 4.0. Instead, a new approach is needed that leverages the best of both worlds to enable efficient, secure, and scalable IIoT operations. This is where Microsoft Hybrid solutions and Azure Cloud come into play.

Microsoft Hybrid Solutions 

Microsoft Hybrid solutions combine the power of cloud computing with the security and flexibility of on-premises infrastructure. By deploying a hybrid solution, businesses can optimize their IT and OT systems, allowing them to operate at maximum efficiency. Additionally, with Azure Cloud, businesses can take advantage of a range of features, including advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI, to gain insights into their operations that were previously impossible.

Real-time Data Processing at the Edge 

One of the key benefits of Microsoft Hybrid solutions is their ability to enable real-time data processing at the edge. By deploying lightweight compute devices, or "lite-edge" devices, at the edge of the network, businesses can perform real-time analytics and decision-making without the need for large amounts of data to be sent to the cloud. This is particularly useful in IIoT applications where low latency is critical, such as predictive maintenance and quality control.

Heavy-edge Devices for Compute-intensive Tasks 

However, lite-edge devices have their limitations, particularly when it comes to compute-intensive tasks such as machine learning and AI. For these applications, businesses need more powerful compute devices, or "heavy-edge" devices, that can perform complex calculations in real-time. With Microsoft Hybrid solutions, heavy-edge devices can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud, providing the necessary compute power for advanced analytics and machine learning.

Secure Data Sharing Across the Organization

Another benefit of Microsoft Hybrid solutions is their ability to enable secure data sharing between IT and OT systems. By leveraging Azure Cloud's secure and scalable infrastructure, businesses can securely store and share data across their entire organization, from the shop floor to the boardroom. This enables better collaboration and decision-making across departments, as well as better management of resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the convergence of IT and OT is inevitable in the age of Industry 4.0. However, the traditional Purdue Model is no longer sufficient to address the challenges of modern IIoT applications. By leveraging Microsoft Hybrid solutions and Azure Cloud, businesses can optimize their IT and OT systems, enable real-time analytics at the edge, perform complex calculations with heavy-edge devices, and securely share data across their entire organization. This is essential for staying competitive and achieving success in the rapidly evolving world of IIoT.