Emerson Exchange 365

By Dave Perkon

Emerson Automation Solutions is counting on Microsoft to help secure communications and computing both in the field and in the cloud for the new age of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In particular, intelligent devices based on Windows 10 IoT will help in Emerson’s Secure First Mile initiative for the field, and the Microsoft Azure cloud platform will enable secure data storage and analytics for Emerson Plantweb digital ecosystem applications.

"Emerson is using the Azure platform to supply solutions to its customers," noted Carl Coken, general manager, IoT OEM, Microsoft in a press conference presentation Monday at the Emerson Global Users Exchange. "Looking at the Internet of Things, 73% of the companies are active in the IoT from planning to implementation. Of those, 60% are looking at IoT as how they are going to grow their revenue and become more profitable. They’re going to do that by reducing downtime using predictive maintenance."

“We believe Microsoft offers the best breath in technology available today,” Coken said. “We have operating systems that operate on intelligent devices—from small handhelds all the way up to server-based devices. IT departments have been using these operating systems for 20 years or more."

Knowledge and expertise has been developed over the years to implement secure platforms and operating systems. "Customers are looking for a secure operating system," noted Coken. "And having the intelligent devices is great, but only if they are connected to something. In this case, to Azure cloud services."

Microsoft Azure has all the big data storage capabilities and cloud services to operate as an IoT hub, processing billions of messages per week. It's also able to take the data and messages and do something with it, such as taking advantage of Azure's machine learning services or streaming analytics services. "You can implement these insights and actions any way you want, said Coken. "It can be done in a hybrid environment with some done on premise and some in the cloud."

Microsoft worked with various U.S and overseas government agencies to insure that Azure passed all security certifications. The Azure infrastructure is also scalable and can support plants and equipment all over the world. “It can then take the data, the insights and reports, and generate them quickly for use in a meaningful manner,” Coken said.

While these tools can help improve reliability, safety and energy management for industrial companies, Coken said, "they’re enhancing financial performance as well.”