Trio join forces on micro data centres for the edge

The prefabricated micro data centre modules are pre-engineered, and factory assembled to customer requirements by Avnet, who offer a one-stop shop for end customers, System Integrators (SI), and Operational Technology (OT) distributors to order a complete, integrated, turnkey solution as a single purchase.

Combining always-on fault tolerance, an uninterruptible power supply, and cybersecurity protections, the EcoStruxure Micro Data Center with the Stratus ftServer is a powerful, quick and efficient deployment built to meet the demands of industrial applications in the era of Digital Transformation.

The data centre is validated and available with pre-loaded software, such as the AVEVA System Platform.

It is a physically protected, single enclosure solution, solving IT and OT management as well as data latency and bandwidth issues, resulting in a 40% reduction in field engineering time, a 7% reduction in maintenance costs and a 20% increase in speed-to-market.

Rob McKernan, SVP, Secure Power Europe Region, Schneider Electric, said, "Today Industry 4.0 and the convergence of IT and OT has enabled manufacturers to reach new levels of productivity, efficiency and quality. At Schneider Electric, we share a vision with Stratus and Avnet, which we believe will help customers transform their industrial operations and reap the benefits of digitalisation. The standardised solutions we have co-developed significantly reduce the complexities associated with deploying critical IT in factory environments, freeing up valuable time and increasing process efficiency for our customers."

The Stratus ftServer's virtualisation capabilities consolidate workloads including:

• Asset performance,
• Manufacturing execution,
• On-premises historian,
• Automated material handling applications,
• Monitor, and control, all running concurrently.

The edge computing platform is also able to run advanced AI and machine learning applications with cybersecurity out of the box, with core software and operating systems wrapped in standard security protocols.

Schneider Electric has provided further physical protection on the enclosure with locks and card readers, along with its NetBotz security and environmental monitoring capabilities.

Greg Hookings, Director of Business Development – EMEA, Stratus Technologies said, "The EcoStruxure Micro Data Center with Stratus ftServer delivers the reliability, efficiency, rugged protection, and zero-touch operation required by the automation industry. It provides the ability to transform data from critical assets, securely, whether staff are operating at the edge or remotely. Physical protection is matched with application protection and cybersecurity allowing end-users, system integrators and owners to deploy computing power where it's needed and harness the ever-growing data generated by modern automation facilities and processes at the edge."

Brian Stack, Senior Director, Avnet Integrated EMEA, added, "We are excited to be teaming with Schneider Electric and Stratus to successfully scale global deployment of the EcoStruxure Micro Data Center featuring ftServer solution for industrial edge applications. Avnet Integrated's global integration footprint, complemented by our complete line of business and service solutions, helps our customers optimise their capital resources, accelerate sales growth and deliver on their brand experience. This winning combination will help deliver the many outstanding capabilities and benefits of Industry 4.0 through IT and OT convergence to our customers worldwide."