June 2015
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the Kontron EAPI also supports di erent form factors, such as COM
Express, SMARC and motherboards, and also allows remote access
via the Internet. Developers thus bene t from the security of an inde-
pendent, standardised programming interface combined with a high
degree of convenience and an extended range of functions. Applica-
tion-ready for the IoT: In June Kontron introduced a box PC based on
the SMARC module that supports the Intel Gateway Solutions for the
IoT (code name Moon Island). In combination with KEAPI, this appli-
cation-ready M2M platform (Machine-to-Machine) o ers IoT gateway
intelligence, which is standardised and easy to use. is allows OEMs to
connect their distributed systems seamlessly via wireless networks such
as LTE, GSM or WLAN.
Numerous industrial interfaces also support IoT integration for both
new as well as existing applications. OEMs and operators bene t from
a pre-validated platform based on recognised standards, which can be
used to record, evaluate and use all Big Data. e Intel Gateway Solu-
tions for the IoT include Wind River Intelligent Device Platform XT
2.0 as well as McAfee Embedded Control 6, and they enable the devel-
opment of intelligent gateways, such as the mentioned box PC. Such
intelligent gateways are decisive system extensions when it comes
to ensuring the ability to connect to the latest intelligent infrastruc-
tures. In April 2014 Kontron entered into cooperation with Deutsche
Telekom. e objective of this cooperation is to push ahead with the
development of M2M solutions. For distributed systems that require
a mobile communication connection, the embedded product supplier
o ers industrial nodes, which are needed to connect end devices to
cloud applications in the IoT.
Kontron M2M Smart Services Developer Kit is part of the o ering for
developers of Deutsche Telekom: it o ers scalable processor perfor-
mance, includes all relevant drivers and protocols, and is also exible
with regard to applications and operating systems. e kit also includes
a pre-quali ed setup for mobile network operators. e system is
PTCRB certi ed and is approved for use in mobile networks. is
reduces development time and costs for customers: e approval and
certi cation processes of the network operators, which applications
have to pass through before they can be used in their networks, are
thus streamlined. For the fast development of applications with local
wireless connectivity, the kit supports 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN (Wireless
Local Area Network) and 802.15.4 WPAN (Wireless Personal Area
Network). Cellular network connections to the cloud applications are
also o ered through a pre-installed 3G WWAN (Wireless Wide Area
Network), which can be extended with a second PCI Express 3G/4G
module to provide redundancy. And thanks to the optional smart video
and audio module, the system can be extended to provide face-to-face
communication. e company Salesforce views itself as the cloud
market leader. In February, Kontron announced its cooperation with
Salesforce.com at the Embedded World exhibition and conference. e
companies are working together on concept studies for the IoT and
the Internet of Customers (IoC). e jointly developed concept studies,
which are based on Salesforce1, enable developers to implement appli-
cations more quickly with minimal technical risk. ey also generate
inspiration for new designs ideas, in order to drive ahead with the IoT.
Virtually all applications that need devices, that need to connect to peo-
ple and that are found in markets like industry, medicine and Points-
of-Sale, can bene t from the IoT and IoC concepts of both companies.
ese studies simplify development signi cantly, as they enable develop-
ers to concentrate fully on the application level, which means no expert
knowledge on computer hardware or so ware technologies is needed.
Kontron presumes that new business models will emerge based on the
IoT, which will have a much higher level of development than traditional
areas of application of M2M communication. And for a successful IoT
implementation, it is no longer so important to collect as much device
information as possible. What is more important is to make use of the
digital connection, in order to obtain new ndings and to connect people
with people and devices with people. Together with its technology part-
ners, the company o ers a unique range of solutions from a single source,
from open, IoT-ready platforms like the compact box IPC, HMIs, rack
mounted IPCs and M2M gateways, to the highly-available and compact
SYMKLOUD cloud server in connection with the respective so ware
platforms. is enables innovative Industry 4.0 solutions to be imple-
mented economically for both current and future requirements.
n
Figure 2. Example of a networked production line including M2M
communication
