By 2016, there will be nearly 2 billion
machine-to-machine wireless connections — including GPS systems in cars and
asset tracking systems in shipping and manufacturing sectors — demonstrating
the need to more tightly connect and integrate devices, machines and vehicles
with traditional enterprise networks, according to Cisco’s Visual Networking
Index (VNI).
The resulting transition will accelerate the networking
industry beyond the IT and service provider (SP) networks in industries such as
manufacturing and transportation.
Cisco claims that it is will address new demands on
industrial networks, which require a greater need for improved
inter-connectivity across industrial equipment and enterprise networks.
The Cisco IE 2000 industrial switch series also provides
secure remote access and monitoring of automated systems and offers intelligent
energy management with visibility into machine performance to help customers
better manage costs.
The Cisco IE 2000 industrial switch portfolio will be
formally unveiled at the Hanover Messe Industrial Automation trade fair
beginning on April 23.
Major sectors of the economy are undergoing a
transformation driven by new requirements around production and factory automation,
traffic management, data analytics and machine-to-machine
communication. Cisco’s Connected Industries business unit was created to help
customers realize the benefits of the transition to Ethernet and IP across the
operational technology segments including manufacturing plants, transportation
infrastructure and vehicles,” said Maciej Kranz, vice president and general
manager, Connected Industries business unit, Cisco.
