Edge Infrastructure Continues to Evolve
After a solid decade of pursuing industrial IoT-enabled business process improvement and innovation, the value of the edge tier within digitally transformed architectures is now widely recognized. Originally viewed as the point where IT and cloud-based applications intersect with the OT environment, the edge functional definition continues to evolve in important areas such as edge-to-cloud integration, edge compute, and the convergence of IT, OT, and security.
As this evolution continues, the role of the various edge components also evolves. This includes expanding compute and store capabilities in what ARC calls “thick edge” devices, as well as ongoing convergence of IT, OT, and security at the network-centric “thin edge.” Combined with the expanding capabilities of high-end endpoint devices, including increasingly mobile and autonomous devices enabled by 5G and private wireless, the choices of where to do what at the industrial IoT edge continue to expand.
Enterprise Cloud Providers Target the Digital Transformation at the Edge
Digitally transformed enterprises now have more opportunities to distribute functionality throughout the architecture as cloud-native technologies, IT, and IP-based networking are descending closer to the edge. Cloud solutions are extending to the edge to access their source data and fulfill their digital transformation value proposition. This is particularly evident in AI, ML, and video analytics applications, where edge capabilities promise significant value in both data preprocessing and local execution of cloud-trained models. Cloud providers are likewise adding edge functionality and associated services that are a natural extension of their core capabilities in areas such as device management and security.
ARC Market Intelligence on Digital Transformation at the Edge
Founded in 1986, ARC Advisory Group is the leading technology research and advisory firm for industry, infrastructure, and cities. We provide extensive market coverage of all aspects of the industrial IoT edge, ranging from edge and cloud software platforms to network infrastructure and endpoint devices. Strategic issues covered include:
- What is and will be the role of the edge in the digital transformation of industry and cities?
- How do the roles and market trends associated with thick versus thin edge devices compare, and how does that impact selection requirements?
- What impact will the descent of enterprise cloud players to the edge have on the competitive landscape?
- How should hardware and software suppliers differentiate themselves?
Industrial IoT Research Topics
ARC covers a broad spectrum of topics related to the Industrial Internet of Things. Global Market Research Reports are available for each of the topics below. Technology Selection Guides are also available for several of the topics below.
Industrial IoT Edge Software Platforms
- Market data and scope: platform functionality, revenue type, deployment model, OS/Containers, new vs. retrofit
- Market Research Report
- Technology Selection Guide
IIoT Gateways and Routers
- Market data and scope: network type, edge to cloud, edge computing
- Market Research Report
IIoT Endpoint Devices - Total Available Market
- Market data and scope: logic, motion, and process controllers; drives; sensors; I/O
- Market Research Report
IIoT Network Edge Infrastructure - Total Available Market
- Market data and scope: switches, routers, gateways, WAPs, edge computing
- Market Research Report
Industrial Cellular Routers
- Market data and scope: Cellular technology, public vs. private, fixed vs. mobile, CPU/OS, edge-to-cloud integration, use in edge compute, form factor, hazardous/environmental
- Market Research Report
- Technology Selection Guide
Fixed Industrial Routers
- Market data and scope: Ethernet and cellular, cloud integration, edge computing
- Market Research Report
Industrial Ethernet Switches
- Market data and scope: Switch type, media type, bandwidth, TSN, SPE, APL, PoE, protocols, form factor
- Market Research Report
- Technology Selection Guide
Industrial and IIoT Network Gateways
- Market data and scope: cellular, wireless, and Ethernet; CPU; OS; form factor
- Market Research Report
Edge Controllers
- Market Data and Scope: region, hardware vs. software vs services, hardware type (PLC-based, IPC-based, motion controller, CNC, other controller)
- Market Research Report
Industrial Ethernet Endpoint Devices
- Market data and scope: Ethernet-based controllers, drives, sensors, I/O
- Market Research Report
- Technology Selection Guide
Wireless Devices in Process Automation
- Market data and scope: process automation endpoint devices
- Market Research Report
Industrial and Outdoor Wireless Access Points
- Market data and scope: new vs. retrofit, fixed vs. mobile, form factor, Wi-Fi standard, environmental
- Market Research Report
IoT Cloud Application Platforms
- Market data and scope: software vs. services, industry, geography, customer
- Market Research Report
Industrial/OT Cybersecurity
- Market data and scope: anomalies, breach detection, endpoint security
- Market Research Report: Anomaly and Breach Detection
- Market Research Report: Endpoint Protection
- Technology Selection Guide
Industrial PCs
- Market data and scope: edge computing, gateway, HMI, logic control, vision
- Market Research Report
Industrial Private Networks (5G & 4G)
- Market Data and Scope: region, network type, hardware vs. software vs. services, network deployment
- Market Research Report