IT/OT Convergence is Redefining Networks

Modern businesses must adapt their customer interactions and services to generate new revenue. Digitalization enables two key innovation models: improving operational efficiency and productivity, and enhancing competitive advantages and value creation. IT/OT convergence is critical for success, enabling businesses to maximize data and transform operations.

Through the integration of IT and OT systems, businesses can fully leverage their dispersed yet valuable data, maximizing their technological potential and revolutionizing their operations.

Be Prepared for the Future Networking Needs of Your Business

The integration of IT and OT applications is rapidly increasing, leading to a surge in data exchange needs. One prime example is AI-driven machine vision, which enhances quality inspection, worker safety, and facility security using IP cameras. These high-resolution cameras, while beneficial, require more bandwidth and networking devices, complicating installations.

To ensure smooth communication and streamline IT/OT convergence, choose network solutions with compact size and modularity. Supporting multiple industrial protocols at the edge layer enables interoperability with SCADA and HMI systems, enhancing operational performance.

Moxa offers a reliable network foundation for seamless data transmission from the edge to the core, creating future-proof networks. In this evolving landscape, efficient data management is crucial. Opt for compact, modular solutions to succeed in IT/OT convergence.

The rapid adoption of IIoT technology across IT and OT networks has increased the risk of cyberattacks. Disrupted operations in industrial control systems and critical infrastructures are becoming more common due to inadequate OT network security. Traditionally, OT networks were physically isolated, but IT/OT convergence has exposed them to cyberthreats. Managing vulnerabilities in once-isolated OT networks alongside IT-based threats is a significant challenge.

To enhance industrial network security, focus on defense-in-depth protection. Start by selecting security-hardened devices compliant with industrial security standards. Implement network segmentation and proactive threat prevention. Additionally, ensure network visibility for timely threat detection and response.

Moxa offers three layers of defense-in-depth protection, designed for industrial networks, to enhance both network security and availability in converged infrastructures. In the era of IT/OT convergence, robust security is a necessity for uninterrupted industrial operations.

As IT and OT networks merge, network complexity rises, underscoring the need for effective network management. A single point of failure can disrupt the entire infrastructure, leading to costly downtime. Service providers require a network management tool that provides clear network status, accelerates troubleshooting, and supports remote maintenance.

A robust OT network management tool should offer:

Network Visibility: Essential for monitoring performance, traffic load, and security status of network devices.
Quick Diagnostics: Detect downtime and pinpoint root causes swiftly, often before incidents occur, through customized event notifications.
Easy Maintenance: Facilitate remote configuration backups, device firmware upgrades, and centralized management, reducing the need for on-site engineers, especially in control cabinets or machinery installations.

Effective network management enhances performance, resolves issues promptly, and eases future expansions. Moxa offers user-friendly OT-centric network management solutions, catering to OT engineers' needs, simplifying complex network challenges, and enabling improved services and innovative business models.