Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Splunk Edge Hub for OT/IIoT data collection and edge computing (AIM230)

Summary

• Introduction: Tony from Splunk introduces the Splunk Edge Hub, a solution for OT and IIoT data collection and edge computing.
• Splunk's Dominance: Splunk is a leader in security, IT operations, and observability for 20 years, but OT and IIoT data integration has been challenging.
• Market Growth: The OT/IIoT space is expected to grow by 40% year-over-year until 2028, with a current valuation of around $200 billion.
• OT Security Shift: Companies are moving OT security under the CISO in IT, indicating a need for integrated solutions.
• Challenges: The main challenges include lack of visibility, increasing attack surface, and the high cost of post-failure fixes.
• Edge Hub Features: The Edge Hub is a rugged, passively cooled device with various connectivity options (cellular, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, PoE, Bluetooth) and supports protocols like SNMP, Modbus, MQTT, and OPC UA.
• Use Cases: The leading use cases for Edge Hub include monitoring smart spaces and production floors, with capabilities for AI at the edge, predictive maintenance, and anomaly detection.
• Partner Ecosystem: Edge Hub is sold through a select group of Splunk partners who create solutions for specific verticals like healthcare, energy, utilities, retail, and more.
• Demonstration Invitation: Attendees are invited to a demo at the Edge Hub Pavilion to see the product in action, including data collection from a production line.

Insights

• Integration of OT and IT: The convergence of OT and IT under the CISO's purview suggests a strategic shift towards a more unified approach to managing security and operations across an organization.
• Predictive Maintenance: The emphasis on predictive maintenance reflects an industry trend towards proactive management of systems to reduce downtime and costs.
• Edge Computing: The inclusion of a neural processing AI chip in the Edge Hub indicates a push towards localized, real-time data processing, which is crucial for time-sensitive OT environments.
• Protocol Support: The support for various industrial protocols like SNMP, Modbus, MQTT, and OPC UA demonstrates the Edge Hub's versatility and readiness to integrate with existing industrial systems.
• Rugged Design: The IP66 rating of the Edge Hub highlights the importance of durable equipment in harsh industrial environments, ensuring reliability and longevity.
• Data-Driven Decisions: The use cases presented, such as retail people counting and vibration monitoring in building management, underscore the potential of IoT devices to provide actionable insights for business optimization.
• Aging Workforce: The mention of an aging workforce and the need to capture their expertise digitally reflects a broader concern in the industry about knowledge transfer and the role of technology in bridging the gap.
• Partner-Driven Solutions: The strategy to sell Edge Hub exclusively through Splunk partners suggests a focus on delivering tailored solutions that address specific industry challenges, leveraging the expertise of specialized vendors.