German embedded computer company Congatec is expanding the application-ready functionality of its AReady.CoM computers-on-module (CoMs) with software building blocks for secure IoT connectivity.

Called AReady.IoT, the blocks secure IoT connectivity from the CoM to the cloud. The aim is to simplify the use of modern embedded applications and accelerate innovation.

With AReady.IoT, users can focus entirely on their core competencies while Congatec reduces the complexity of application development, enabling seamless communication and data transfer between different systems and devices. Congatec delivers the required software building blocks in the desired combinations, ready for immediate use.

The preconfigured building blocks enable communication with machines, systems, devices and even sensors via protocols such as Opcua, MQTT and Rest. Users can leverage them for data acquisition, remote monitoring, maintenance and management, as well as predictive maintenance.

Additionally, they have the option to process data directly at the edge for storage and visualisation. This enables quick and easy implementation of automated processes such as data analysis, software updates or event-triggered calls to action.

OEMs can use AReady.IoT to implement service-based business models, enhance customer support and unlock revenue streams. This off-the-shelf option requires no additional expertise. Users can save development time, accelerate time to market, respond more quickly to market demands, and maintain a high rate of innovation.

“With AReady.IoT, we are driving the next level of value for our AReady.CoM customers,” said Andreas Bergbauer, manager at Congatec. “The advanced application integration we enable with AReady.IoT is unmatched. For OEMs and their customers, connectivity becomes a seamless and integral part of their applications. They gain the benefits of homogeneous and convenient operation, a secure connection, and significant cost savings, without needing any additional devices or software.”

Daniel Jürgens, CFO of Congatec, added: “With our new AReady.IoT offering combined with CoMs, OEMs can unlock new, future-ready business models. Recurring revenues, such as those from service contracts or everything-as-a-service, are becoming increasingly important. To create these sustainable revenue streams, it’s critical to have detailed usage data, simple, secure and cost-effective maintenance, as well as long-lasting products. Our AReady.CoM and AReady.IoT product portfolio, with secure IoT connectivity and easy upgrades across technology generations, provides the perfect basis for this.”

With aReady.IoT, users gain a versatile range of services for the hardware and software levels of their applications, consisting of the following packages:

• CoM Manager enables the enhancement of a computer-on-module with features such as remote management, software maintenance and system visualisation via a dashboard.
• Application Manager allows users to extend CoM management to connected peripherals and carrier boards, offering capabilities such as rule sets and push notifications for their applications.
• Fleet Manager enables over-the-air (OTA) updates and facilitates the efficient roll-out of configurations across all existing installations.

Congatec (www.congatec.com) also offers a cloud connection – bi-directional if needed – through the cloud connector to services such as AWS, Azure or Telekom Cloud, providing flexibility for AReady.IoT (www.congatec.com/en/aready/areadyiot) applications.

To simplify the configuration of IoT data flows, the firm provides a web interface for creating zero-code options using visual or flow-based programming. This makes it easy to implement even complex data flows as no programming expertise or extensive training is required.

For more information on AReady.CoM, see www.aready.com.