The following are news announcements made during the past week:
PRESS RELEASE:
Unified Office Adds IoT Infrastructure Management to Managed Business Communications Service
Unified Office, Inc., a leading managed services provider offering reliable hybrid cloud-based virtual communications services and business analytics, has announced its new Total Connect Now Operations Performance Suite 2.0 (TCNOPS 2.0). An Internet of Things (IoT) based operational performance service, TCNOPS 2.0, now not only monitors and analyzes IoT data but adds the ability to automatically or dynamically control thermostats and other components such as air conditioners, refrigeration equipment, make tables, stove exhaust vents, heaters, security and video systems, safe doors and other devices.
TCNOPS will take actions based on trigger events generated from the IoT data that is collected and other internal intelligence. Most IoT systems simply monitor and receive IoT data, Unified Office has taken this one step further by enabling customers to make changes and control machines and other systems on their premises either manually or dynamically based on intelligence gathered by its underlying TCNOPS analytics engine. TCNOPS is also predictive in nature and can proactively spot underlying subtle changes in the devices being managed and report on them before they suffer a potential outage.
“Not only do people have important things to say but machines do as well and what they have to say is often mission critical to a business. They deserve the highest quality of service and the most reliable infrastructure,” said Ray Pasquale, CEO & Founder of Unified Office. “TCNOPS 2.0 uses our highly reliable, broadband based highest quality routing transmission network (HQRP) to deliver and report business critical information utilizing the same platform that is the foundation of our Total Connect Now VoIP business communications system.
For example a thermostat can be set to a limited temperature range(s) so that when the temperature goes above or below a certain level a predetermined action takes place to conform with existing compliance regulations and an alert is sent to management. This integrates with the Unified Office Operations Management Suite that provides analytics for all of a customer’s services and is easy to configure. Customers can view all indicators as well across all of their stores or offices, down to a single store or office location from any device, anywhere they happen to be at any time and manage them as well.
“Downtime on these critical systems can cost SMBs dearly in terms of regulatory compliance, lost revenues and potential reputational damage,” said Tom Phelan, CTO of Unified Office. “Network unavailability can derail any IoT system and the critical business functions that rely on it. This data gets top priority on our network. TCNOPS 2.0 is a simple, easy to use, pragmatic work horse for our clients that takes no time off.”
TCNOPS 2.0 enables Quick Serve Restaurants (QSRs) and other SMBs to dramatically improve their operational performance and effectiveness using Unified Office’s new Internet of Things (IoT) based operational performance suite. TCNOPS integrates alerting and reporting functions for business-critical information into Unified Office’s industry leading Visual Performance Suite (VPS), advanced analytics platform.
PRESS RELEASE:
Blockpass Announces Memberships in Decentralized Identity Foundation, Trusted IOT Alliance
Self-sovereign identity solution Blockpass has announced two new key memberships cementing its preparations for the public release of its application at the end of March this year. These memberships support the Blockpass mission of providing users with a blockchain based self-sovereign identity solution to better interact with regulated industries and the connected world.
The first membership is with the Decentralized Identity Foundation (DIF), a group of leading industrial identity and technology experts, aims to establish how best to manage the future of distributed identity solutions and how the industry can focus on the development of standards. As a DIF member, Blockpass joins a large number of organisations, from enterprises to start ups, committed to the creation of an interoperable ecosystem of decentralised identities.
“Through DIF’s broader network, Blockpass can engage in high level conversations regarding the immediate real world application potential for emergent object and device identity profiles,” stated Hans Lombardo, CMO of Blockpass. “We have been looking for a foundation that aligns with our core pillars of creating a blockchain identity protocol for the connected world, and it’s obvious to us that DIF is the right fit to continue to grow and nurture our business.”
The second membership is with the Trusted IOT Alliance, a consortium whose focus is ‘Powering A Hyper Connected World’ by connecting and securing the next generation of smart IoT products with blockchain technology for a more trusted, secure and scalable Internet of Things. This membership will allow Blockpass to engage with industrial leaders and leading blockchain startups to determine key layers of a baseline identity standard for all connected devices.
The memberships will create a collaborative environment in which foundational identity protocols can be developed and tested, enabling a new generation of highly efficient decentralized autonomous utilities. With the use of blockchain, Blockpass is in a position where it can propose alternative solutions to centralized data storage that will provide two huge benefits to consumers and service providers alike. Firstly, users will be in control of their identity and only they can decide who can access it, and secondly that no centralized server stores sensitive personal data.
PRESS RELEASE:
Silicon Labs to Showcase IoT Connectivity Solutions at Embedded World
Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) Silicon Labs will showcase a variety of low-power wireless connectivity solutions for smart homes, building automation, lighting, metering and other Internet of Things (IoT) applications at Embedded World 2018. Hands-on demonstrations at Silicon Labs’ Booth 4A-128 will highlight the company’s new low-power Wi-Fi portfolio, Bluetooth mesh and Bluetooth 5 software, 802.15.14 Zigbee/Thread mesh solutions, multiprotocol support for Bluetooth to sub-GHz proprietary networks, secure device-to-cloud connectivity and digital isolation technology to protect embedded systems.
Silicon Labs offers the industry’s most comprehensive wireless connectivity portfolio for the IoT in standalone and multiprotocol configurations. With 15 years of mesh networking experience and more than 100 million deployed nodes, Silicon Labs is at the forefront of bringing multiprotocol wireless solutions to market. Silicon Labs is also a leader in Bluetooth innovation, delivering ultra-small Bluetooth system-in-package (SiP) modules and SoCs that support Bluetooth LE commissioning and Bluetooth mesh connectivity.
Silicon Labs Demos at Booth 4A-128:
• Check out Silicon Labs’ new, low-power Wi-Fi technology offering a high link budget for fast data throughput and secure device-to-cloud connectivity.
• Connect to a sub-GHz network dynamically through Bluetooth LE on a smartphone and extend multiprotocol connectivity to a variety of proprietary wireless applications.
• Discover the benefits of Bluetooth mesh networking for applications like indoor positioning and see Bluetooth 5 in action with our sensor-packed Thunderboard Sense 2 demo board.
• Accelerate your 802.15.4 Zigbee/Thread mesh networking designs with Silicon Labs’ multiprotocol SoCs, development tools and reference designs.
• Discover easy-to-use cellular cloud connectivity with Silicon Labs’ EFM32 Giant Gecko MCU combined with a Digi LTE-M module.
• Learn how to protect sensitive components in embedded systems using Silicon Labs’ digital isolation technology and ultra-low-power EFM8 MCUs.
Conference Sessions:
Silicon Labs’ connectivity, security and embedded experts will deliver the following conference presentations at Embedded World (NCC Ost):
February 27
• “What Is an IoT OS?” 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Session 03: IoT I / IoT OS & Platforms
• “How Do You Select Which IoT Protocol to Use?” Noon – 12:30 p.m., Session 03: IoT I / IoT OS & Platforms
• “Security in Manufacturing: Closing the Backdoor in IoT Products,” 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Session 02: Hacking
• “Dotdot Unifies Legacy Device Networks,” 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Session 04: IoT II / IoT Solutions
• “Understanding Advanced Bluetooth Angle Estimation Techniques for Real-Time Locationing,” 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Session 09: Connectivity II Bluetooth & Energy-Harvesting
February 28
• “The IoT Requires Upgradable Security,” 11:30 a.m. – noon; Session 11 I: Securing Embedded Devices I
• “ARM Cortex-M and RTOSs Are Meant for Each Other,” 11:30 a.m. – noon, Session 13: RTOS I Basics
• “Unraveling Mesh Networking Options – Benchmarking Zigbee, Thread and Bluetooth Mesh Protocol Stacks,” noon – 12:30 p.m., Session 20: Connectivity III / 80215.4, 6Lo & Mesh
March 1
• “Debugging Live Cortex-M Based Embedded Systems,” 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Session 34: Software Engineering VII Software Debugging
PRESS RELEASE:
Industrial Internet Consortium, National Institute of Standards and Technology to Present IIoT Energy Forum in Virginia
The Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC), the world’s leading organization transforming business and society by accelerating the adoption of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), will present a one-day Forum on the impact of IIoT on the energy industry on February 9, 2018. The MITRE Corporation will host the forum in McLean, VA.
Offered in partnership with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and part of the IIC Global Event Series, this public event will showcase industrial internet technologies and IIC and NIST activities in the energy sector. It will feature experts from both the IIC and NIST and shine a spotlight on smart grids, industrial analytics, cybersecurity and standards.
“The Global Event Series is a crucial part of IIC’s industry outreach program bringing industry stakeholders and end users together,” said Wael William Diab, Chair of the IIC Global Event Series and Senior Director at Huawei. “Many industries are turning to IIoT to monitor the efficiency of their assets and the energy and utility sector is no exception.”
“IIoT-enabled assets present new vectors of vulnerability across connected systems and distributed devices in the energy and utility industry,” said Bob Martin, Senior Principal Engineer, Trust & Assurance Cyber Technologies, The MITRE Corporation. “Trustworthy IIoT will have an impact not only on cost optimization but also on energy regulations, policy and standards.”
The agenda will includes:
• Guest speakers from The Department of Energy, MITRE and NIST who will discuss requirements, gaps and opportunities for leveraging the data that is building up within and around energy systems, and how to use that data to increase production and decrease costs.
• A panel of testbed experts from Xilinx, Wipro Digital, NIST and InterDigital Communications, Inc. who will discuss emerging technologies and applications based on testbed examples, including smart grids.
• Panels on Standards & Architecture and Security, moderated by IBM and Intel respectively, both with a focus on energy.
MITRE is a secure facility and pre-registration is required. Registration for non-US citizens closes on January 24 at 5pm EST and registration for US citizens closes January 31 at 5pm EST.
PRESS RELEASE:
Lomiko Metals Inc. Announces Promethieus Launch Tied to SHD Smart Home’s Use of Blockchain Security for IoT
Lomiko Metals Inc. (“Lomiko”) (TSX-V: LMR, OTC: LMRMF, FSE: DH8C) announces details of the strategy for 25% owned Promethieus Cryptocurrency Mining Corporation (“Promethieus” or “the Company”) www.promethieus.com, a cutting-edge cryptocurrency mining company and 25% owned subsidiary SHD Smart Home Devices Corporation (“SHD Devices”) www.shddevices.com, an Internet of Things (“IoT”) Company. Promethieus has posted a downloadable PowerPoint that describes key aspects of the company under Quicklinks.
“We are focused on our objectives despite volatile markets,” stated A. Paul Gill, CEO. In a December 13, 2017 article on Yahoo Finance, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Capital Markets analysts Mitch Steves and Amit Daryanani estimated the total valuation of cryptocurrencies could reach $10 trillion from its current levels around half a trillion. However, there was no timeline for this ultimate valuation.
Lomiko’s investment in SHD Devices, an Internet of Things (“IoT”) company, has been a partner in the development of Promethieus and will be using Blockchain for security protocols. There is synergy between the two companies in the IoT industry.
Blockchain or Distributed Ledger Technology may have a similar impact upon homes and offices as the internet. Blockchain’s big advantage is that it’s public and secure. Everyone participating can see the blocks and the transactions stored in them but the content is protected by a private key. A blockchain is decentralized, so no single authority can approve transactions or set specific rules to have transactions accepted. All the participants in the network must reach a consensus to accept transactions.
The possibility of interaction between blockchain and IoT would increase the security of remote access provided by IoT applications alone. The convergence of blockchain and IoT is on the agenda for many companies and there are existing implementations, solutions and initiatives in several areas, outside of IoT and financial services. As IoT adds more and more devices to the digital fold every day, organizations of all sizes are recognizing IoT’s potential to improve business processes and, ultimately, accelerate growth. Meanwhile, the number and variety of IoT solutions has expanded exponentially, creating real security challenges. Primarily, there is a need for secure common tasks such as sensing, processing, storing information, and communicating.
PRESS RELEASE:
Borqs Technologies Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Shanghai KADI Machinery Technology Co.
Borqs Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: BRQS, the “Company”),a global leader in embedded software andproducts for the Internet of Things (IoT), announces the signing of a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to acquire 60% of Shanghai KADI Machinery Technology Co.,Ltd (“KADI”).
KADI was found in 2006 and develops embedded software and hardware for core electric control modules of electric vehicle (“EV”). KADI’s currentproducts include DCDT (boost function), OBC (charger system), BMS (battery management system) and VCU (main controls). Since its formation, KADI haspartnered with the leading automotive companies of China, including Geely Auto, TRW, Chery, Dong Feng Motors, and Shanghai Volkswagen. Thefounder of KADI, Dr. Hu Lin, is a veteran in China’s automotive industry with near 20 years of professional experience working with world-renownedentities including Volkswagen and Delphi.
KADI has been awarded a Rmb 320 million (US$48.5 million) supply contract for its core electric control modules from a key automotive contractor inChina, Shenzhen Espirit Technology Co., Ltd. The products are to be delivered between 2018 through 2020 and include all of KADI’s software imbeddedmodules of DCDT, OBC, BMS and VCU.
The Board of Directors of Borqs sees synergy between KADI’s products and Borqs’ existing automobile in- vehicle-infotainment (IVI) solutions, in terms of sales and distribution, and R&D. Borqs anticipates that the experience of Borqs’ software engineers will enhance KADI’s R&D capabilities while Borqs’supply chain management team will ensure efficient delivery of the hardware module products. The consideration proposed to be paid by Borqs for 60%of KADI involves $15 million in cash and shares distributed over three years. Borqs is contemplating a public offering of shares in the coming months to support the cash investment needs for this acquisition.
Pat Chan, the CEO of Borqs: “KADI has strong IP related to core electric control modules for electric vehicles. Our acquisition of KADI will enhance Borqs’internet-of-things solutions for automobiles and provide a comprehensive product line of IoT modules for electric vehicles. I trust that we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg for IoT products in this industry.”
Hu Lin, the Chairman and General Manager of KADI: “With rapid developments in the new electric vehicle industry in China, KADI believes the strategicinvestment from Borqs will greatly augment our overall strengths, and particularly in combination with Borqs’ existing intelligent in-vehicle-infotainment technologies, will create a real win-win scenario.”