Schneider Electric, Stratus and Avnet Integrated Join Forces to Deliver the Next Evolution of Innovation to the Network Edge Data Center at Hannover Messe 2022

Schneider Electric™, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation announced today their partnership with Stratus Technologies, a global leader in simplified, protected and autonomous edge computing platforms, and Avnet Integrated to deliver simplified, zero-touch edge computing data centers powering the next wave of industrial innovation. At Hall 11, stand C58, visitors will get a hands-on experience with the EcoStruxure™ Micro Data Centre with the Stratus ftServer. The prefabricated Micro Data Center modules are pre-engineered, and factory assembled to customer requirements by Avnet, a global technology distributor and solutions provider, who offer a one-stop shop for end customers, System Integrators (SI), and Operational Technology (OT) distributors to order a complete, integrated, turnkey solution as a single purchase.

Combining always-on fault tolerance, an uninterruptible power supply, and cybersecurity protections, the EcoStruxure Micro Data Centre with the Stratus ftServer is a powerful, quick and efficient deployment built to meet the demands of industrial applications in the era of Digital Transformation.

The EcoStruxure™ Micro Data Center is tested, validated and available with pre-loaded software, such as the AVEVA™ System Platform. It is a physically protected, single enclosure solution, solving IT and OT management as well as data latency and bandwidth issues, resulting in a 40% reduction in field engineering time, a 7% reduction in maintenance costs and a 20% increase in speed-to-market.

Rob McKernan, SVP, Secure Power Europe Region, Schneider Electric, said, “Today Industry 4.0 and the convergence of IT and OT has enabled manufacturers to reach new levels of productivity, efficiency and quality. At Schneider Electric, we share a vision with Stratus and Avnet, which we believe will help customers transform their industrial operations and reap the benefits of digitalization. The standardized solutions we have co-developed significantly reduce the complexities associated with deploying critical IT in factory environments, freeing up valuable time and increasing process efficiency for our customers.”

Data Efficiency, Reliability and Security
The Stratus ftServer’s virtualization capabilities consolidate workloads including:

• Asset performance,
• Manufacturing execution,
• On-premises historian,
• Automated material handling applications,
• Monitor, and control, all running concurrently.

The Edge Computing platform is also able to run advanced AI and machine learning applications with cybersecurity out of the box, with core software and operating systems wrapped in standard security protocols. Schneider Electric has provided further physical protection on the enclosure with locks and card readers, along with its NetBotz security and environmental monitoring capabilities.

Greg Hookings, Director of Business Development – EMEA, Stratus Technologies said, “The EcoStruxure Micro Data Center with Stratus ftServer delivers the reliability, efficiency, rugged protection, and zero-touch operation required by the automation industry. It provides the ability to transform data from critical assets, securely, whether staff are operating at the edge or remotely. Physical protection is matched with application protection and cybersecurity allowing end users, system integrators and owners to deploy computing power where it’s needed and harness the ever-growing data generated by modern automation facilities and processes at the edge.”

Brian Stack, Senior Director, Avnet Integrated EMEA, added, “We are excited to be teaming with Schneider Electric and Stratus to successfully scale global deployment of the EcoStruxure Micro Data Center featuring ftServer solution for industrial edge applications. Avnet Integrated’s global integration footprint, complemented by our complete line of business and service solutions, helps our customers optimize their capital resources, accelerate sales growth and deliver on their brand experience. This winning combination will help deliver the many outstanding capabilities and benefits of Industry 4.0 through IT and OT convergence to our customers worldwide.”

About EcoStruxure Micro Data Centre with Stratus ftServer
The EcoStruxure™ Micro Data Centre with Stratus ftServer is available in 6U, 12U or 42U rack sizes purpose-built for the rigors of industrial environments and powered by Schneider Electric Secure Power solutions. Schneider Electric’s smart, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) offers protection against electrical hazards, remote support, and “graceful” calculated shutdown. Each MDC also has integrated cooling and optional environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity, fluid, smoke) and security (door sensors and camera).

The 42U enclosure adds NEMA-12 with filters and ventilation fans and is ideal for larger deployments where additional IT gear is required, and dedicated IT space is not available.

Hannover Messe will be held May 30^th to June 2^nd 2022 at Hannover, Germany. Over 6,500 exhibitors will see close to 250,000 visitors at the show covering the full spectrum of smart and digital automation. Bridging the gap between IT and OT aligns exactly with the capabilities of the EcoStruxure Micro Data Centre with Stratus ftServer. Visit Hall 11, C58 to attend live demos or browse our solution webpage for in-depth details.