IBM and Cisco take IoT insights to the edge of the network

IBM and Cisco have joined forces to offer customers an integrated IoT analytics solution to the edge of the network, making it possible to analyse data generated in remote locations.

The platform combines IBM's Watson IoT with edge analytics from Cisco, supported by Bell Canada's data service to ensure industries that operate without a stable connection, such as oil rigs, are able to analyse the data generated by IoT devices.

"The way we experience and interact with the physical world is being transformed by the power of cloud computing and the Internet of Things," said Harriet Green, General Manager, IBM Watson IoT, Commerce & Education.

"For an oil rig in a remote location or a factory where critical decisions have to be taken immediately, uploading all data to the cloud is not always the best option. By coming together, IBM and Cisco are taking these powerful IoT technologies the last mile, extending Watson IoT from the cloud to the edge of computer networks, helping to make these strong analytics capabilities available virtually everywhere, always."

The solution could come in useful for monitoring the use of health wearables on employees working remotely, or the productivity of a particular factory situated in an area not covered by solid cloud-based infrastructure. Should machinery break down, the company is able to assess the situation and react faster than if it could if it had to rely on an unstable connection.

"Together, Cisco and IBM are positioned to help organisations make real-time informed decisions based on business-critical data that was often previously undetected and overlooked," said Mala Anand, senior vice president of the Cisco Data & Analytics Platforms Group.

"With the vast amount of data being created at the edge of the network, using existing Cisco infrastructure to perform streaming analytics is the perfect way to cost-effectively obtain real-time insights. Our powerful technology provides customers with the flexibility to combine this edge processing with the cognitive computing power of the IBM Watson IoT Platform."

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.