A patented technology separates industrial and computer systems, protecting data while allowing different functions to run on one platform.
Recently, congatec has demonstrated its aReady.COM platform with patented technology for secure communication between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) infrastructure.
The patent covers the interaction between the conga-zones hypervisor and conga-connect IoT software running on a computer-on-module (COM). The technology is designed to create data separation between the OT data acquisition side and the IT data transmission side.
The conga-zones hypervisor creates isolated system partitions. A gateway between the partitions provides separation between the OT and IT environments, preventing direct data forwarding from the IT side to the OT side and vice versa.
The technology also uses data projection to prevent external access to the OT device through the IT infrastructure, while also preventing access to the IT infrastructure through the embedded device. This allows machine, application, and communication functions to be combined on a single platform while maintaining separation between the OT and IT environments.
The patented approach is part of congatec’s aReady.COM platform, which combines application-ready embedded hardware and software building blocks. The platform supports the integration of IoT connectivity, security, virtualisation, and AI into embedded and edge computing systems.
With aReady.COM, congatec aims to help customers increase functionality on consolidated system architectures, reduce development time, and optimise total cost of ownership (TCO).
The patent also reflects congatec’s approach of extending computer-on-modules beyond their role as hardware components. Through aReady.COM, the company positions COMs as pre-integrated, application-ready system building blocks for secure and connected industrial edge applications.
“With aReady.COM, we address key challenges faced by our customers: developing market-ready systems and new digital services for new business models faster; integrating more functionality into their systems; and simultaneously reducing complexity, integration risks, and operating costs,” says Andreas Bergbauer, Manager Solution Management at congatec. “The patent shows how conga-zones and conga-connect work together within aReady.COM to provide secure data exchange as well as isolated functional domains – for example, for AI, real-time control, and user interfaces.”
