Big Data and the Internet of Things invariably generate huge amounts of data. For example, in the industry sector, sensors often determine to the millisecond the up-to-date status of systems and objects, generating data that must be processed and stored. The mere gathering of information is not enough; it must also comprehensively analyzed in a targeted manner. This process should involve as much detailed information as possible to generate usable results that can be processed further. Limiting the amount of data or data protection principles could mean the loss of valuable data for companies.
When organizing their data, companies should first determine which data is highly sensitive and in need of protection and then create the corresponding security levels. In today’s era of Big Data, the reputation of a company depends more than ever on the trust of customers when it comes to handling their sensitive data. To ensure optimal data security coupled with flexibility, for example a hybrid cloud can be used in which critical data is stored in the in-house data center and other data stored within the private or public cloud.
In addition to the storage location, the transmission paths must also be taken into consideration. In particular, when it comes to the Internet of Things, the network structures must offer the required capacity and utilize safety mechanisms in real time. To facilitate this process, data can be analyzed in the end device or in interim storage areas of the central control solutions.
Security is a central topic for production lines in particular, as any production delay means a loss of revenue and orders. Accordingly, manufacturers must precisely define who is allowed access to which systems. White lists that only allow predetermined applications and configurations offer convenient tool for this. In addition, fully encrypted SSL infrastructures with end-to-end encryption should be used.
The application of Internet of Things solutions usually also requires adjustment of the software processes and workflows. For example, flexible and scalable capacities must be available at all times to react quickly to market changes.
This large host of requirements often exceeds the capacities of medium-sized businesses. They can, however, utilize the services of external consultants and service providers with extensive expertise in the area of IoT. Such IT service providers offer applications and infrastructures at their data centers or in the cloud for the quick and cost effective implementation of suitable solutions.
Data centric services consistently focus on company data – including collection, availability, evaluation, and analysis. They assist manufacturers in introducing and applying IoT solutions. Providers, for example, offer co-location, system stability, mirrored data centers, connectivity solutions, or any combination of these services at their own high-security data centers. These infrastructures can be additionally combined with private and public cloud storage without the need for data migration.
With the help of contemporary solutions for data centers and cloud storage, medium sized businesses can benefit from the comprehensive networking and analysis of large data volumes without having to make major investments. After all, efficient data management is the key prerequisite for the Internet of Things.