IT/OT combined through container technology

Container Virtualization

Container virtualization (or containering) is a method of allowing multiple instances of an operating system (as "guests") to use the kernel of a host system in isolation from each other. Unlike virtualization using a hypervisor, container virtualization has some limitations in the nature of its guests, but is considered particularly resource-efficient. - Source: [Wiki]

Application in telecontrol

The Siemens SICAM A8000 CP-8050 and CP-8031 modules from the SICAM A8000 family are not only extremely compact due to their modern system architecture, but also extremely flexible and powerful. The system offers a wide range of options for automating widely distributed processes. In terms of communication, automation functionality and redundancy, the SICAM A8000 CP-8050 is the most powerful device within the SICAM A8000 product family.

Automation, telecontrol and communication tasks can be easily combined and are fully IEC 61850 compliant. As the first system ever, the SICAM A8000 CP-8050 also allows other applications to be loaded onto the same device in addition to the classic RTU functions. This is done using the proven Docker container technology, which securely protects the applications from each other. This allows the functionality to be extended flexibly and customer-specifically without having to resort to additional hardware components. As the first system ever, the SICAM A8000 CP-8050 also allows other applications to be loaded onto the same device in addition to the classic RTU functions. This is done using the proven Docker container technology, which securely protects the applications from each other. This allows the functionality to be extended flexibly and customer-specifically without having to resort to additional hardware components. - Source: [Siemens]

The best of both worlds

Through the SIAPP functionality of the A8000 series, we can enable customers to bring various applications directly into the field. To illustrate, [Node-Red] was created as a developer tool to quickly and easily reach devices via APIs and online services to exchange data with them. We managed to put the Node-Red runtime into a SIAPP and run it on a CP-8050. Only imagination limits the possibilities here, via a weather API for example, the RTU can now take relevant environmental data to its benefit and react accordingly. Here, the proven quality of the CP-8050 in the telecontrol area and the innovative development of an open source component like Node-Red are combined.