Repost, with comments: Virtual or Bare Metal Dedicated Cloud: Which Option is Right for You?

http://talkincloud.com/private-cloud/virtual-or-bare-metal-dedicated-cloud-which-option-right-you?cl=article_5?utm_source=120213&utm_medium=TLK&utm_campaign=NL&elq=~~eloqua..type--emailfield..syntax--recipientid~~&elqCampaignId=~~eloqua..type--campaign..campaignid--0..fieldname--id~~

A good article from the Talking Cloud on the differences, and unique benefits, of virtual machine-based versus "bare metal" cloud architectures.  Invensys offers both options, based on Microsoft's Azure, for there are times when a customer wants basically outsourced IT to manage their applications, and other times, customers require the additional security that an on-site hosted solution brings.  It's a matter of preference, budget, and sometimes corporate standards, that may determine or influence which design is used.

Repost, with Comments: Mobile devices continue to fuel consumer demand for increased transparency

http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Suppliers2/Mobiles-Millennials-and-IndieWomen-Supermarket-Guru-explores-what-s-big-in-2014?utm_source=copyright&utm_medium=OnSite&utm_campaign=copyright

"Mobile devices continue to fuel consumer demand for increased transparency; more convenience; and quick, easy opportunities to be social. Expect continued emphasis on technology and social media as trend-savvy, authenticity-minded Millennials start having families of their own, along with a call for healthy, convenient foods from the growing influencer segment known as IndieWomen, according to “Supermarket Guru” Phil Lempert’s top consumer trends for 2014."

I always pay attention to articles that examine the sentiments and drivers for consumer behavior.  First of all, it shows macro trends that will eventually ripple into the conservative world of industrial automation: #mobility, #cloud, #big data, #social all started with the consumer market, and made their way into industrial offerings.  Sometimes, these trends need a push--like Microsoft's Azure program, which supports commercial offerings to further their platform, or partnerships leading to products such as SmartGlance to address cloud, mobility AND big data--a trifecta as it were.

It's back: Free Seminar on the Cloud for Industry!

Back by popular demand, the half day, free seminar on the Cloud for Industry is coming to a Microsoft location near you.

Our first seminar will be held on September 18, 2013 at the Microsoft Technical Center in Mountain View, CA.  Sponsored by Wonderware Norcal, this venue is right in the center of Silicon Valley. 

The program features updates by Microsoft on Azure hosting and technology, new product offerings taking advantage of the cloud by Invensys, and a guest analyst speaker with deep roots in cloud technology.

Interested?  Register here: https://www.cvent.com/events/eye-opener-seminar-the-cloud-for-industry-proof-points/registration-4496610e816b4335a5384a2634df2e1a.aspx.  We are looking forward to meeting you, and discussing your own journey to the cloud!

Industrial Automation & Robotic Systems | April 10, 2013 | IHS GlobalSpec Events

Industrial Automation & Robotic Systems | April 10, 2013 | IHS GlobalSpec Events

I was pleased to be able to provide a view of the cloud for manufacturing through Global Spec.  Invensys has, for the past year, been actively involved in creating products for hosting on Microsoft's Azure.  This presentation is a "back to the basics" on what the cloud is, and how you, as a manufacturer, can start to take advantage of its benefits: scalability, accessibility, lowered costs of use, and enhanced security.