It’s time to get serious about securing the Internet of Things. That’s a topic of discussion at this year’s RSA Conference in San Francisco. The emergence of the connected world and the dramatic uptick in cyberattacks are posing real challenges, and industry must do more to maintain the highest standards of security, through each stage of the product lifecycle.
Today Microsoft revealed Azure Sphere, a groundbreaking new solution for creating highly secured, internet-connected microcontroller (MCU) powered devices, and that Avnet is partnering with them as the first distributor and solutions provider.
As announced earlier today by Microsoft at the RSA Conference, Azure Sphere meets all 7 properties of a highly secured device – making it a first of its kind solution. The addition of Azure Sphere to Avnet’s robust portfolio underscores our position as a leader in the distribution of IoT security.
“As more and more of the devices we use every day connect to the internet, securing both the devices and the data they collect is paramount. Azure Sphere brings together Microsoft’s expertise in software, cloud and silicon to deliver a unique solution that provides security from the silicon to the cloud,” said Rodney Clark, Vice President IoT, Microsoft. “We are thrilled to be working with Avnet as a strategic partner and the first Azure Sphere distributor. Avnet is well positioned to collaborate with a broad set of partners and customers to bring innovative Azure Sphere solutions to market.”
There are so many ways connectivity makes our lives easier; however, designing it into a solution is complex, and may span across hundreds of devices and networks. Each of those touch points can potentially be a security risk so security for any IoT solution needs to carry throughout all the hardware and software to ensure full system security.
Microsoft chose Avnet as their lead partner for Azure Sphere based on our years of experience with security solutions, MCUs and IoT capabilities. Coupled with access to technology providers with the latest, most secure innovations at every point in the IoT technology security stack, Avnet has the capability to identify the best solution to meet each customers’ unique needs.
“Every aspect of our lives, at home and at work, is being changed by a connected world, and inherent security is vital to protecting both the devices and the related data they collect and share,” said Pete Bartolotta, Chief Transformation Officer for Avnet. “Microsoft’s new Azure Sphere ensures a safe and secure connected experience from the intelligent edge up to the cloud, with Avnet enabling broad availability of Azure Sphere, and providing the end-to-end ecosystem for seamless design, manufacturing and supply chain services that will help partners and customers bring the next generation of Internet of Things solutions to market faster.”
Avnet’s unique Azure-based IoTConnect platform, as showcased at CES2018, helps companies quickly scale into vertical markets by addressing their common IoT challenges. With this new addition of Microsoft Azure Sphere, Avnet is even better equipped to help customers solve their biggest IoT challenges – securely.
Visit Avnet.com to learn more about IoT and how Avnet is securing the connected world.
For additional information on Azure Sphere, read Microsoft’s blog post here.
