Renesas New Platform Could Speed Embedded Development

Renesas Electronics this week rolled out the first components for a new platform that promises to simplify embedded product development.

Known as Synergy, the platform could be the most concerted effort yet by a supplier to integrate all the disparate pieces of hardware and software that make up an embedded system. Incorporating a real-time operating system (RTOS), TCP/IP stack and middleware along with each microcontroller (MCU), Synergy is said to be aimed at product developers whose expertise may not lie in the software arena. “It’s exactly targeted at those people who don’t have a lot of development resources in house,” Vin D’Agostino, vice president of the General Purpose Products Unit at Renesas, told Design News.

During the platform’s development, Renesas partnered with 11 software companies with expertise in wireless, middleware, security, embedded boards and cloud-based services. Partners included Express Logic Inc., Future Designs Inc., Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc., IS2T, Icon Labs and GainSpan, among others. It also partnered with ten independent design houses that are now trained in Synergy.

Skkynet Partners with Renesas in Verified Software Add-on (VSA) Program

Skkynet’s SkkyHub™ expands capabilities of Renesas Synergy™ Platform by providing secure, end-to-end IoT connectivity.

Mississauga, Ontario, October 13, 2015 – Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (“Skkynet” or “the Company”) (OTCQB:SKKY), a global leader in real-time cloud information systems, has become a partner in the Renesas Synergy Verified Software Add-on (VSA) Program, enabling real-time connectivity between Renesas Synergy’s embedded development system and Skkynet’s SkkyHub™ secure Internet of Things (IoT) service. As a VSA partner, Skkynet’s SkkyHub will be fully verified by Renesas as compatible with current and future releases of the Synergy Software Package (SSP), an integral part of the Renesas Synergy Platform. Seamless integration with SkkyHub is expected to reduce barriers to entry into the IoT for industrial and embedded developers using the Renesas Synergy Platform.

“The ability to connect to SkkyHub will put Renesas Synergy Platform users immediately onto the Industrial IoT,” said Paul Thomas, President of Skkynet. “Our comprehensive, end-to-end service lets developers, engineers, and end-users securely connect to industrial systems using standard protocols, with no open firewall ports and no VPN. By leveraging secure-by-design technology, Renesas Synergy users will be able to start exchanging data with other embedded devices, OPC servers and clients, Modbus devices, Excel spreadsheets, ODBC databases and web browsers, right from day one.”

Understanding that time to market is a critical factor in the success of any IoT device, Renesas introduced the Renesas Synergy Platform earlier this year, which is an integration of qualified software, scalable microcontrollers (MCUs), hardware solutions and tools designed to reduce development time, lower the total cost of ownership, and eliminate obstacles that engineers face when developing products for the IoT. The Renesas Synergy VSA Program was launched as a way to broaden the value of the Synergy Platform and give customers access to specialized software like SkkyHub that is already verified as compatible with the Synergy Software Package and solutions.

“The IoT will enable new business models that require innovative applications. We created the Synergy VSA Program as a way to make sure customers have access to specialized software they’ll need to take their IoT designs from concept to production quickly and efficiently. We take the integration guesswork away because all VSA software is verified by Renesas to be compatible with the Synergy SSP,” said Mark Rootz, Marketing Director with the IoT Business Unit, Renesas Electronics. “Our VSA partners will also benefit from the program as it will allow them to access the large customer base of the global leader in MCUs.”

In addition to connecting to SkkyHub, Skkynet’s Verified Software Add-on (VSA) will also let users of the Renesas Synergy Platform immediately integrate with virtually any new or existing industrial system, by connecting seamlessly to the Cogent DataHub®. This leading industrial middleware product supports local network applications and industrial protocols such as OPC, DDE, ODBC, TCP and Modbus. Out-of-the-box connectivity to both the Cogent DataHub and SkkyHub provides Renesas Synergy users a complete, end-to-end connectivity solution, protecting their investments in existing equipment while ensuring an open path to the Industrial IoT right now, or in the future.

About Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc.

Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (OTCQB:SKKY) is a global leader in real-time cloud information systems. Skkynet Connected Systems include the award-winning SkkyHub™ service that collects, processes, and distributes real-time information over networks, locally and remotely, as well as DataHub® and WebView™ proven middleware products that enable real-time data integration and distribution for industrial, embedded, and financial systems. These services and products allow data-intensive organizations to safely and securely manage, supervise, and control industrial processes, embedded devices, and financial information systems, with no programming required. Customers include Microsoft, Siemens, ABB, Honeywell, IBM, GE, Statoil, Goodyear, BASF, Cadbury Chocolate, and the Bank of Canada. For more information, see http://skkynet.com.

Safe Harbor:

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, and results of new business opportunities. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, such as the inherent uncertainties associated with new business opportunities and development stage companies. We assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Investors should refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Skkynet Teams with Red Lion Controls to Expand Secure IIoT Services

Virtually any device can be securely linked using Skkynet’s SkkyHub service and Red Lion’s IndustrialPro routers and Data Station Plus modular controllers.

Mississauga, Ontario, September 29, 2015 – Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (“Skkynet” or “the Company”) (OTCQB:SKKY), a global leader in real-time cloud information systems, announces a new collaboration with Red Lion Controls that provides industrial automation engineers and managers with highly secure, real-time communication that seamlessly integrates with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The collaboration employs Skkynet’s Embedded Toolkit (ETK) in combination with Red Lion’s Sixnet® series IndustrialPro® cellular routers and Data Station Plus protocol converters. Together, the system supports over 300 industrial protocols to link devices to Skkynet’s SkkyHub™ for secure, bidirectional, real-time communication.

“There are a number of major hurdles to becoming IIoT-ready, most importantly security and multi-protocol communication,” said Paul Thomas, President of Skkynet. “A primary objective of this collaboration was to integrate our ETK on Red Lion’s IndustrialPro cellular routers, thereby providing secure connectivity to SkkyHub, with no open firewall ports, VPN or programming required. The end result is secure, real-time monitoring, control, networking, and big data collection at a far lower total cost of ownership (TCO).”

“Becoming IIoT-ready can be a daunting task for many organizations with legacy devices that do not speak the same language,” said Brian Rosema, director of IIoT strategy for Red Lion Controls. “With support for more than 300 industrial protocols, our Data Station Plus protocol converters and rugged cellular routers work in tandem with SkkyHub to connect devices, thereby improving process visibility and pushing control to the edge. The result is a robust, fully integrated IIoT solution that connects virtually any device to any other device or user.”

Skkynet’s SkkyHub service provides secure, end-to-end bidirectional connectivity between the Sixnet IndustrialPro series routers and end users at all levels, from operators and plant engineers to managers, analysts, and customers. The service is capable of handling over 50,000 data changes per second per client, at speeds just a few milliseconds over Internet latency. Secure by design, it requires no VPN, no open firewall ports, no special programming, and no additional hardware.

About Red Lion Controls

As the global experts in communication, monitoring and control for industrial automation and networking, Red Lion Controls has been delivering innovative solutions to customers for over forty years. Our automation, Ethernet and cellular M2M technology enables companies worldwide to gain real-time data visibility that drives productivity. Product brands include Red Lion, N-Tron and Sixnet. With headquarters in York, Pennsylvania, the company has offices across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Red Lion is part of Spectris plc, the productivity-enhancing instrumentation and controls company. For more information, please visit www.redlion.net.

About Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc.

Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (OTCQB:SKKY) is a global leader in real-time cloud information systems. The Skkynet Connected Systems platform includes the award-winning SkkyHub™ service, DataHub®, WebView™, and embedded toolkit software. The platform enables real-time data connectivity for industrial, embedded, and financial systems, with no programming required. Skkynet’s platform is uniquely positioned for the “Internet of Things” and “Industry 4.0” because unlike the traditional approach for networked systems, SkkyHub is secure-by-design. Customers include Microsoft, Siemens, Metso, ABB, Honeywell, IBM, GE, Statoil, Goodyear, BASF, Cadbury Chocolate, and the Bank of Canada. For more information, see http://skkynet.com.

Safe Harbor:

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, and results of new business opportunities. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, such as the inherent uncertainties associated with new business opportunities and development stage companies. We assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Investors should refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Republished by Red Lion here.

Secure Remote Monitoring and Supervisory Control

New technologies such as Software as a Service, the Internet of Things and cloud computing for industrial process temperature bring new challenges, but there are solutions.

Interest in using cloud computing — also known as Software as a Service (SaaS) — to provide remote access to industrial systems continues to rise. Vendors and company personnel alike point to potential productivity improvements and cost savings as well as convenience. Operators and plant engineers may want to receive alarms and adjust heating controls while moving around the plant. Managers would like to see production data in real time — not just in end-of-shift or daily reports. Hardware vendors could benefit from getting live readings from their installed equipment for maintenance and troubleshooting operations.

Some industrial processors are attempting to provide this kind of window into their production systems. Yet, many question the wisdom of opening up a plant’s mission-critical control network to the possibility of malicious attack or even misguided errors. With a proper understanding of what is at stake, what is being proposed and how it can best be implemented, you can better decide whether remote access to your production data could benefit your company.

Security First for Industrial Networks

When talking about remote access to plant data, the first concern is security. Any approach that exposes the control system to unauthorized entry should be off the table. One popular approach is to secure the network against any potential intruders and open it only to trusted parties. Connections into the plant typically originate from smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers. These systems usually are running a human-machine interface (HMI), remote desktop application, database browser or other proprietary connector.

In most cases, the plant engineering staff or IT department can grant client access to the network via a virtual private network (VPN), so authorized users can get the data they need. However, a typical VPN connection provides link-layer integration between network participants. This means that once on a network, an outsider has access to all other systems on the network. Thus, the company must either fully trust each person who comes is granted access to the network, or the company must task the IT manager with securing and protecting the resources within the network.

It would be unwise to risk giving visitors full access to everything that a VPN exposes. Using a VPN this way is a little like having a visitor come into your plant. Suppose a service technician arrives at the gate saying he needs to check a piece of equipment. You could just tell the guard to check his credentials, and if he checks out, give him a hardhat, directions and send him in. That is the limited-security approach. A better way would be to provide a guide to ensure that the technician finds his destination, does his work and leaves with only the information he came to get. It takes more effort and planning, but if you are going to allow someone to enter the premises, such effort is necessary to ensure security.

Better than VPN

An even better approach is to only allow access to the data itself. Consider this: the user of the data — be it vendor, customer or even corporate manager — does not need access to the whole network. Instead, they just need the data. So, rather than allowing a client to log on via a VPN connection while the IT manager works to secure confidential areas of the network from the inside, wouldn’t it be better to provide access to the data outside of the network altogether?

To continue our analogy, this would be like the guard handing the service technician exactly the data he need he arrived at the gate. There is no need to open the gate and no need to let him into the plant. In fact, the service company, vendor or other authorized party could request the data be sent to their own location, so they do not even have to go to the plant in the first place. This approach to remote monitoring is far more secure.

Is such a scenario realistic? Yes, if you use the right technology in the right way. For example, WebSocket is a protocol that supports communication over TCP, similar to HTML. But unlike HTML, once a WebSocket connection is established, client and server can exchange data indefinitely. The protocol also supports SSL encryption, a well-tested security protocol. Thus, WebSocket technology can be used to open and maintain a secure data tunnel over TCP from a plant to a cloud server without opening any ports in any firewalls. Once the tunnel connection is established, data can flow bi-directionally.

Isolating the Industrial Process Data

Such a data-centric approach to remote monitoring and supervisory control has several benefits. One key advantage is that the process can run in complete isolation from the remote client. Low-level control — and, in fact, all systems within the plant — remain completely invisible to the remote clients. The only point of contact for the remote client is the selected data set being streamed from the plant, and that data resides in the cloud.

While nobody seriously imagines making low-level control changes over a cloud connection, a solution based on WebSocket technology could allow both read-only and read/write client connections for those applications where remote changes are deemed acceptable. Authorized personnel then would have the ability to effect change in plant processes for diagnostic or maintenance purposes via a secure connection. This approach would not require any open firewall ports, so the plant remains invisible to the Internet.

Regardless of the intended use of the data, a correctly provisioned WebSocket connection to the cloud provides the process isolation needed to provide access to data without jeopardizing your in-plant systems.

Any Data Protocols

Another advantage to this approach is that it can be protocol-agnostic. Ideally, the system would carry only the raw data over TCP in a simple format: name, value and timestamp for each change in value. The connector would convert the plant protocol, such as OPC or Modbus, to a simple data feed to the cloud. Requiring a minimum of bandwidth and system resources, the data would flow in real time to all registered clients.

Each client, in turn, can convert the data into whatever format is most convenient and appropriate for their application. Options include spreadsheets, databases, web pages or custom programs.

Better yet, this approach to remote monitoring is not necessarily limited to in-plant connections. Custom-developed WebSocket connectors small enough to fit on embedded devices such as temperature sensors or flowmeters could be placed at remote locations any distance from the plant. Then, by wired or cellular connections to the Internet, the devices would connect directly to the cloud via WebSocket tunnels, without going through the traditional SCADA system, if need be. Such high-performance connectivity would support secure, real-time M2M communications and meet essential requirements of the industrial Internet of Things (IoT).

Changes and Challenges

However you look at it, change is on the horizon for industrial process control systems. The current state of the art for networked control systems was made possible by dramatic technical breakthroughs in the 80s and 90s. Many industry experts say that we are now on the verge of similar breakthroughs in remote monitoring and supervisory control. Whether they call it cloud computing, Software as a Service (SaaS), Industry 4.0 or the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), most will agree that the biggest challenge right now is security.

New technology provides new capabilities, and it also presents new demands that may challenge our way of thinking. Accessing data from a plant or remote sensor halfway across the world needs a different approach to security than our current models were designed for. Yet, there is no need to remain attached to the status quo if it does not truly meet the needs. These are engineering problems, and there are engineering solutions.

Bob McIlvride is the director of communications with Skkynet Cloud Systems Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Skkynet provides secure cloud-service remote monitoring services and can be reached at 888-628-2028 or visit the website at http://skkynet.com.

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Skkynet and BellChild Launch iBRESS Secure Micro Cloud Service

BellChild’s iBRESS real-time remote monitoring service for Japan’s industrial sector uses Skkynet’s secure data communication technology.

Mississauga, Ontario, June 15, 2015 – Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (“Skkynet” or “the Company”) (OTCQB:SKKY), a global leader in real-time cloud information systems, announces jointly with BellChild Ltd. of Osaka, Japan, the launch of the iBRESS™ Secure Cloud Micro Service. A partnership agreement between Skkynet and BellChild allows BellChild to offer real-time connectivity to remote monitoring systems within their proven BEAM™ cloud services environment without programming, as well as provide flexible data connectivity and a variety of data process solutions.

“This new service is the result of months of successful collaboration,” said Paul Thomas, President of Skkynet. “BellChild is deeply committed to providing robust, secure data communications services, and the iBRESS Secure Cloud Micro Service leverages that expertise with Skkynet’s secure data communication platform.”

“The iBRESS Secure Cloud Micro Service combines Skkynet’s real-time data-handling capabilities for industrial systems with our BEAM™ (BellChild Express ASP Maker) platform for financial applications,” said Mr. Yoshikuni Fujita, President of BellChild. “The resulting system is secure, robust and flexible enough to support industrial cloud-based systems.”

The iBRESS Secure Micro Cloud Service can transmit mission-critical sensor data over a public cloud in real time, while conforming with or exceeding the most stringent security requirements in the industry. It can meet the individual needs of a wide range of corporate users, and provide flexible solutions for individuals and groups of clients in the financial or industrial sectors.

iBRESS is the outcome of a joint effort of the ThunderCloud™ Alliance, established in December, 2013 by TOA Musendenki, Nissin Systems, BellChild, NiC, KOBATA Gauge, and Skkynet, with a focus on providing sensor-to-cloud data connectivity in real time. Skkynet will continue to collaborate with BellChild and other ThunderCloud Alliance partners to add new services to iBRESS, as well as other projects.

About BellChild Ltd.

BellChild is a system integration company focusing on secure system development, robust infrastructure development, and advanced operations capabilities. BellChild’s BEAM platform provides highly secure cloud services for the financial sector. The company develops and maintains secure servers used to support high-speed financial transactions, which also can be used to provide a robust and secure platform to support industrial cloud-based systems. http://www.bell-c.co.jp/

About Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc.:

Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (OTCQB:SKKY) is a global leader in real-time cloud information systems. The Skkynet Connected Systems platform includes the award-winning SkkyHub™ service, DataHub®, WebView™, and embedded toolkit software. The platform enables real-time data connectivity for industrial, embedded, and financial systems, with no programming required. Skkynet’s platform is uniquely positioned for the “Internet of Things” and “Industry 4.0” because unlike the traditional approach for networked systems, SkkyHub is secure-by-design. Customers include Microsoft, Siemens, Metso, ABB, Honeywell, IBM, GE, Statoil, Goodyear, BASF, Cadbury Chocolate, and the Bank of Canada. For more information, see http://skkynet.com.

Safe Harbor:

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, and results of new business opportunities. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, such as the inherent uncertainties associated with new business opportunities and development stage companies. We assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Investors should refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Skkynet Software Now Available on NetComm Wireless 3G Routers

Skkynet’s Embedded Toolkit enables any device connected to a NetComm Wireless NTC-6200 3G M2M router to be linked to SkkyHub™.

Mississauga, Ontario, April 29, 2015 – Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (“Skkynet” or “the Company”) (OTCQB:SKKY), a global leader in real-time cloud information systems, announces that through collaboration with NetComm Wireless, Skkynet’s Embedded Toolkit (ETK) is now available for installation on NetComm’s NTC-6200 series of gateways for wireless M2M connectivity, enabling industrial automation engineers and managers to establish secure, real-time connections between remote devices and existing control systems, using Skkynet’s SkkyHub™ service.

“Combining NetComm’s NTC-6200 platform with Skkynet’s SkkyHub Service means remote devices in virtually any location can now connect directly and securely to the cloud, enabling real-time monitoring, control, networking, and big data collection at a far lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than previously thought possible,” said Paul Thomas, President of Skkynet. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with NetComm Wireless to provide their customers and ours with this high-value solution.”

The NTC-6200 series of wireless routers connects to worldwide 3G networks at speeds of up to 14.4Mbps. With no dependence on a landline, they can be deployed in any location to allow remote access, monitoring and control of connected devices. Featuring Ethernet, serial (RS232/422/485), USB 2.0 and Modbus TCP connectivity, the NTC-6200 series can interface with a diverse range of equipment used in a wide variety of vertical applications. Optional features include PoE (Power over Ethernet), Zigbee support, a built-in GPS, and 3 multipurpose I/O ports.

SkkyHub provides secure, end-to-end bidirectional connectivity between the NTC-6200 series routers and end users at all levels, from operators and plant engineers to managers, analysts, and customers. The service is capable of handling over 50,000 data changes per second per client, at speeds just a few milliseconds over Internet latency. Secure by design, it requires no VPN, no open firewall ports, no special programming, and no additional hardware.

The SkkyHub service will be demonstrated at the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) Annual Executive Conference in Washington DC, April 29 – May 2. The end-to-end solution offered by connecting NTC-6200 routers to SkkyHub addresses in a practical way many of the key questions to be raised in the conference agenda regarding innovation and improvement on the state of the art for industrial automation.

About NetComm Wireless

NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) is a leading developer of innovative broadband products sold globally to telecommunications carriers, core network providers and system integrators. For over 32 years NetComm has developed a portfolio of world first data communication products, and is a respected global provider of 3G and 4G wireless devices servicing the major telecommunications carrier, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Rural Broadband markets. NetComm’s products are designed to meet the growing needs of today’s diverse home, business and industrial broadband applications and designed to optimise the performance of global network advancements. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, NetComm has offices in the US, Canada, UK, New Zealand, Middle East and Japan. For more information, see http://www.netcommwireless.com.

About Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc.:

Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (OTCQB:SKKY) is a global leader in real-time cloud information systems. The Skkynet Connected Systems platform includes the award-winning SkkyHub™ service, DataHub®, WebView™, and embedded toolkit software. The platform enables real-time data connectivity for industrial, embedded, and financial systems, with no programming required. Skkynet’s platform is uniquely positioned for the “Internet of Things” and “Industry 4.0” because unlike the traditional approach for networked systems, SkkyHub is secure-by-design. Customers include Microsoft, Siemens, Metso, ABB, Honeywell, IBM, GE, Statoil, Goodyear, BASF, Cadbury Chocolate, and the Bank of Canada. For more information, see http://skkynet.com.

Safe Harbor:

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, and results of new business opportunities. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, such as the inherent uncertainties associated with new business opportunities and development stage companies. We assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Investors should refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.