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Complete and Secure IoT Device Management for Edge Devices

KontronGrid

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You are tasked with the complex challenge of securely and efficiently managing a global network of devices – and that’s exactly where the KontronGrid is designed to deliver value. IT managers, software architects, Chief Digital Officers (CDOs), product managers from component and device manufacturers, along with service and support teams in mechanical engineering, gain access to a streamlined and scalable solution for IoT device management.

KontronGrid sets high standards when it comes to security: our ISO 27001-certified development process supports your own IEC 62443 certifications. Data security is our top priority, from secure data exchange to end-to-end encryption – giving you peace of mind that your devices and data are always optimally protected.

KontronGrid streamlines the update process for edge devices while boosting the productivity of your development teams. This allows you to maintain full visibility and control of your globally distributed devices, enabling swift adaptations without losing control. KontronGrid can also unlock new revenue streams by enhancing your IoT solutions through digital services offered to your customers.

What Is KontronGrid?

KontronGrid is your all-in-one solution for IoT device management. The platform simplifies the deployment of container-based and native applications, automates fleet updates, and ensures seamless monitoring of your devices. With integrated remote support, you can efficiently manage your global device connections and always stay in control of your IoT environment.

These Companies Trust Our Reliable IoT Device Management

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Iot Device Management for Your Device Fleet with KontronGrid – Your Benefits

  • All-in-one solution for your IoT needs: Benefit from seamless integration between software and hardware. With KontronOS and matching Kontron hardware, you can accelerate time-to-market and enhance cost efficiency.
  • Get started quickly: Our plug & play solution eliminates hidden costs and unnecessary development work, enabling a fast and effective onboarding experience.
  • Maximum security with minimal effort: With our ISO 27001-certified development process and simplified access to IEC 62443 certifications, your projects are always up to date with the highest security standards.
  • Less complexity, more efficiency: Update and manage your edge devices with just a few clicks – eliminating manual tasks while maintaining a clear and comprehensive overview at all times
  • Productivity boost for developer teams: We provide the tools and infrastructure so your team can focus on what really matters.
  • Flexible and scalable: Whether you’re managing one machine or a global network, our solution scales with your needs, efficiently managing all devices worldwide down to the individual level.
  • A customer portal tailored to you: Benefit from a customized experience with individual branding, customizable user rights, and multilingual functionality.

KontronGrid Boosts Efficiency With Simple Iot Device Management And Fast Software Updates

  • "As a manufacturer of grinding, eroding and laser machines, we have set up KontronGrid and KontronOS as a platform for our customers to manage and update machines and IoT gateways. By using Docker containers, KontronGrid enables easy device management and fast software updates to quickly respond to security vulnerabilities and provide security updates. Rights management provides flexibility for different user groups. The successful migration to KontronGrid was supported by the close collaboration with Kontron AIS and the maintenance of our existing deployment using Docker container technology. KontronGrid has significantly increased the efficiency of our production processes."

    Patrick Bauer, Design & Development, VOLLMER WERKE Maschinenfabrik GmbH

IoT Device Management That Delivers Proven Value for Device and Component Manufacturers

OT Managers
  • Minimize complexity for OT teams and free up OT resources
  • 24/7 overview of globally distributed device fleet
  • Meet the highest security standards and compliance requirements
  • Enable flexible and secure remote support
Software Architects
  • Secure data exchange with comprehensive end-to-end encryption mechanisms
  • Continuous deployment during operation
  • Easily build and manage containers for scalable applications
Chief Digital Officer and Product Manager
  • Monetization opportunities through software licensing and custom application solutions
  • Increase machine turnover through digital service
  • Ensure competitiveness through accelerated product development cycles and faster time to market

IoT Device Management That Delivers Proven Value For Machine Manufacturers

Service and Support
  • Cost efficiency: Reduce hardware, installation and maintenance costs
  • Minimize travel costs: Significantly reduce the need for on-site visits
  • Efficient troubleshooting: Save time with direct and targeted problem resolution
  • In-depth support: Immediate assistance down to the device level
  • Act proactively: Perform preventive actions through predictive analysis

Application Scenarios in IoT Device Management with KontronGrid

  • World map with IoT boxes

    With KontronGrid, managing, monitoring, and operating your entire device fleet has never been easier. You’ll have a clear overview of thousands of device connections at any time – no matter where they are in the world. 

  • Graphic that explains Docker

    With KontronGrid's configurable image templates, you can update container-based applications without the need for manual intervention. Seamlessly deploy updates and test scenarios to edge devices worldwide

  • Illustration KontronGrid Remoting

    KontronGrid enables fast and secure remote access to your machines in case of service needs. With a temporary VPN connection, you can extend your support capabilities and minimize downtime.

  • Graphic that explains the components of an operating system

    Protect your Intel® x86 or Arm®-based devices with KontronOS, an operating system built on Yocto Linux, shielding them from critical vulnerabilities. Two redundant OS partitions ensure maximum availability and a secure management interface for updates and deployments.

IoT Device Management – Feature Overview

IoT Device Management made simple
  • Condition monitoring: Continuously monitor the state of all IoT devices
  • Cloud-based management: Centralized control of globally distributed edge devices in a cloud environment
  • Easy onboarding: Quickly and easily integrate new IoT devices
Efficient application management
  • Automated deployment: Efficiently manage and deploy Docker images to device fleets via command line interface (CLI)
  • Mass updates: Efficiently schedule and roll out complex updates to device fleets using templates
  • Docker Compose integration: Extensive configuration and easy orchestration of image sets
  • Customer applications: Encapsulate images in containers to enable optimized distribution or native installation of applications, supported by software sets consisting of bootloader or BIOS, operating system, and app package
Flexible remoting
  • Centralized access management: Manage desktop and remote access, including RDP and SSH
  • Set up secure remote connections for efficient support
Temporary VPN Tunneling
  • Flexible access: Direct access to machine and system networks, secure, controlled, and logged
  • Direct connection & tunneling: Simple setup of direct network connections with comprehensive monitoring and logging
  • Unlimited Teamwork: Multiple experts can access a system in parallel for efficient problem solving
Secure operating system KontronOS

A core component of the ManagedEdge IoT Bundle is the secure, Kontron hardware-optimized, Yocto Linux®-based KontronOS operating system, which comes pre-installed to ensure enhanced security and optimal performance for IoT devices and customer applications. 

  • Comprehensive security architecture: KontronOS effectively protects against compromise, unwanted external access and uncontrolled updates
  • Intuitive user interface: Simple configuration of network zones and settings,
  • Network protection: Integrated firewall enables precise definition and protection of network zones against unwanted access, as well as the separation of operating system and application
  • Advanced physical security: Additional security layer for device and user login data as well as an integrated security mechanism at BIOS level, supported by TPM 2.0 on x86 and HAB for Intel® x86 or Arm®
  • Secure Boot: Secure execution of approved and digitally signed operating systems
  • Proactive security check: Continuous CVE/CWE analysis of software components against known vulnerabilities

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FAQs About IoT Device Management with KontronGrid

What Is Edge Device Management and Why Is It Important for Your IoT Strategy?

Edge device management refers to the centralized administration and monitoring of connected devices such as machines, sensors or systems that operate directly at the data source – at the “edge” of the network. These devices collect data, control processes and prepare information. To ensure they work reliably and securely, they require regular updates, configurations and monitoring.

KontronGrid is the right platform for this. It is a comprehensive IoT device management solution that automates updates, securely monitors entire device fleets, manages containerized and native applications and enables flexible remote support. This gives you full visibility of all devices, reduces development effort and shortens time to market.

You can find more technical details and a compact overview in the KontronGrid factsheet.

How Quickly and Easily Can Effective IoT Device Management Be Introduced Across Many Devices?

Kontron provides compatible hardware that comes preinstalled with the secure Yocto Linux®–based operating system KontronOS and agents. Individual devices can be registered in KontronGrid with just a QR code or UUID. For larger fleets, zero-touch provisioning with integrated customer profiles is available – enabling hundreds of devices to be connected automatically without extensive IT effort.

How Does KontronGrid Support Software Deployment and Automation?

Once devices are registered, Docker-based or native applications can be centrally managed, configured and rolled out. Using REST APIs, CLI or Docker Compose, the platform integrates seamlessly into existing CI/CD pipelines. Templates define all relevant components, from the bootloader to application packages. This way, updates or new applications can be deployed securely at scale without manual effort.

What Remote Support and Access Options Are Available?

KontronGrid enables secure, encrypted remote access to IoT devices and the connected machine or customer network via VPN tunnel, SSH or RDP. This reduces service costs and downtime. Service teams benefit from simultaneous multi-expert access to a single device, temporary access permissions and complete activity logging. The result is fewer on-site visits and higher customer satisfaction.

What Are the Benefits of Combining Kontron Hardware, KontronOS and KontronGrid in the ManagedEdge IoT Bundle?

The ManagedEdge IoT Bundle brings together certified hardware, a secure operating system and comprehensive device management in one solution.

  • KontronGrid: Centralized management and secure orchestration of distributed fleets, compliant with ISO 27001
  • KontronOS: Security features such as Secure Boot, TPM and encrypted communication, with support for standards like IEC 62443 and NIS2
  • Kontron Hardware: A reliable foundation for a ready-to-use IoT infrastructure

With its high scalability, the ManagedEdge IoT Bundle is suitable for both small and very large device fleets. Through the web portal, devices can be managed intuitively, updates distributed automatically and user roles controlled precisely. Thanks to REST APIs, the solution integrates seamlessly into existing IT and DevOps environments while keeping initial costs low and scalability high.

Are you wondering whether to build your own solution or rely on a ready-made platform? Find guidance in our Build or Buy e-book.

How Secure Is KontronGrid in Terms of Compliance and Certifications?

Security is at the core of KontronGrid, from the cloud down to each individual device. The solution is ISO 27001 certified and supports you in meeting NIS2, CRA and IEC 62443 requirements.

  • Access: Secured with SSL authentication using device-specific keys, role-based access rights and two-factor authentication
  • Communication: Fully encrypted (TLS 1.2, AES 128), including remote connections
  • System integrity: Secure Boot, container isolation, minimal operating system configurations and automated security updates

This keeps your infrastructure resilient and compliant, even as your device fleets grow.