Complete and Secure IoT Device Management for Edge Devices
KontronGrid
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.
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
- 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
- Secure data exchange with comprehensive end-to-end encryption mechanisms
- Continuous deployment during operation
- Easily build and manage containers for scalable applications
- 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
- 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
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.
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
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.
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
- 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
- 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: Containerized images for easy distribution or native installation. Supported by software sets including bootloader/BIOS, operating system, and app packages.
- REST APIs: Standardized interfaces for secure integration into CI/CD pipelines, customer portals, and orchestration tools. Enable automation, governance, and seamless management of devices, services, and containers.
- Centralized access management: Manage desktop and remote access, including RDP and SSH
- Set up secure remote connections for efficient support
- 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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.