Comprehensive device security and protection from ongoing threats for IoT applications using cellular and Wi-Fi

Zurich und Nuremberg, February 24th, 2020 – In conjunction with the global launch of Microsoft Azure Sphere, qiio – a Swiss Company, is launching an important Azure Sphere module for the security of cellular based IoT applications. The release will take place at the Microsoft event “IoT in Action” in Nuremberg. qiio will complement Azure Sphere with cellular capabilities creating the most secure cellular IoT solution on the market. The «q200 Guardian Module powered by Azure Sphere», q200 for short, is the world’s first solution specifically optimized for cellular capabilities on Microsoft’s Azure Sphere. The product is available now for purchase, with the first implementations to be expected in April.

qiio is a full-service provider of solutions for Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications based in Zurich, Switzerland. The company is committed to making client’s data streams secure, which is supplied by machine sensors bi-directionally through the cloud, ensuring that cyberattacks fail.

The q200 solution is optimized for secured IoT connections based on Microsoft’s Azure Sphere. It protects IoT devices from cyber threats and ensures that data transferred to the cloud via mobile networks is confidential, tamper-proof and authenticated. For this purpose, the q200 Guardian Module powered by Azure sphere is preconfigured with Microsoft Azure Sphere. Machines or IoT sensor data are automatically connected to the Azure Sphere Security Service via cellular and Wi-Fi connections.  With integrated cellular connectivity of over 500 service contracts globally and full-service level integration in Azure, the q200 can be deployed out-of-the-box in any country in the world. IoT data is then securely and flexibly available for further processing and analysis by qiio’s cloud-based management services for managing devices, applications and connections.

The q200 Guardian Module powered by Azure Sphere supports the cellular standards 2G, 3G and 4G, Wi-Fi connectivity and Ethernet. It comes with an integrated SIM chip with over 500 connectivity contracts. The module measures 70×35 millimeters and s certified for operation in the USA, Europe, Asia and Australia/New Zealand.

Partnership with Microsoft

Felix Adamczyk, CEO of qiio, explains the benefits for users: «Microsoft offers powerful IoT security technology and carrier-grade cloud computing resources. Our q200 Guardian Module enables us to deliver secure end-to-end IoT solutions that benefit from global cellular coverage.”

Anita Rao, Principal Program Manager Lead, Microsoft Azure Sphere, says: «Our ambition with Azure Sphere is to empower any organization to connect and create secured and trustworthy IoT devices – we believe that for innovation to deliver durable value, it must be built on a foundation of security. Innovative partners such as qiio are an important part of our mission allowing us to combine our expertise in security with their unique capabilities to best serve a diverse set of customer needs. Their q200 module and supporting services eliminates the complexity of building and managing a network of cellular enabled IoT devices, all while benefiting from Azure Sphere’s unmatched security that dynamically responds to new threats over time.”

Availability

The q200 Guardian Module powered by Azure Sphere is available now for purchase, with the first implementations to be expected in April.

Background

The number of devices connected to the Internet is in the billions and rising exponentially. Internet of Things (IoT) applications are used in every industry. The vast majority of current IoT solutions control processes in industrial applications such as production, manufacturing and energy supply. The goal of companies and organizations pursuing IoT innovation is to increase their efficiency through automated processes. The security of IT infrastructures and data is of central importance. The very same connectivity that industries are depending on to innovate exposes devices, organizations and societies to potentially devastating cybersecurity risks. Azure Sphere is Microsoft’s answer to those risks. Built upon proven device security properties, Azure Sphere delivers defense in depth security with an integrated approach that includes secured hardware, OS and cloud services. With the q200, qiio brings the power of Azure Sphere to cellular devices for the first time.

About qiio

qiio AG offers complete edge-to-cloud IoT solutions including hardware, software, global connectivity, cloud services and operations. Customers can securely connect, monitor and control through qiio IoT solutions via an online dashboard. Due to the modularity of the qiio products, qiio can even provide individual solutions within eight weeks. qiio is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.  

Notes for editors

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