The Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) has released the latest version of the Industrial Internet Reference Architecture (IIRA), a document outlining the standards and methodology of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) design. Version 1.8 of the IIRA replaces v1.7, which was published in June 2015.
Industrial Internet Reference Architecture
Version 1.8 adds the latest IIoT advances to the IIRA, reflecting the IIC's view of the IIRA as a “living document.” Here's an overview of some of the additions:
- Several new sections,including the Layered Databus Architecture Pattern, Crosscutting Functions and Key System Characteristics, and Functional Domain and Compute Deployment Model
- A new appendix on Design Space Considerations that provides an illustrative overview of possible IIoT design parameters and constraints
- Revisions to enhance clarity, which specifically reinforce the idea that “the architecture patterns are only representative and not intended to be all inclusive”
The IIC is comprised of a range of members that include system and software architects, security experts, and business experts. Because of this diversity, the IIRA is meant to provide value across all industries that can benefit from the IIoT(and there's a lot of benefit to go around).
“It has been widely recognized that IIoT delivers value and transforms business,”said Shi-Wan Lin, cochair of the IIC Architecture Task Group. “A main challenge for many enterprises now is how to get started. The IIRA provides a framework to drive IIoT projects from a business viewpoint. This is valuable for enterprises to build IIoT systems that can deliver the expected business value.”
Along with the IIRA, the IIC also recently published a document outlining the security considerations of the IIoT called the Industrial Internet Security Framework (IISF). Together, the IIRA and IISF offer engineers and businesses cross-industry guidance in the development of their own IIoT systems.