Softing Industrial's Secure Integration Server now supports MQTT, giving manufacturers a more flexible and secure pathway to move operational data into cloud-based IoT applications.
The gap between factory floor equipment and enterprise cloud systems has long been a headache for engineers tasked with making industrial data actually usable. Softing Industrial is addressing this challenge head-on with the latest release of its Secure Integration Server (SIS), version 1.30, which adds native support for the MQTT protocol alongside its existing OPC UA capabilities.
For those unfamiliar, the SIS acts as a bridge in complex server architectures. It consolidates multiple OPC UA servers at the automation level, mapping their address spaces into a standardized interface that IoT cloud applications can consume without needing to understand the intricacies of each individual device. Think of it as a translator that takes dozens of different machine languages and converts them into one clean, consistent data feed.
The addition of MQTT support, covering both versions 3 and 5 of the protocol, significantly broadens how that data can be moved and consumed. MQTT has become a de facto standard in IoT deployments because of its lightweight footprint and ability to handle unreliable network connections, which are common realities in industrial environments.
The implementation brings several practical capabilities that matter in real-world deployments. Bi-directional communication through MQTT publisher and subscriber functionality allows for efficient two-way data traffic, meaning systems can both send telemetry data and receive configuration or control commands through the same connection framework.
Security has clearly been a priority in the design. The SIS supports multiple MQTT authentication methods, including anonymous access, username credentials, and certificate-based verification. This range of options lets engineers match their security posture to the specific risk profile of each deployment, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Data integrity is addressed through a Store and Forward function that buffers data during network interruptions, preventing the kind of information loss that can undermine analytics and reporting downstream. Flexible publishing modes and a Dynamic Payload feature give engineers control over how data is packaged and transmitted, accommodating the varied requirements of different cloud platforms and analytics tools.
Scalability is baked in as well. The server supports up to 25 concurrent MQTT connections, which should be sufficient for most mid-sized deployments while providing a clear migration path as operations expand.
Product Manager Andreas Röck framed the update as part of a broader strategy. "The integration of the MQTT protocol into our Secure Integration Server underlines our commitment to advanced solutions in industrial data integration. The enhanced security and connectivity features open up new possibilities for efficient and reliable data transmission for our customers."
The timing is relevant. As more manufacturers pursue digital transformation initiatives, the demand for reliable, secure bridges between operational technology and information technology continues to accelerate. Solutions that combine established standards like OPC UA with lightweight messaging protocols like MQTT are well positioned to meet that demand.
Further information and details on the new features of the Secure Integration Server can be found on the website.
About Softing Industrial
Softing connects disparate automation components to feed data from the shop floor to the cloud for control and analytics. The company's products enable the monitoring and diagnosis of communication networks and thus ensure a reliable data flow. In this way, they create the basis for the optimization of production processes. For more information: https://industrial.softing.com
Softing Industrial Automation GmbH
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Phone: +49 (89) 456 56-365
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