The EECC aims at saving research and development efforts by providing technology stacks for Edge Nodes based on existing, matched components to small, medium and large enterprises for the rising Edge Computing market in smart manufacturing and other Industrial IoT domains.
The Edge Computing paradigm describes an approach to execute certain services closer to devices and thereby supplements centralized Cloud Computing solutions. Amongst others, such an architecture can enhance data privacy and lower network latency. The global Edge Computing market is estimated to be worth 3 to 18 Billion EUR until 2023 and an international Edge Computing eco system that takes European particularities into account would benefit all industrial application domains.
The planned European Edge Computing Consortium (EECC) aims at supporting small, medium-sized and large enterprises in Europe and all around the world to adopt related technologies and in particular with a focus on the augmentation of Operational Technologies (OT) with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Its mission is to drive adoption of the Edge Computing paradigm within the manufacturing and other industrial markets. It will emphasize on utilizing and contributing to existing solutions, standards and initiatives to ensure that industrial needs and requirements are optimally addressed in member products.
Therefore, goals of this initiative include the specification of a Reference Architecture Model for Edge Computing (EECC RAMEC), the development of reference technology stacks (EECC Edge Nodes), the identification of gaps and recommendation of best practices by evaluating approaches within multiple scenarios (EECC Pathfinders), and the synchronization with related initiatives/standardization organizations and the promotion of the results. The consortium welcomes collaboration with more partners who are engaged in the action of digitalization verticals.
Our vision is that industrial infrastructures will be software-based, interoperable, programmable, secure and easy to use.
To contribute to this vision, our mission is to build a vendor-neutral, open, international end-to-end Edge Computing ecosystem (with a European center of gravity) by streamlining preferred standards and thereby minimizing the number of potential technology combinations.
We connect, to build an international Edge Computing network: Industry, Initiatives, Research.
We align, to get insights about, prepare for and influence future markets and technologies: Gaps and Standardization.
We build, to show readiness of reference stacks: Hardware and Software.
We disseminate, to gain recognition in specific domains: White Papers, Presentations, Forums.
We focus, to start small and the scale: DiscreteManufacturing.
Answer: This will be decided before the initiative will be founded. Current proposal includes: (1) General Assembly meeting once a year (physical) for major decisions and elections. (2) Plenary meeting every quarter (physical) for general topics, approvals, status updates from WGs. (3) Working Groups meeting every month (virtual) for WG specific topics and decisions.
Answer: The specific terms will be agreed upon before the initiative will be founded.
Answer: Not yet. However, the initiative will need funding for various activities and depends on the number of members.