As we travel around the globe, talking to customers, partners and investors, we’re frequently asked, “What is Lantronix’ role in “Cloud Computing?” Lantronix indeed plays an important role, but before we get to that, a little background.

Of course, Cloud Computing is the term coined to describe the fast-growing trend of on-demand, Internet-based computing. Individuals and companies are attracted to Cloud Computing because it provides low-cost, easy access to the latest applications, powerful processing and vast storage capability. Rather than the ongoing investment in hardware and software needed to run applications in the home or in the office, people can now log onto the Internet via Web browser and have a world of computing power at their fingertips.  Hmm…did I mention lots and lots of capability at a really low-cost?

Our role in Cloud Computing is two-fold – and in both instances, occurs at the moment machine-to-machine (“M2M”) information passes into or out of the Internet, aka “the cloud.”

The first aspect of our role is that our products seamlessly enable other products to both produce and consume cloud services. We are the smooth riding, high-speed bridge to and from the Internet. The obvious case is when our products inject information into the cloud and then that information serves as the grist for other processes.  An example could be our device sending the information into the cloud that there is a fire or an intruder at an office building.  The less obvious case is a cloud-to-device scenario.  In this case, information from the cloud is sent to devices to perform some function, i.e. “data push.” An example could be the cloud telling our device to activate the sprinkler and video surveillance system, flatten the thief’s tires and send email messages to the police and fire departments. OK, maybe not the tire part. But as it relates to Cloud Computing, this is one aspect of what we do.

That’s the good news and the fun stuff. The not-so-fun-fact is that the growth in Cloud Computing has attracted the usual assortment of hackers and ne’er-do-wells who would like to get access to our information for their own nefarious purposes. Consequently, the second aspect of our role is ensuring the safety, security, and integrity of the information as it crosses the bridge into or out of the Internet. We have long been known for the bulletproof security of our internal and external device servers. For example, a glucose monitor with just an RS-232 port has no notion of security. It is a veritable “babe in the woods.” On the other hand, with no other changes, a glucose monitor connected to the Internet via any of Lantronix’ device servers gets world class access control and auditing capability. In other words, it gets our bulletproof security protection. To help customers add this level of security, our engineering team made our device servers platform and operating system-agnostic.

Taking our traditional strength one step further, our ManageLinx solution allows customers to access any piece of equipment with our VIP Access software agent installed on it from anywhere in the world, even behind firewalls! The benefits of this capability are obviously   greatly reduced travel, lower costs and increased equipment uptime, to name but a few.  However, with powerful capability also comes powerful responsibility.  So, just as obvious as the benefits of ManageLinx is the need for its built-in, bulletproof security.

(Of course there are a number of other aspects to protecting the safety and security of information during Cloud Computing. Many of these are the responsibility of other players in the Cloud Computing arena and are related to the hosting company. They revolve around things like exception monitoring systems, staff access, auditing policies and procedures, access of third party partners, etc.)

In a nutshell, that’s our role in Cloud Computing. Beyond the explanation, though, this goes to the essence of what we do and what our customers expect from us.