Hybrid Edge Computing

Even with a strong network infrastructure, the sheer amount of data created, for example by the increasing number of IoT devices found in companies today, sets limits to the external processing of data. This is particularly true for SMEs, as their processes increasingly rely on generating value from processed data: be it in their production processes, quality assurance, research and development, customer service, contract management and so on. However, a local IT infrastructure generally has limited computing power. Or otherwise becomes overwhelmingly expensive. So, the connection to cloud-based services is an attractive option. With a hybrid cloud-connected edge IT solution, the benefits of both can be combined: the relevant data are pre-processed locally and then sent to the cloud for deeper analysis. Here, a larger amount of computing resources can be allocated in a short period of time that would not be available with local infrastructure only. 

Guaranteed data protection

The selective data handling approach is also crucial when it comes to data protection and data security. Sensitive data can remain and be processed locally on an edge IT platform. The same goes for customer information falling under GDPR legislation in Europe. Here, companies avoid storing such data with cloud solution providers that use servers outside the European Union, as this may entail legal issues, or make processes more complicated. 

No data lost in the event of a disaster

An automated data and backup management by a hybrid edge IT solution ensures that data are regularly and reliably secured. So data is never lost in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, a fire or flood. 

Particularly SMEs suffer from limited IT personnel, aggravated by the current skilled labour shortage in IT. They need proper working IT systems that support them in their daily business in order to maintain their competitiveness. IT needs to stay cost-effective and remain both flexible and scalable. Software requirements in a company may change within a matter of weeks or data storage and computing power requirements can fluctuate depending on workflows, seasonal business effects, order volumes, and so on. As every company has its own specific requirements, SMEs need to find the right partner, who reliably takes care of these requirements, deploys the ideal setup and relieves SMEs. 

With its all-in-one platform Workplace Hub together with its Marketplace, Konica Minolta offers you the optimal hybrid edge IT platform. It brings together the IT infrastructure needs of your business with the access to software and services you require with a simple and transparent management tool. Konica Minolta tailor Workplace Hub to your needs, adapting it to your specific requirements. The solutions implemented in Workplace Hub extend the on-premise functionalities to the cloud, processing specific data externally if required.  

Based on a thorough analysis you receive a clear recommendation. We evaluate your existing network infrastructure, bandwidth, data usage and access requirements to deliver the best-fitting set-up for your individual situation. Whatever the choice might be - data are stored either on premise or on our highly secured servers in Europe in order to ensure GDPR compliance at all times. 

With regard to security, Workplace Hub also has a high level of built-in data security. Thanks to a partnership with Sophos, our security services include the XG-Firewall.  

It is also a gateway to and access point for a wide range of IT services that Konica Minolta can manage for its customers – be it their IT security, automated backup management or application monitoring –  all supported via Konica Minoltas Help Desk if assistance is required. This ensures smooth operation of IT systems and helps to quickly resolve issues that arise, while at the same time freeing up internal IT experts from such arduous and repetitive tasks. 

As Marketplace is an integral part of Workplace Hub, the internal IT team has a powerful platform for managing and easily implementing new applications. Konica Minolta ensures the compatibility of these solutions with the system as well as regular updates. Licences are also managed via Marketplace, providing an up-to-date overview at all times and control over access and costs. To deliver the cost efficiency and flexibility SMEs need, Konica Minolta only charges for services, capacities and applications actually used.