Phoenix Contact launches Technology Alliance Program (TAP)
Phoenix Contact USA launched its Technology Alliance Program (TAP) on Jan. 28 to expands the capabilities of its EP Raptor industrial network switches and its broader computing ecosystem with validated, interoperable third-party applications.
In the program’s first wave, Phoenix Contact has formed partnerships with:
- CyVault supplies OT/ICS cyber-defense solutions.
- EmberOT helps visualize cyber-threats and safeguards systems.
- Industrial Defender provides OT asset management and compliance automation.
- JPEmbedded delivers communication and cybersecurity solutions for power systems and industrial networks.
- PCItek supplies integration consulting, solutions and products to utilities.
- Radiflow provides unified visibility, real-time threat detection, and automated risk management.
- SyskeyOT deliver cybersecurity solutions for OT/IACS networks.
Phoenix Contact previously announced partnerships with Xona and Forescout, which are also part of TAP.
TAP’s simple principle is that users who rely on Phoenix Contact’s substation-grade hardware can choose the applications that best fit their operational and cybersecurity needs. The program is intended to accelerate the shift from multiple standalone appliances to converged platforms capable of hosting cybersecurity, automation, and analytics applications directly on EP Raptor switches, Phoenix Contact industrial PCs, or within the PLCnext Technology ecosystem.
“Industrial organizations are under enormous pressure to simplify their architectures, while improving security, visibility and operational performance,” says Eric Reichert, automation product director at Phoenix Contact USA. “Our TAP brings together an ecosystem of proven OT and cybersecurity partners, and gives our customers a way to consolidate hardware, reduce complexity, and run their preferred applications on one high-reliability platform.”
TAP’s benefits include:
- Reduced device footprint and consolidation of dedicated appliances;
- Lower power consumption and simplified cabling;
- Improved mean time between failure (MTBF) due to fewer failure points;
- Streamlined deployment of cybersecurity and automation workloads; and
- Vendor-agnostic platform that adapts to each customer’s preferred toolset.
