Microsoft has been trending headlines this month for its relentless efforts in the enterprise technology sector, be it opening Powerapps for public review or introducing the beta version of the Azure IoT Gateway SDK. But it has more to bring into the basket. The software giant has signed another check to buy Solair, an Italy-based IoT service provider specializing in connecting devices in workplace settings.
Founded in 2011, the five-year-old company offers a hardware gateway that companies can use on their premises as an interface between devices and the cloud. Though the terms of the deal still remain hazy, Solair’s technology will find a prominent place in Microsoft’s expanding Azure IoT Suite. However, this is not its first association with Azure. Solair’s IoT customization and deployment solutions are built on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform, enabling businesses in any industry utilize IoT.
Sam George, Partner Director, Azure IoT said in Microsoft blog post:
“Solair shares our ambition for helping customers harness their untapped data and create new intelligence with IoT, and this acquisition supports our strategy to deliver the most complete IoT offering for enterprises. We’re excited about their technology and talent – and delighted to welcome them to the Microsoft team.”
Solair currently targets its software at the retail, manufacturing, food and beverage and transportation industries. It has had a remarkable association with Italian espresso machine manufacturer Rancilio Group. The former’s technology enabled the Italian coffee machine manufacturer to remotely monitor machines “resulting in greater efficiency across the supply chain.”
Solair has also used the power of IoT to transform the way factories monitor production lines in Japan. Its Smart Factory Advisor application helps manufacturers “increase production capacity and optimize energy efficiency.”
Gartner released a report last year that estimated that the number of connected gadgets will grow from 6.4 billion this year to 20.8 billion in 2020.