Based on its recent analysis of the North American edge infrastructure market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Stratus Technologies (Stratus) as the 2021 North America Company of the Year for its Edge Computing platforms that simplify, automate, and secure data at the edge. Stratus platforms leverage proprietary software to enable features such as guest-monitoring, fault tolerance, and virtualization in an operational technology (OT)-ready unit, coupled with industry-leading deployment times of less than 30 minutes. Notably, the Stratus ztC™ Edge computing platform, which stands for “zero-touch computing,” is an industrial appliance, with a smaller and more lightweight form factor than standard rack servers.
“Stratus supersedes many of its competitors as the ztC Edge is the only purpose-built edge solution that enables simple and always available virtualization for critical IT and OT operations. Stratus strikes an optimal balance between rugged hardware, in the case of ztC Edge, and its high-performance software. Due to the extreme environments that customers operate in, Stratus ztC Edge is engineered to withstand harsh temperatures and poor air quality,” said Samantha Fisher, Best Practices Research Analyst. “Additionally, the server is mountable in tech closets, on walls, and other surfaces, and can withstand heavy machinery vibration and shock up to 50 peak acceleration.”
While most competitors offer off-the-shelf computing that is traditionally server-based, Stratus builds its solutions from the ground up to ensure it addresses customers’ needs. It also creates parameters and thresholds that alert the administrator if an internal application reaches its limit. Stratus stands out for its operational simplicity, ability to consolidate application workloads, and deliver high availability for critical IT and OT applications. Its technology resolves the primary causes for downtime and data loss such as hardware failover, human error, and component and software revision incompatibilities.
Stratus platforms also hold Amazon Web Services (AWS)’ Internet of Things (IoT) Core cloud platform certification and Microsoft Azure-certified for IoT certifications. These certifications simplify the pairing of commercial IoT solutions with ztC Edge, enabling the latter to collect data and analytics easily. As a result of operating through a single connection, the company can streamline delivery to AWS or Microsoft Azure. Additionally, the company is capitalizing on opportunities in the pharmaceutical, life sciences and oil and gas markets where its zero-touch computing and high availability technology are critical to manufacturing processes.
“The ztC Edge’s manageability, security, and enhancements aid partners and customers by decreasing operations and maintenance costs, minimizing data loss risks, and ensuring high availability of all critical processes,” noted Fisher. “Stratus’ technical excellence combined with its keen customer focus, including comprehensive service options, network of partners, resellers, VARs and SIs, and other customer support service programs, position it for continued growth in the edge infrastructure market.”
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year award to the organization that demonstrates excellence in growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies and the resulting leadership in customer value and market penetration.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.
