Open source software developer SUSE has announced a cloud native solution to manage Kubernetes and Linux instances across distributed edge locations. The new solution incorporates developments in the organisation’s Rancher, SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE) Micro+Micro) and NeuVector technologies. The aim is to provide industrial and remote installations with Edge 2.0 level Linux and Kubernetes management incorporating a secure stack that can scale edge operations across the enterprise.

Designed for future embedded edge devices and industrial systems, SUSE Edge 2.0 provides a range of cloud native edge management solutions with security integrated across the full stack.

SUSE Edge 2.0 is designed to manage Kubernetes and the underlying operating system from a single control plane and includes break-fix support and consulting services. Users can implement edge applications securely at a remote location, in a mini-data centre or as an Industrial IoT (IIOT) edge device. Secure organisations such as defence and government can incorporate SLE Micro, which adheres to the commercial cybersecurity product certification that is mandated by US federal procurement requirements and is planned to be listed at NIAP as under evaluation for FIPS 140-3 certification and Common Criteria. For application level in-cluster security, SUSE NeuVector can be added on top to provide the defence in depth protection as well as zero-trust runtime security.

“Combining the industry’s most widely adopted certified lightweight Kubernetes distro and our industry leading enterprise-ready secure Linux OS built just for the Edge, we’re one of the first to deliver a fully integrated cloud native solution that addresses our customer’s number one challenge – the need to scale. They need the right cloud infrastructure and edge solutions that can scale simply and successfully manage 1000s of clusters across multiple geographical locations,” said Keith Basil, SUSE General Manager of Edge. “The amalgamation of cloud native technologies, increased computing speeds, and artificial intelligence is accelerating edge computing. To meet this demand and continue our innovation we will significantly expand investment in our edge business in 2023.”

“In typical industrial shop floor environments, operational technologies to control automation systems are very difficult to integrate into IT systems. Using SLE Micro, K3s, Rancher and NeuVector in our industrial solutions bridges the gap between shop floor and IT. For our customers, the above components allow for enterprise-IT-grade standardisation, security and compliance throughout the whole life cycle of the automation solution.” said Dr Stefan Odermatt, Senior Vice President Global Business Centre Systems Research & Development at SICK AG.