Revolutionizing Industrial IT: ABB and Red Hat’s Strategic Partnership
On May 21, 2025, at the Red Hat Summit in Boston, a groundbreaking announcement was made that is set to transform the landscape of industrial IT. ABB, a leader in automation, and Red Hat, renowned for its enterprise open-source platforms, have extended their collaboration to develop advanced automation systems. This partnership aims to enhance the deployment of secure and modular control applications for process industries, paving the way for autonomous operations.
This collaboration is built upon the strengths of both companies. ABB’s leadership in automation is well-known, and when combined with Red Hat’s expertise in open-source platforms, the partnership promises to bring industrial innovation to new heights. The integration of digital capabilities such as data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) is at the core of this collaboration, offering a pathway towards more autonomous and efficient operations.
The Backbone of Industrial Automation
Red Hat’s platforms, including Red Hat Device Edge and Red Hat OpenShift, provide a stable and consistent foundation for process automation and industrial controls. These platforms are designed to meet the stringent security and uptime requirements that industrial use cases demand. This robust base is crucial for ensuring that the systems can operate without interruption, maintaining high levels of security and reliability.
Francis Chow, Red Hat’s Vice President and General Manager of In-Vehicle Operating System and Edge, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: "This extended collaboration with ABB marks a significant milestone for the industry at large. We are empowering manufacturers with the tools and solutions they need to transform and better meet the demands of today’s increasingly complex industrial landscape."
ABB’s Innovative Architecture
ABB’s process automation system is structured around two interconnected environments. The first is a secure control environment that ensures the stable, real-time management of critical processes. This environment is crucial for industries where precision and reliability are non-negotiable. The second environment is digital, designed to allow flexible and scalable integration of digital solutions. This dual environment setup facilitates the introduction of new innovations without disrupting ongoing operations.
Previously, ABB and Red Hat collaborated on developing the digital environment infrastructure. This collaboration enabled the rapid and scalable deployment of advanced analytics, AI, and cloud-based applications. Now, their partnership is expanding to include the control environment. This expansion aims to deliver enhanced operational consistency and stability, meeting the most demanding security and process requirements.
A Dual-Layered Approach to Innovation
The dual approach, leveraging Red Hat platforms like Red Hat Device Edge and Red Hat OpenShift, allows customers to introduce innovations incrementally. This method protects both operational integrity and existing investments while maintaining high levels of cybersecurity. Red Hat’s technologies provide a reliable and secure foundation for system lifecycle services within the process automation system.
ABB’s Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President of Process Automation Technology, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: "Ongoing industry collaboration is essential to shaping the future of automation. Together with Red Hat, we’re advancing modular, scalable solutions that align with global frameworks and deliver long-term value to customers across process industries."
Embracing Digital Transformation with Confidence
Aligned with global industry standards and frameworks, the collaboration between ABB and Red Hat supports secure adoption across multi-vendor environments. This alignment allows customers to embrace digital transformation with greater confidence, knowing that their systems are built on reliable and secure platforms.
The partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in the tech industry. By combining their strengths, ABB and Red Hat are not only advancing their own capabilities but also providing valuable solutions that benefit the entire process industry. The dual-layered architecture, built on open-source platforms, forms a robust foundation for the industry to progress towards autonomous operations.
Insights from the Red Hat Summit
During the Red Hat Summit, keynotes from Red Hat executives, customers, and partners highlighted the latest developments and innovations in the industry. The event served as a platform to showcase the impact of open-source technologies in modern automation and how they are driving the industry forward.
The partnership between ABB and Red Hat is a clear indication of the direction in which industrial IT is heading. By focusing on modular, scalable solutions and leveraging open-source technologies, they are setting a precedent for future developments in the field. This collaboration is not just about immediate gains; it is about laying the groundwork for a more resilient and secure industrial landscape.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
The extended collaboration between ABB and Red Hat marks a significant step towards the future of industrial automation. By integrating open-source platforms with cutting-edge digital capabilities, they are empowering industries to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex landscape. This partnership is a shining example of how collaboration and innovation can drive progress, offering long-term value and paving the way for more autonomous operations.
In summary, the collaboration between ABB and Red Hat is a beacon of innovation in the industrial IT sector. By focusing on security, scalability, and open-source technologies, they are setting the stage for a new era of industrial automation. This partnership is not only beneficial for the companies involved but also for the broader industry, as it provides a pathway towards more resilient and efficient operations.
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