Roundtable: Open standards versus proprietary standards

During this roundtable, industry experts discussed the benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with using open standards versus proprietary solutions in 4.0 industrial connections. The conversation centered around certification, compliance, regulations, and training—key factors driving the success of modern interconnected factories. As more devices connect via Industrial IoT, the need for standardized protocols to ensure interoperability and compatibility is crucial. The convergence of OT and IT further highlights the role of Ethernet, TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking), and the continuous evolution of communication networks in industrial settings.

Claudio Ambra, CTO of Exor International, noted that while proprietary networks still have a place in specific sectors requiring unique performance or security standards, standardization is essential to enable device interoperability. Open standards bring flexibility, ease of integration, and continuous innovation driven by the wider development community. He also addressed the challenges posed by IT-OT convergence, particularly cybersecurity and the need for real-time data access, stressing the role of wireless technologies, like 5G and Wi-Fi 6, in shaping the future of industrial networking.

📌 Read the full roundtable discussion to dive deeper into these insights (only Italian)