Containerization has been a cornerstone of modern software deployment, offering well-known benefits like portability, scalability, and consistency across environments. In the industrial IoT (IIoT) space, these advantages are particularly valuable, enabling organizations to manage complex systems with greater agility and efficiency. At PTC, we recognize that while containerization is not new, its application in IIoT continues to evolve, and our platforms—ThingWorx and Kepware—are designed to help you harness its full potential in practical, impactful ways.
ThingWorx: Streamlining IIoT with Containerization
ThingWorx has supported containerization for some time now allowing users to build ThingWorx Docker Container images and deploy applications with ease, whether on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid setups. This approach simplifies the deployment process, reduces configuration overhead, and ensures that your IIoT solutions can scale as your needs grow.
For those already familiar with containerization, ThingWorx offers Dockerfiles allowing customers to build, run, and deploy, ThingWorx as Docker Containers for development and production use cases. See our help center for already available information on this: https://support.ptc.com/help/thingworx/platform/r9.7/en/index.html#page/ThingWorx/Help/Installation/ThingWorxDockerGuide/thingworx_docker_landing_page.html
New Resource: Deploying ThingWorx on Kubernetes
As container adoption matures, so does the need for robust orchestration tools. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a new best practices guide for deploying ThingWorx containers on Kubernetes, with a focus on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). This guide is designed to help you take the next step in managing your containerized applications at scale, offering information on:
- Setting up and managing Helm chart repositories.
- Preparing your Azure environment, including resource groups, virtual networks, and container registries.
- Creating and managing content repositories for Docker images.
- Deploying and configuring Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) clusters.
- Implementing essential supporting components such as Monitoring Stacks, Certificate Managers, Ingress
- Controllers, Azure PostgreSQL Databases, and Storage Accounts to facilitate ThingWorx deployment.
- Detailed steps to deploy ThingWorx in various configurations, including standalone , high availability (HA) , and with eMessage Connector (eMC).
- Procedures for upgrading ThingWorx deployments
You can access this guide on our GitHub repository: ThingWorx Kubernetes Deployment (twx-k8s). Whether you’re scaling to support thousands of devices or simply looking for more efficient management of your IIoT infrastructure, this guide helps you with the best practices you need to succeed in your containerization efforts for ThingWorx.
Kepware Edge: Connectivity at the Source
On the connectivity front, Kepware Edge brings the power of containerization directly to the edge of your operations. By packaging industrial-grade connectivity into a lightweight, container-friendly solution, Kepware Edge allows you to deploy secure, reliable data access right where your machines and devices are located. For more details on how Kepware Edge, check out our recent announcement: PTC Announces Kepware Edge and stay tuned for more updates on the availability of it.
Practical Tools for Your IIoT Journey
Improving DevOps for applications built on ThingWorx is a key priority for us at PTC and containerization is a critical piece to it. We invite you to explore these resources and see how they can fit into your existing IIoT solution development workflows. Visit the ThingWorx Kubernetes guide on GitHub and let us know your feedback or any questions around containerization by posting on the IoT community.
Cheers,
Ayush Tiwari
Director Product Management, ThingWorx
