ConnectWare™ Provides a Universal Solution for Connecting Kitchen Equipment

New communications module from Middleby company Powerhouse Dynamics provides a consistent, highly secure, and flexible way to connect kitchen equipment to the cloud

News provided by

Powerhouse Dynamics

Apr 06, 2021, 13:05 ET

BOSTON, April 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Powerhouse Dynamics, the provider of Open Kitchen,® the leading IoT-based platform for food service and retail operators, and a division of the Middleby Corporation, announced today the release of ConnectWare™. ConnectWare is a field installable communications module that enables kitchen equipment to connect to the cloud without the need to install radio units in the equipment itself. For manufacturers, this greatly simplifies the challenge of getting equipment connected, which should result in a more rapid rollout of connected equipment.

Restaurant brands world-wide are accelerating the pace of getting their kitchen equipment connected to the Internet. Until now, each original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has developed its own connectivity approach – which has generally involved selecting and embedding a wireless radio module or providing wired Ethernet connectivity on all units regardless of whether customers chose to utilize those technologies.

"With ConnectWare, OEMs are provided a consistent, simplified approach to connectivity that takes the burden of development and support off their plates and shifts it onto ours," said Martin Flusberg, Powerhouse Dynamics' president. "Operators looking to connect ConnectWare-enabled equipment can now purchase ConnectWare modules and simply plug them directly into the equipment at their locations. That equipment can then automatically connect to the Open Kitchen platform, providing a total solution for the customer, or be re-directed to a different cloud destination if so desired."

ConnectWare is a versatile plug-and-play solution that has been designed to support multiple communications protocols. This provides future-proofing by enabling customers to simply swap in newer ConnectWare modules as new technologies or security requirements are introduced. ConnectWare initially supports two protocols: Wi-Fi and 802.15.4 (the Zigbee® protocol utilizing a MiWi® radio from Microchip Technology), with more options in the pipeline including Ethernet.

The ConnectWare's Wi-Fi module was developed by Powerhouse Dynamics in conjunction with Avnet and Microsoft using the highly secure Microsoft Azure Sphere chipset.

"We are very excited to be collaborating with Microsoft on ConnectWare," said Flusberg. "Microsoft Azure Sphere provides an extremely secure connectivity path that will make it much easier for our customers to achieve widespread IoT adoption."

"It has been valuable to partner with Middleby, a major kitchen equipment manufacturer, who understands the benefits of securely connecting equipment to the cloud using Microsoft technology," added Dr. Galen Hunt, distinguished engineer and managing director of Microsoft Azure Sphere.

Equipment connecting to Open Kitchen has the optional security benefit of being part of a PCI-Level 1 certified platform. Powerhouse Dynamics also offers a network device, the Secure Access Point™ (SAP), that can connect equipment without each piece of equipment needing to connect directly to the local network. The SAP manages all client security certificates and automates the provisioning process, saving time and effort.

ABOUT POWERHOUSE DYNAMICS
Founded in 2009 and acquired by The Middleby Corporation in 2019, Powerhouse Dynamics is the leading provider of "internet of things"(IoT)-based solutions to connect, monitor, analyze and control equipment to deliver enterprise-wide operational efficiencies. Open Kitchen, focused on Food Service and Food Retail, provides operational transparency, enhances kitchen operations, improves equipment performance, enhances food safety and quality, lowers maintenance costs, and can significantly reduce energy expenses. To learn more, visit powerhousedynamics.com.

ABOUT THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
The Middleby Corporation is a global leader in the foodservice equipment industry. The company develops, manufactures, markets and services a broad line of equipment used in the commercial foodservice, food processing, and residential kitchen equipment industries. The company's leading equipment brands serving the commercial foodservice industry include Anets®, APW Wyott®, Baker's Pride®, Beech®, BKI®, Blodgett®, Blodgett Combi®, Blodgett Range®, Bloomfield®, Britannia®, Carter-Hoffmann®, Celfrost®, Concordia®, CookTek®, Crown®,CTX®, Desmon®, Deutsche Beverage®, Doyon®, Eswood®, EVO®, Firex®, Follett®, frifri®, Giga®,Globe®, Goldstein®, Holman®, Houno®, IMC®, Induc®, Ink Kegs®, Jade®, JoeTap®, Josper®, L2F®,Lang®, Lincat®, MagiKitch'n®, Market Forge®, Marsal®, Middleby Marshall®, MPC®, Nieco®, Nu-Vu®, PerfectFry®, Pitco®, Powerhouse Dynamics®, QualServ®, RAM®, Southbend®, SsBrewtech®, Star®, Starline®, Sveba Dahlen®, Synesso®, Taylor®,Toastmaster®, TurboChef®,Ultrafryer®,Varimixer®,Wells® and Wunder-Bar®.

For more information on Middleby and the company brands, visit www.middleby.com

SOURCE Powerhouse Dynamics