The aim of this alliance is to further advance the digital transformation of our economy and enable Spanish companies to benefit from its advantages, thereby increasing their competitiveness. The cloud-based MindSphere platform targets areas such as infrastructure; energy—through, for example, the development of smart meters and smart grids; public services management; healthcare; Industry 4.0; and mobility, among others. Specifically, some of the areas with the greatest potential for development include the implementation of low-emission zones in Spanish cities (similar to those installed in cities like London) and, more generally, the promotion of all technologies linked to the development of smart cities—construction of smart buildings, remote incident management, access control and security, etc.
This alliance will also offer special advantages to customers who want to accelerate the digitalization of their data centers, for example, through expansions or adaptations of existing facilities, as well as the creation of new ones, both physical and in the cloud. Another area where both companies are already exploring new avenues for collaboration is the expansion of transport networks and intermodal solutions. Siemens and Atos plan to promote this innovation and cooperation program until 2020, with the aim of maximizing the progress achieved and expanding the range of digital services offered to their customers.
One of MindSphere's greatest advantages is its use of open standards, which unlocks numerous possibilities for device connectivity and plug-and-play functionality for its users. Beyond offering versatile connectivity and data analytics, it also provides tools for developers, applications, and services. This platform also paves the way for new business models, such as selling machine hours or a pay-per-use pricing model, among many other options.
