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Report 12 Feb 2026

Software-defined Automation – a Vendor Landscape Analysis – InBrief Analysis

Software-defined automation (SDA) is reshaping industrial control by decoupling software from hardware to speed up innovation and enable scalable operations. This report examines what vendors lead this shift, the practical benefits, and what to watch next.

SDA promises faster deployment, greater flexibility, and tighter IT/OT integration. This report presents vendor strategies, real-world capabilities, and actionable takeaways for customers and IT vendors.

Key findings

  • Core trends: vPLC adoption, industrial DevOps, and IT/OT integration
  • Relevant standards: IEC 61499 vs IEC 61131
  • Vendor types: large industrial automation vendors (Siemens, Rockwell), hardware providers (ASRock, Advantech), and start-ups

Practical value

  • Vendors offer very different things under the SDA umbrella.
  • Use SDA for scalable controller management and faster updates.
  • Expect hybrid deployments: physical PLCs alongside vPLCs.

Recommended advisory: PAC Leadership Session – Vendor Landscape at the Intersection of IT and OT in Europe

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Arnold Vogt

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