1998年麻省理工学院首次提出物联网概念，这正是今天工业互联网的起点。最初，物联网几乎只包括射频识别技术——也就是俗称的“电子标签”，随后慢慢延伸至传感器、网络、应用平台。经过十几年光景，物联网在很大程度上仍旧像是20世纪60、70年代的计算机——在许多领域都有着出色的应用，但却是一个个“应用孤岛”。
随后 ，在二十一世纪的第一个十年里，在金融危机时期，随着经济增长的不确定性增加，工业客户开始将注意力从提高生产力转向提高利润率。大数据的概念也越来越火爆，利用大数据/IOT等新技术提升和革命传统制造业是工业客户的一致选择。
GE推出的Predix是全球第一个专为工业数据与分析而开发的操作系统，实现了人、机、数据之间的互联。
如上图，Predeix 提供一个统一的平台（软件套件，方法，安全能力），帮助工业客户开发，部署和运维工业应用到边缘侧和云端。帮助客户可靠、安全的连接设备，获取数据用于分析提高生产效率。
Predix架构如上图所示，主要的功能模块：
PredixMachine: Predix Machine is the software layer responsible for communicating withthe industrial asset and the Predix Cloud, as well as running localapplications, like edge analytics. This component can be installed on gateways,industrial controllers and sensors.
PredixConnectivity: Predix Connectivity is for scenarios where a directInternet connection is not readily available. The service enables machines totalk to the Predix Cloud via a virtual network comprised of cellular, fixedline and satellite technologies.
PredixEdgeManager provides a comprehensive and centralized view of edgedevices that are running Predix Machine.
Predix Cloud:The Predix Cloud is a global secure cloud infrastructure that is optimizedfor industrial workloads and for meeting regulatory needs.
PredixServices: Predix provides industrial services that developers can use to build, testand run Industrial Internet applications. It also provides a catalog servicesmarketplace where developers can publish their own services as well as consumeservices from third parties.
Predix for Developers: Predix provides developers with a framework tocommunicate with services. Its modular design offers a consistent look andfeel, as well as a contextual user experience in both web and mobileapplications.
可以登录Predix网址，下载白皮书，获取更多的信息