IXON vs. Secomea
Unified cloud platform vs. multi-tiered VPN architecture: a side-by-side comparison for machine builders.
IXON: Unified cloud platform & edge gateways
IXON offers a modern cloud platform built specifically for machine builders. Instead of switching between different software programs, you manage remote access, user rights and machine data directly in your web browser, with unlimited user access. The platform includes free standard remote access, with optional SaaS packages for service portals and machine data.
Secomea: Multi-tier VPN infrastructure & gateways
Secomea provides remote access gateways built on a multi-tiered component structure. Its ecosystem combines hardware or software gateways (SiteManager), hosted VPN server infrastructure (GateManager) and desktop VPN client software (LinkManager). To manage these separate components from a single view, Secomea offers an overarching software layer called Secomea Prime.
| Category | IXON | Secomea |
|---|---|---|
|
Platform architecture |
Unified cloud-native platform: |
Multi-tier architecture: |
|
Remote access methods |
Web-native & multi-OS: |
Desktop client: |
|
Gateway range |
Unrestricted expansion: |
Capped hardware: |
|
Security & compliance |
Accredited process & product: |
Partial accreditation: |
|
Governance |
Standard identity controls: |
Tiered governance: |
|
Fleet management |
Centralized cloud control: |
Device-level setup: |
|
Expandability |
Open IIoT ecosystem: |
Closed add-ons: |
|
Collaboration |
Dedicated service portal: |
Branding only: |
|
Support |
Direct expert support: |
Tiered support: |
|
Pricing |
Predictable pricing: |
Modular & tiered: |
IXON vs Secomea: remote access features
Software
Both IXON and Secomea establish secure outbound VPN tunnels without requiring open inbound firewall ports. The primary operational difference is accessibility. IXON provides a modern, web-first interface. Service teams access machine HMIs, PLCs and camera streams (VNC, HTTP, RDP, SSH, RTSP) directly through any web browser or native mobile app (iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, Linux) without installing heavy client software. Secomea routes connections through LinkManager, a Windows-only desktop client, or LinkManager Mobile, a web client with limited protocol support. System management is split across three distinct tools: GateManager (servers), LinkManager (user licensing) and Secomea Prime (central management).
Hardware
IXON offers a complete range of industrial edge gateways, including Ethernet, cellular (SIM and eSIM), WiFi and combi models, alongside the IXagent software solution. Secomea’s SiteManager covers Ethernet, WiFi and cellular models, but doesn't offer integrated combi hardware. Network expansion is handled differently.
At IXON, every gateway supports an unlimited number of IP endpoints behind the router out of the box. The SecureEdge Pro also runs local Docker containers, allowing engineers to execute custom edge apps and local logic directly at the machine level. Secomea's hardware gateways carry strict IP address limits, capped at 10 IP endpoints for the 15xx-series and 100 for the 35xx-series. Connecting larger machine networks requires purchasing additional IP endpoint license blocks or upgrading hardware.
IXON vs Secomea: ease of use and workflow
Fleet management
With IXON, a single cloud portal handles firewall rules, device templates and remote firmware updates across your entire machine fleet without extra software modules. With Secomea, gateways are configured individually via the local SiteManager web interface, requiring device-by-device configuration or separate automation scripts for larger deployments.
User management
IXON includes enterprise identity controls out of the box (Single Sign-On, SCIM via Microsoft Entra ID, time-bound approval workflows) with unlimited user seats across all standard tiers. At Secomea, standard user groups and MFA are included, but advanced governance features (SSO, SCIM, approval workflows) are locked behind higher paid Secomea Prime tiers. Concurrent engineer connections are licensed per active LinkManager seat.
Expandability
IXON is built as an open IIoT ecosystem supporting REST APIs, MQTT data streaming, App Engine integrations, local Docker containers and dedicated customer Service Portals. Secomea handles third-party data exports via JSON files, restricts API access to its Premium software tier, and offers no container or SDK support.
IXON vs Secomea: cybersecurity
Security & certification
Plant IT and OT security teams increasingly require accredited third-party proof before approving remote access solutions on their factory networks.
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IXON holds complete third-party accredited process and product certifications via Bureau Veritas: IEC 62443-4-1 (Maturity Level 2 for secure development) and IEC 62443-4-2 (Security Level 2 for hardware features), alongside ISO 27001, 27017 and 27701.
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Secomea holds an audited IEC 62443-4-1 process certificate, but its IEC 62443-4-2 product capabilities are self-assessed rather than third-party certified. Instead of an audited ISO 27001 certificate, Secomea publishes a statement of alignment with ISO 27002 guidance.
Why process certification matters
IEC 62443-4-2 certifies product capabilities (authentication, encryption). IEC 62443-4-1 certifies the development process, ensuring that threat modelling, tested code and vulnerability responses are structurally integrated.
IXON vs Secomea: pricing models
IXON uses an unmetered, flat-rate pricing model per cloud portal with the Free tier or Remote Access Cloud Plus (€300/month). This i ncludes unlimited user accounts, unlimited connected machines, unlimited concurrent VPN tunnels and unmetered data traffic without hidden fees.
Secomea uses a component-based pricing model where total costs scale across four separate variables:
- GateManager: Monthly or annual fees based on the number of active connected gateways.
- LinkManager: Licensed per concurrent user seat logged into the system.
- Secomea Prime: Tiered license subscriptions (Essential, Professional, Premium) required to unlock administrative features like SSO, API access, and custom branding.
- IP Endpoints: Baseline IP connection limits per gateway; additional device blocks require supplementary licenses.
Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information and documentation as of September 2026. IXON is not affiliated with Secomea A/S. Secomea, SiteManager, GateManager, LinkManager, and Secomea Prime are registered trademarks of Secomea A/S.
Which solution offers broader security compliance for end-user IT sign-off?
Both vendors implement robust cybersecurity architectures, but IXON is specifically designed to accelerate end-user (factory IT/OT) acceptance. In addition to holding accredited third-party IEC 62443-4-1 (process), IEC 62443-4-2 (product) and ISO 27001/27017/27701 certifications, IXON provides factory IT teams with native control tools, such as access approval workflows, audit logging and a public Trust Center with pre-packaged compliance documentation. This transparent setup makes it significantly easier for plant security teams to approve remote access under NIS2 requirements without lengthy questionnaires or onboarding delays.
Do I still need GateManager and LinkManager if I use Secomea Prime?
Yes. Secomea Prime acts as an overarching management overlay on top of GateManager and LinkManager. It does not replace the underlying VPN infrastructure or client licensing; you still need GateManager for gateway hosting and LinkManager licenses for user connections.
How do the pricing structures of IXON and Secomea differ?
IXON uses a flat-rate, unmetered model where unlimited users, simultaneous connections and IP endpoints are included with the portal. Secomea uses a modular model where costs scale based on four variables: connected gateways, concurrent user seats, feature tiers (Prime), and IP endpoint blocks behind each gateway.
What mobile access options does IXON offer compared to Secomea?
IXON provides native iOS and Android applications that mirror the full cloud platform, allowing engineers to manage permissions, view machine dashboards and launch VPN connections directly on mobile devices. Secomea offers browser-based access via LinkManager Mobile, which provides limited protocol support compared to its desktop client.
How do I switch from Secomea to IXON?
Transitioning is simple and won't interrupt daily service operations. Machine builders typically start by equipping new machine builds with IXON gateways using the free Remote Access Cloud plan, then replace existing Secomea units incrementally. Contact IXON Sales to schedule a technical migration call.
Thinking about switching from Secomea to IXON?
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