Software allows encryption of firmware and control programs.
May 9, 2008 -
Secure Strategy Distribution System, part of PAC Project(TM) v8.2, gives OEMs and machine builders ability to encrypt both firmware and control programs, allowing them to only be uploaded or downloaded to controller using secure encryption key. Features were designed to protect intellectual property of OEMs, who can secure controllers they embed in their machines. This prevents unauthorized users from loading and running code or accessing or downloading preloaded control programs.
Opto 22's PAC Project Adds Secure Strategy Distribution System
Original Equipment Manufacturers, Machine Builders Benefit from Automation Software Suite's Control Program Encryption, User Authentication Features
Temecula, CA - April 30, 2008 - Opto 22, a developer and manufacturer of hardware and software for industrial automation, remote monitoring, and data acquisition projects, has announced the release of the Secure Strategy Distribution System, as part of PAC Project(TM) version 8.2, the company's flagship automation software suite that includes control programming, HMI development, OPC connectivity, and enterprise database integration components. The Secure Strategy Distribution System gives Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and machine builders the ability to encrypt both firmware and control programs so they can only be uploaded or downloaded to a controller via use of a secure encryption key.
The new Secure Strategy Distribution System features included in PAC Project 8.2 were designed specifically to protect the intellectual property of OEMs, who can now secure the controllers they embed in their machines, thereby preventing unauthorized users from loading and running code or accessing or downloading preloaded control programs without use of a shared encryption key. For example, should control programs or firmware running on machines in the field need updating, the OEM can create a controller download file, encrypt it, and then distribute it to end-user customers. Because these field controllers are secured, they will only accept files that have a digital signature that matches that of their OEM's private key. This guarantees that the Opto 22 firmware or control program update is authentic and has not been modified.
"The competitive landscape for OEMs today dictates that they need more sophisticated ways to protect themselves from reverse-engineering, piracy, sabotage, and other infringements on their intellectual property," says Nick Riley, Senior Project Engineer at Opto 22. "The Secure Strategy Distribution System features in our latest version of PAC Project give us as a manufacturer the opportunity to help alleviate some of our valued OEM customer concerns in this area, particularly as they ship their machines abroad."
About PAC Project
The full roster of PAC Project components:
o PAC Control(TM)-intuitive flowchart and scripting control programming software for developing control programs that run on SNAP PAC controllers, and ideal for sequential control, batch and process control, motion control, complex math, conditional branching, string handling, subroutines, PID loop control, and more.
o PAC Display(TM)-a Microsoft® Windows®-based human-machine interface (HMI) development application used to create graphical interfaces that mimic a process. Support for alarm management, recipe handling, operator logging, real-time and historical trending, multimedia, and unlimited tags puts PAC Display on par with competing HMI development applications costing thousands of dollars more per seat.
o PAC Manager(TM)-a configuration and maintenance tool used to inspect and view control programs variables and I/O data in real time.
o OptoOPCServer(TM) (included with PAC Project Professional or available separately)-an OLE for Process Control (OPC) 2.0-compliant server used to consolidate and publish SNAP PAC System(TM) data to OPC-aware clients, including third-party HMIs such as Wonderware's InTouch®, Intellution's iFix®, and Iconic's Genesis®.
o OptoDataLink(TM) (included with PAC Project Professional or available separately)-connectivity software used to enable bidirectional data transfer between the SNAP PAC System and enterprise databases-such as Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, and MySQL-without brokering the data through an HMI.
About Opto 22
Opto 22 develops and manufactures hardware and software for applications involving industrial automation and control, remote monitoring, and data acquisition. Opto 22 products use standard, commercially available networking and computer technologies, and have an established reputation worldwide for ease-of-use, innovation, quality, and reliability. Opto 22 products are used by automation end-users, OEMs, and information technology and operations personnel. The company was founded in 1974 and is privately held in Temecula, California, USA. Opto 22 products are available through a worldwide network of distributors and system integrators. For more information, contact Opto 22 headquarters at +1-951-695-3000 or visit www.opto22.com
Contact:
David Crump, Marketing Communications
800.321.6786 / 951.695.3010
dcrump@opto22.com
Contacts:
Marketing:
David Crump Marketing Communications
USA
Phone: 800-321-6786 E-mail this person Company Information: Name: Opto 22 Address: 43044 Business Park Dr. City: Temecula State: CA ZIP: 92590 3614 Country: USA Phone: 800-321-6786 FAX: 909-695-2712 http://www.opto22.com
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