Communications Gateway delivers OPC connectivity.

Press Release Summary:



FactorySuite Gateway provides OPC connectivity to current and legacy Wonderware products running Microsoft Windows operating systems, and supports integration of third-party applications with Wonderware software. It enables users to connect into distributed application database of industrial application server or tag databases of InTouch HMI as if they were OPC servers, enabling OPC clients and other applications to obtain and use live data from FactorySuite components.



Original Press Release:



FactorySuite Gateway Supports Customers on Legacy Operating Systems and Enhances OPC Capabilities for Wonderware Products



LAKE FOREST, Calif., Aug. 16, 2004 -- Wonderware, a business unit of Invensys Systems, Inc., today announced the release of the FactorySuite Gateway, a new communications product that provides OPC connectivity to current and legacy Wonderware products running across a wide range of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This new communications gateway further simplifies the integration of third-party applications with Wonderware software. It also enables easier integration and coexistence of older PCs running Wonderware products, along with the latest Wonderware offerings built on ArchestrA technology. To further assist customers with software solutions that work with many of the legacy PCs and automation systems they have in place, the FactorySuite Gateway is available at no additional charge for Wonderware FactorySuite customers.

"Consistent with Wonderware's tradition of providing a connectivity pathway for all customers, the FactorySuite Gateway allows the exchange of data between the latest OPC clients, InTouch HMI software and the Industrial Application Server, which is built on the ArchestrA industrial software architecture," said Rashesh Mody, chief technology officer for the Wonderware and ArchestrA business units and chief architect for the OPC Foundation. "It does so via older Wonderware SuiteLink or DDE protocols (I/O Servers), or newer OPC servers. This allows customers to continue running legacy Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 operating systems in conjunction with Wonderware software. They also can leverage their existing investments into an integral part of a network of the latest OPC applications and applications based on ArchestrA technology. By developing the FactorySuite Gateway, Wonderware reinforces its commitment to using OPC technology to expand the connectivity of Wonderware products."

The FactorySuite Gateway enables users to connect into the distributed application database of the Industrial Application Server or tag databases of the InTouch HMI as if they were OPC servers. This universal connectivity allows OPC clients and other applications, such as those based on Microsoft's Visual Basic development system, to obtain and use live data from FactorySuite components.

OPC technology was created to provide open interoperability, compatibility and connectivity between multiple systems and applications. Invensys' Wonderware and ArchestrA business units actively support this open connectivity standard. Earlier this year, the business units hosted the North American OPC Interoperability Workshop event at Wonderware's Lake Forest, Calif. campus.

"This new connectivity product enables users to convert classic Wonderware DDE I/O servers to SuiteLink and/or OPC servers," said Tim Black, device integration product manager for the Wonderware and ArchestrA business units. "Because the FactorySuite Gateway gives Wonderware software users the ability to leverage the latest technology without having to re-implement device communications, they can build on their investments while continuing to upgrade and expand existing applications. As a result, Wonderware customers can focus resources on optimizing operations rather than investing in legacy or standards-based communications."

The FactorySuite Gateway's underlying OPC technology facilitates easy browsing and selection of items to be configured and monitored.

"Customers often request the ability to leverage Wonderware's cutting-edge software and groundbreaking ArchestrA technology, but they do not want to give up their current systems integration investments," Black said. "With the FactorySuite Gateway, they don't have to compromise or wait."

The FactorySuite Gateway and other device integration products are now available for download from the Wonderware Technical Support Web site at www.wonderware.com/support. The FactorySuite Gateway also will be delivered on the Wonderware device integration products CD, which is available to those who purchase new Wonderware products or register for the Wonderware Comprehensive Support Program.

For more information on Wonderware device integration products, go to www.wonderware.com/products/connectivity/ or contact your local Wonderware distributor. To locate the distributor for your region, go to www.wonderware.com/about_us/contact_sales/.

About Wonderware and ArchestrA Business Units

Wonderware and ArchestrA are business units of Invensys Systems, Inc. Wonderware is the world's leading supplier of industrial automation and information software. Founded in 1987, Wonderware pioneered the use of the Microsoft Windows operating system in HMI automation software for manufacturing operation systems. Wonderware software powers intelligent plant decisions in real time. The hallmark of the ArchestrA architecture is: "Every system in your plant, working in concert."

Based in Lake Forest, Calif., the Wonderware and ArchestrA business units have regional sales and development offices throughout the North American, European, Latin American and Asia-Pacific regions to provide support to its network of more than 160 distributor offices. Wonderware has approximately 300,000 software licenses in approximately 100,000 plants worldwide, which is about 30 percent of the world's 335,000 plants with 20 or more employees. For more information, visit www.wonderware.com or www.archestra.biz.

About Invensys

Invensys is a global automation, controls and process solutions group. Products, services, expertise and ongoing support enable intelligent systems to monitor and control processes in many different environments. The businesses within Invensys help customers in a variety of industries perform with greater efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness. Industry areas of focus include hydrocarbons, chemicals, oil and gas, power and utilities, rail, telecommunications, paper, food and beverage, dairy, pharmaceuticals and personal care.

Process Systems provides products, services and solutions for the automation and optimization of plant operation in the process industries. Featuring industry-leading brands such as Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor and Wonderware, Process Systems occupies a top-tier position in the DCS, safety, simulation and HMI markets. Products are installed in more than 150,000 plants worldwide. Serving process and batch industries, including hydrocarbons, chemicals, power and utilities and metals and mining, and also the discrete and hybrid manufacturing sectors, Process Systems is at the forefront of technological innovation, with new award-winning technologies such as ArchestrA, Digital Coriolis and DolPhin.

Also within the Invensys Group, APV specializes in process equipment engineered into systems and asset services for food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical and chemical clients. Eurotherm is a leading supplier of control and measurement instrumentation solutions and services to industrial and process customers. Rail Systems is a multinational leader in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of safety-related rail signaling and control systems. Climate Controls is a major provider of the components, systems and services used globally to make commercial and residential environments safer, more comfortable and more efficient. Appliance Controls has the broadest system and component offering for the appliance industry worldwide.

The Invensys Group is headquartered in the U.K. and listed on the London Stock Exchange. With 39,000 employees operating in 60 countries, Invensys helps customers to improve their performance and profitability, building value for end users and shareholders alike. For more information, visit www.invensys.com.

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