Ethernet Controller includes Web browser interface.

Press Release Summary:




PLC-5(R) features built-in, HTML-based human machine interface for monitoring production and machine status via Microsoft(R) Internet Explorer or any other Web browser. Web User Provided Pages and Web Custom Data Monitor pages allow users to create custom Web pages to provide executive summaries of process information. Pages are accessible to any Internet user who has network access to that particular PLC-5 processor.




Original Press Release:



Rockwell Automation Expands Web Capabilities for its Allen-Bradley Ethernet PLC-5(R) Product Line



New Web enhancement tools give users more flexibility in managing and using plant floor information

MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio, April 4, 2002 - Users of the popular Allen-Bradley PLC-5® product line can now more easily view, access and manage process data, as a result of new Web browser interface capabilities announced by Rockwell Automation. Enhancements to the Allen-Bradley Ethernet PLC-5 controller line provide a built-in, HTML-based human machine interface (HMI) for monitoring production and machine status via Microsoft(R) Internet Explorer or any other Web browser.

"These enhancements simplify process tracking and information access by allowing users to monitor PLC-5 data via a Web browser, without having to create a Web page," said Rick Sykora, product manager, Rockwell Automation. "Rockwell Automation continues to support the PLC-5 product line and evolve the product to meet a wide variety of applications. These new capabilities are a reflection of what the industry is demanding to work effectively with today's expanding Web-based technologies."

Beyond the addition of the built-in Web pages, custom web pages are now an option. Web User Provided Pages (WUPP) and Web Custom Data Monitor pages allow users to create custom Web pages to provide executive summaries of process information. These pages are then accessible to any Internet user who has network access to that particular PLC-5 processor.

The addition of a Web page download feature in Rockwell Software RSLogix 5(TM) Version 5.2 allows users to load custom Web pages into the PLC-5. Since large Web pages require more memory than may be available in the PLC-5, the Domain Name Service (DNS) client is included in this product update. DNS allows Web page developers to reference graphic images and other information using the host name of the computer where the information is stored. DNS also allows Ethernet message instructions to reference other computers and controllers by name (rather than by a numeric IP address).

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradleyo controls and engineered services and Rockwell Software® factory management software, Dodge® mechanical power transmission products, and Reliance Electric® motors and drives. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs approximately 23,000 people at more than 450 locations serving customers in more than 80 countries.

For more information on the Ethernet PLC-5 Enhancements, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1508.

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