GE Fanuc Announces the Addition of Softing as Proficy® Process Systems Technology Partner
Proven Technologies Provide Framework for Contemporary Solution For Hybrid and Continuous Process Control
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, JULY 2, 2007 GE Fanuc Automation, a unit of GE Industrial, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Softing North America of Newburyport, Massachusetts, to provide Foundation fieldbus connectivity to the upcoming release of GE Fanuc's new Proficy® Process Systems solution for Process Control.
Proficy Process Systems is GE Fanuc's process control system designed to deliver value to hybrid and continuous customers in industries including Life Sciences, Food & Beverage, Consumer Packaged Goods, Ethanol, Oil & Gas, Power & Energy, Milled Products and Water/Wastewater. GE Fanuc currently serves thousands of customers in these process industries today, and Proficy Process Systems represents a significant addition to the company's product offering, officials reported.
"GE Fanuc is providing our customers with the freedom to implement a system that meets their needs today, and grow and expand to meet their needs tomorrow. We are doing that by delivering a contempory solution based on many of our well-proven technologies, along with technologies from other industry-leading technology partners like Softing," said Steve Ryan, GE Fanuc Director of Process Solutions. "One of the key ways we are providing freedom to our customers is to allow them to choose the fieldbus technologies they need for their applications. Softing is recognized as an industry expert in FOUNDATION Fieldbus communications, and will provide our customers with the capability to choose that as a fieldbus technology for their system."
"Softing has been in the fieldbus business for more than 25 years. During this time, we acquired the technical expertise that enables us to actively shape open technology standards and to be at the cutting edge of progress for the benefit of our customers," said Wolfgang Langer, Softing North America's Director of Marketing. "We are proud of the fact that GE Fanuc relies on our expertise in Foundation fieldbus technology to network their automation systems. Softing solutions are generally deployed before the actual production process begins. They are used by the companies, like GE Fanuc, that provide superior solutions and equipment for installation in a wide variety of applications."
Additional information about Proficy Process Systems, as well as a registration form to order an introductory CD about Proficy Process Solutions, are available on the GE Fanuc website at: www.gefanuc.com/process.
About Softing
In industrial automation, Softing is a specialist for fieldbus technology and has established itself as a world-leading partner for networking automation systems and control solutions. In fieldbus technology, Softing is an expert for FOUNDATION fieldbus, PROFIBUS, and CAN/CANopen/DeviceNet. The company's wide range of expertise also includes solutions for OPC, FDT, and Real-Time-Ethernet solutions such as PROFINET IO and Modbus/TCP. Softing provides customers with solutions to connect devices, controls and systems with the leading communication technologies. In addition, Softing established itself as a provider of sophisticated diagnostic tools for fieldbus systems. For more information: www.softing.us/ or (978) 499 9650, Fax: (978) 499 9654, info@softing.com.
About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation Corporation, a joint venture between General Electric (NYSE:GE) and FANUC LTD of Japan, delivers automation hardware and software designed to help users reduce costs, increase efficiency and enhance profitability. With solutions and services for virtually every industrial segment, GE Fanuc Automation provides a diverse array of capabilities and products, including controllers, embedded systems, advanced software, motion control, CNCs, operator interfaces, industrial computers, and lasers. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, GE Fanuc Automation is a part of GE Industrial and combines the diverse global strengths of the GE family with the local presence customers need to design, develop and maintain their automation investments. For more information: www.gefanuc.com or: GE Fanuc Information Center, P.O. Box 8106, Charlottesville, VA 22906, (800) GE FANUC (800-433-2682), Fax: 434-978-5205, gefanuc@gefanuc.com.
Contact:
Elli Holman, GE Fanuc Automation
508-698-7456
elli.holman@gefanuc.com
