Rockwell Automation Renews Five-Year OEM Agreement with Kepware
February 11th, 2008
Portland, ME - Kepware Technologies, the leader in Communications for Automation, announced today that it was selected again, as the provider of third-party communications for FactoryTalk View Site Edition and FactoryTalk View Machine Edition products from Rockwell Automation. In addition, Kepware has joined the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork as an Encompass Product Partner.
The latest generation of Kepware's OPC server technology, KEPServerEX, was designed to allow users to quickly set up communications from equipment to control systems via a wide range of available "plug-in" device drivers and components. Rockwell Automation will use KEPServerEX technology in both Windows Desktop and Windows Embedded (Windows CE) forms to power both desktop and control panel products.
In addition, Kepware joins the Rockwell Automation Encompass Product program, highlighting Kepware as an excellent solution for third-party connectivity for Rockwell Automation customers and sales associates. The specific Encompass accepted products include KEPServerEX with the WeatherBug for Automation Driver, and iSNMP, for monitoring and managing your automation network infrastructure.
"Rockwell Automation is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions in the PLC, HMI Panel, and HMI/SCADA marketplaces and we are honored to have been selected as their supplier of third-party connectivity," said Roy Kok, vice president of Marketing and Sales for Kepware Technologies. "Rockwell Automation has been a great provider colleague over the past five years and we look forward to working closely with Rockwell Automation and their channel associates."
"Kepware is the leading provider of third-party communications in our industry", says Bruce Fuller, business manager for Rockwell Automation. "We want our customers to have the very best connectivity from Rockwell Automation, utilizing FactoryTalk Gateway and Rockwell Software RSLinx for connectivity to Rockwell Automation devices and Kepware's KEPServerEX for non-Rockwell Automation devices. Our relationship with Kepware delivers just that, consistently and reliably, across our various platforms," he adds.
"Plants and factories today are focusing their manufacturing attention on Collaborative Production Systems (CPS) that require proven connectivity solutions between a wide variety of third party devices" according to ARC Advisory Group Research Director Craig Resnick. "Rockwell Automation's customers require a high level of assurance regarding the integrity of their connectivity solutions. This is a significant factor in Rockwell Automation selecting a major player in the communications space such as Kepware to provide connectivity solutions based on their extensive field-tested experience and significant number of industry relationships".
About Kepware
Kepware is the world leader in communication software for automation and offers unique experience in both OPC and embedded device communications. Since 1995, Kepware has focused on the development of communication drivers to automation controllers, I/O and field devices. Operating system support includes; Microsoft Windows Desktop, Windows Server and Windows Embedded (Windows CE and Windows Embedded NT/XP). Today, with over 130 communication protocols, and through the efforts of our direct sales, distribution and embedded partners, Kepware is the leading provider of communications with annual shipments exceeding 100,000 units. Kepware's responsiveness to customer needs and strong partnerships with other leading automation suppliers ensure that your next application will be a success. Ask around and you'll hear why automation professionals everywhere consider Kepware Technologies "Automation's Best Friend". www.kepware.com
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. The company brings together leading global brands in industrial automation that include Allen-Bradley controls and services, and Rockwell Software factory management software. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries. For more information, visit www.rockwellautomation.com
Kepware Media Contacts:
Roy Kok
Vice President of Marketing and Sales
Kepware
207.775.1660 x253
roy.kok@kepware.com
Rockwell Automation Media Contacts:
Paula Puess
Rockwell Automation
440.646.3806
pdpuess@ra.rockwell.com
Danielle Engholm
Padilla Speer Beardsley Inc.
612.455.1764
dengholm@psbpr.com
