Software offers functionality for SNAP Ethernet I/O systems.

Press Release Summary:



Automation and data acquisition software suite includes ioControl v5.0 flowchart control programming application and ioManager v5.0 software utility for configuring and managing SNAP Ultimate and SNAP Ethernet I/O systems. OptoOPCServer v5.0 provides integration of company's SNAP Ethernet I/O and SNAP Ultimate I/O systems with any OPC-aware software client, while ioDisplay v5.0 graphics-based HMI is designed for developing operator interfaces for Microsoft Windows-based clients communicating with SNAP Ultimate I/O system.



Original Press Release:



Opto 22 Introduces ioControl 5.0, ioManager 5.0, ioDisplay 5.0, and OptoOPCServer 5.0



Company's Automation and Data Acquisition Software Suite Offers New Features and Functionality for SNAP Ultimate and SNAP Ethernet I/O Systems

Temecula, CA - August 1, 2003 - Opto 22, a manufacturer and developer of hardware and software for industrial automation, remote monitoring, and enterprise data acquisition applications, has introduced ioControl 5.0, the latest version of its popular control programming software, and ioManager 5.0, software for configuring and managing Ethernet-based I/O products. The company is also announcing ioDisplay 5.0, an updated graphics-based human machine interface (HMI) software package, and the improved OptoOPCServer 5.0 for the SNAP Ethernet I/O and SNAP Ultimate I/O lines of products.

ioControl 5.0 is a Microsoft® Windows®-based flowchart control programming application that lets users develop control and data acquisition applications quickly and easily, then download, run, and debug them in real time directly on Opto 22's SNAP Ultimate I/O system. Control engineers can program with an extensive, self-documenting, plain-English command set or use a powerful, built-in scripting language offering commands for math, conditional branching, string handling, and other complex functions.

ioControl 5.0 offers several new features, including compatibility with the Microsoft Windows XP operating system and new file handling capabilities. The latter lets users upload and download large amounts of data and perform common file operations to and from any FTP server, including recently announced FTP servers built into SNAP Ultimate I/O brains. For example, SNAP Ultimate I/O systems can collect data from connected sensors and devices (floating-point, integer, state, and string), convert the data to common file formats (such as ASCII text files), and upload it to an FTP server.

ioManager 5.0 is Opto 22's newly enhanced, Microsoft Windows-based software utility for configuring and managing SNAP Ultimate and SNAP Ethernet I/O systems. ioManager 5.0 allows users to configure installed SNAP I/O modules and I/O features and load their configurations to the assigned systems. The configuration can also be saved to a tag database on the computer for use with ioControl, or saved and downloaded to multiple I/O brains in batch mode.

A major enhancement to this new version of ioManager is the ability to view, configure, and change every parameter and feature of every I/O point-in real time-from an intuitive graphical user interface, significantly reducing the time and complexity of configuring and managing Ethernet-based I/O systems. ioManager 5.0 also enables batch configuration of multiple SNAP Ultimate I/O units. "What we've essentially done is taken the functionality of two or three different software tools and utilities and integrated it into this new version of ioManager," says Mark Engman, vice president of engineering at Opto 22. "As a result, users now have the ability to access all information about any given I/O point and make any changes all within the same utility. This lets control engineers and instrument technicians get their jobs done much more quickly and efficiently."

ioDisplay 5.0 is an HMI application for developing operator interfaces for Microsoft Windows-based clients communicating with the SNAP Ultimate I/O system. Users can create their own graphical user interface using original or pre-existing commands, symbols, and bitmaps. Enhancements to ioDisplay 5.0 include improved security features that enable assignment of individual or group-level access to operator-driven dynamic attributes. Encryption of the resulting runtime operator action log file is also now possible, helping users comply with recent regulatory requirements found in the FDA's 21 CFR Part 11 specification. ioDisplay 5.0 also boasts additions to the customized library of pre-designed industrial graphics and offers support for the JPEG file format.

Finally, OPC compliant OptoOPCServer 5.0 provides standard integration of the company's SNAP Ethernet I/O and SNAP Ultimate I/O systems with any OPC-aware software client, thus eliminating the need for software and application developers to write custom interfaces when seeking to exchange data with these systems. Using OptoOPCServer 5.0, any OPC client program can access the SNAP Ethernet I/O and SNAP Ultimate I/O brains, giving users the ability to read and write to I/O points and ioControl strategy variables. OptoOPCServer 5.0, which meets OPC specification 2.0, makes it easy to combine data acquisition, soft-logic control, and HMI software from third parties into the process control and automation environment. Opto 22's ioControl 5.0, ioManager 5.0 and OptoOPCServer 5.0 are included with purchase of the SNAP Ultimate I/O system. ioManager 5.0 is also shipped with all Ethernet-based SNAP brains. ioDisplay 5.0 is priced at $99 US per seat.

ioControl 5.0, ioManager 5.0, and OptoOPCServer 5.0 are available for download now from the Opto 22 Web site (www.opto22.com) and through a global network of authorized distributors and resellers. ioDisplay 5.0 will be available September 1, 2003, through the same channels.

About Opto 22
Opto 22 manufactures and develops hardware and software products for applications in industrial automation, remote monitoring, and enterprise data acquisition. Using standard, commercially available Internet, networking, and computer technologies, Opto 22's input/output and control systems allow customers to monitor, control, and acquire data from all of the mechanical, electrical, and electronic assets that are key to their business operations. Opto 22's products and services support automation end users, OEMs, and information technology and operations personnel. Founded in 1974 and with over 80 million Opto 22-connected devices deployed worldwide, the company has an established reputation for quality and reliability.

Opto 22 products are sold through a worldwide network of distributors, partners, and system integrators. For more information, contact Opto 22 headquarters at 800-321-OPTO or visit our Web site at www.opto22.com.

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