Gateway keeps old applications fresh

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 19, 2004

FactorySuite Gateway is a new communications product that provides OPC connectivity to current and legacy Wonderware products running across a wide range of Microsoft Windows operating systems.

FactorySuite Gateway is 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 ensures compatibility with older PCs running Wonderware products whilst also interfacing with the latest Wonderware offerings that are 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 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".

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, California 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 optimising operations rather than investing in legacy or standards-based communications".

The FactorySuite Gateway and other device integration products are now available for download from the Wonderware technical support website.

The FactorySuite Gateway will also be delivered on the Wonderware device integration products CD, which is available to those who purchase new Wonderware products or register for the comprehensive Wonderware support programme.