Inductive Automation is pleased to announce that MatrikonOPC's popular OPC Tunneller is now included as an optional installation in their unified installer system. The OPC Tunneller is the perfect companion to FactorySQL, and allows users to easily overcome DCOM headaches to create efficient, seamlessly networked OPC solutions.
Security and configuration problems associated with DCOM have long made even the simplest remote OPC configurations a hassle. MatrikonOPC Tunneller provides the perfect answer, translating local COM based OPC calls into standard network traffic. Furthermore, it provides a range of additional features such data encryption, compression, and aggregation making it the perfect choice for someone looking to collect data from one or more remote sources. Configuration is minimal, allowing users to get up and running extremely quickly.
FactorySQL is an industry leading OPC to SQL databridge. It provides bi-directional synchronization, historical logging, e-mail alert notifications, and much more. When paired with the MatrikonOPC Tunneler, within minutes users could have data being retrieved from any number of remote sources and available in their corporate database. There truly isn't a more cost effective, powerful way to retrieve and monitor remote data.
For more information on FactorySQL or the MatrikonOPC Tunneller, contact Inductive Automation at (800) 266-7798.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
MatrikonOPC Tunneller Now Bundled with FactorySQL
Friday, January 18, 2008
Inductive Automation Releases FactoryPMITM 3.1 and FactorySQLTM 4.1
SACRAMENTO, CA DECEMBER 11, 2007 - Inductive Automation is proud to release FactoryPMITM Version 3.1 and FactorySQLTM Version 4.1. The main features of this release are SSL support for enhanced security over public networks, Java 6 support for easier deployment, and a new Historical Group in FactorySQL for easier data logging.
FactoryPMITM 3.1
SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is the industry standard encryption protocol for HTTP communication. This is the same technology that protects your sensitive financial information as you interact with your bank or purchase merchandise with a credit card online. FactoryPMI 3.1 natively supports SSL encryption for both its web-based server configuration and its web-launched HMI/SCADA clients. This technology is a natural fit with FactoryPMI, as its deployment and communication are completely web-centric. While most of our customers deploy their HMI/SCADA applications on their private intranet, we are getting more and more interest in deploying FactoryPMI's web-launched clients over the public internet. Interest in this technology ranges from simple internet-based deployment of a global SCADA system, to new hosted SCADA business models that only FactoryPMI's innovative web-launched clients can support. We are proud to be able to support applications that need the utmost level of security with SSL encryption in FactoryPMI 3.1.
FactoryPMI 3.1 has a host of other features as well. It is now compatible with the JavaTM Platform version 6, and still backwards compatible with Java version 5. Our popular SQLTags technology now supports the OracleTM database, as well as the PostgreSQL database. We now support licensing through hardware USB-dongles as an alternative to our software CD-Key based licensing. This is useful for customers who want a cold-standby server, because they know they can transfer their license by simply moving a USB-dongle. Last but certainly not least is the new Standalone Mode option for the FactoryPMI Gateway. This option lets FactoryPMI launch clients on multi-homed servers (computers that are on two or more networks), or over port-forward situations with no extra network setup, as long as the Gateway is not part of a load balancing cluster. Combine all of these features with a host of smaller improvements and bug fixes, and you have an upgrade that you don't want to miss. The full changelog can be found under the Support section of our website.
FactorySQLTM 4.1
For years, the workhorse of FactorySQL has been its standard "Group". This unit of configuration can morph from a historical logger, real-time status and control synchronizer, downtime tracker, recipe manager, etc. With the introduction of SQLTags much of this can now be accomplished easily and quickly inside of FactoryPMI, leaving only the need to configure history in FactorySQL. Therefore, in this version we have added a new easy to configure historical group. By stripping the options of the standard Group down to only what is used in historical logging, the Historical Group couldn't be simpler to use. Our famous install-to-SQL-logging time of under 5 minutes is now even shorter, with an even flatter learning curve.
Additionally, version 4.1 boasts improved support for OPC properties such as Quality, Timestamp and item path in all group types, making it extremely quick and simple to log these properties for each tag.
FactorySQL 4.1 also provides support 64-bit WindowsTM, USB-dongle licensing, and OracleTM and PostgreSQLTM databases in SQLTags.
About Inductive Automation
Inductive Automation pioneered the first full-featured web-launched HMI/SCADA system in the world. Its standards based, database-centric architecture receives accolades from plant managers, IT managers, and system integrators worldwide. With a commitment to software quality and technical support second to none, Inductive Automation is at the forefront of industrial software.
Contact
Jim Meisler
(800) 266-7798 x227
jmeisler@inductiveautomation.com
Inductive Automation Revolutionizes SCADA Application Development with SQLTags™ Technology
SACRAMENTO, CA OCTOBER 12, 2007 - SQLTags™ Technology
Powered by OPC, SQLTags technology turns any SQL database into a high-performance industrial tag database. Modern databases, like Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and MySQL, have storage and performance characteristics that make them ideal for use in industrial applications, and are easy for IT departments to support.
The database-centric architecture of FactoryPMI and FactorySQL has long let designers create data-rich SCADA and MES systems with features like downtime and efficiency tracking, recipe and batch management, trending, and PDF reporting. Now with SQLTags, HMI functions like realtime status and control are accomplished with drag and drop ease, letting users benefit from the power of a database-centric architecture without the complexity.
| "SQLTags is a significant breakthrough in distributed SCADA technology," said Steve Hechtman, Inductive Automation's president. "In my 22 years experience as a systems integrator, I’ve never encountered a platform that so naturally crosses over between industrial controls and enterprise management." |
FactoryPMI™ 3.0 and FactorySQL™ 4.0
FactoryPMI is a full-featured, database-powered HMI/SCADA system with unlimited clients and data points. Its innovative web-launched rich clients make deployment and management a breeze. IT departments enthusiastically endorse its standards-based approach including Java clients, open SQL database connectivity, web based management, and integrated Microsoft Active Directory authentication. Its highly modular architecture enables systems ranging from redundant enterprise-wide SCADA systems to plant-floor touch-panel machine control.
FactorySQL is the easiest, most effective way to bridge the gap between PLCs and standard database systems. It is an OPC powered industrial data bridge that leverages existing IT infrastructures. Drag and drop configuration for both data logging and bi-directional control delivers easy connectivity with industrial devices. Advanced features like alerting, triggers, and stored procedure support make FactorySQL the data bridge of choice in a variety of industries worldwide.
FactoryPMI 3.0 and FactorySQL 4.0 are completely backwards compatible. A free evaluation is available for download at: http://www.inductiveautomation.com/downloads.
Get a feel for FactoryPMI’s web-launched rich clients by running our public demo, available at: http://www.inductiveautomation.com/demo.
For a 10 - 15 minute live web demonstration sign up at http://www.inductiveautomation.com/webdemo or call us at (800) 266-7798,
About Inductive Automation
Inductive Automation pioneered the first full-featured web-launched HMI/SCADA system in the world. Its standards based, database-centric architecture receives accolades from plant managers, IT managers, and system integrators worldwide. With a commitment to software quality and technical support second to none, Inductive Automation is at the forefront of industrial software.
Contact
Jim Meisler
(800) 266-7798 x227
jmeisler@inductiveautomation.com
ISA Expo 2007 a Great Success
SACRAMENTO, CA OCTOBER 12, 2007 - For the second year in a row, Inductive Automation attended the ISA Expo, an international showcase of the latest in automation and industrial technologies. We are pleased to announce that this year's show was a great success, and would like to thank everyone who came by our booth.
The highlight of this year's show was the release of FactorySQL 4.0 and FactoryPMI 3.0, introducing SQLTags technology. The release was formally announced with a press release on Wednesday morning, and demoed throughout the week at Inductive Automation's booth. Visitors were surprised by the ease-of-use of SQLTags, and the overall simplicity and power of Inductive Automation's software.
The “Turn the Corner” theme of this year's booth was also a great success, and the message of being frustrated by tag, screen, and client licensing restrictions resonated well with visitors. The backdrop scene, depicting two industrial users standing on a street corner with “will work for tags” and “will work for clients” signs, elicited many knowing chuckles and expressions of agreement. The scene provided a good entry way into a conversation as to how Inductive Automation could help users “Turn the Corner” to the future of HMI/SCADA software.
As part of ISA's “Cruising for Solutions” contest, Inductive Automation was able to interact with thousands of attendees throughout the week. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk to so many representatives from a wide array of companies and industries, and to demonstrate our software.
Many visitors to our booth were surprised to learn what Inductive Automation had to offer them. The following are a few “Frequently Asked Questions” that we received.
ISA 2007 Top 5 Most Frequently Asked Question:
5) What do you do?
Simply put, we make a revolutionary web-launched HMI/SCADA system. “Web-launched” meaning that it's launched off of any web browser, but runs as a fully interactive application. All data goes through standard SQL databases, which means it's open, accessible, and IT friendly. Our OPC to SQL bi-directional data bridge does the rest of the work to the device.
4) Why does the world need another HMI?
The fact is, there's a huge market of customers who simply aren't happy with what they have and what they currently see in the market. We had many people approach with this question, and almost all of them left convinced that there is a better way to do SCADA- the Inductive Automation way.
3) It's really a fixed price?
It is! We don't charge extra for more tags, screens or clients. Our solution is about getting things done- if you need another client, simply go launch one. Want some more information on a screen? Fire up the designer and add it. You simply don't have to pay extra to do more. Oh, and one more thing: our prices are fully visible for all to see. We're not afraid to show what it costs.
2) Can it connect to ??? (device/database)
Simple answer- YES. We connect to any database that supports ODBC, and have native connectors for every major system. All device communications are performed through OPC, which means we can communicate with any device that has an OPC server- essentially every device made.
1) Will you stamp my card?
It's true, many people came by simply looking for stamps in the “Cruising for Solutions” game. However, we were genuinely surprised as to how many people stayed around to talk to us about their experiences with SCADA software, and to learn about what we have to offer.
About Inductive Automation
Inductive Automation pioneered the first full-featured web-launched HMI/SCADA system in the world. Its standards based, database-centric architecture receives accolades from plant managers, IT managers, and system integrators worldwide. With a commitment to software quality and technical support second to none, Inductive Automation is at the forefront of industrial software.
Contact
Jim Meisler
(800) 266-7798 x227
jmeisler@inductiveautomation.com
COMING SOON: FactorySQL™ 4.0 and FactoryPMI™ 3.0 Powered by SQLTags™
SACRAMENTO, CA SEPTEMBER 7, 2007 - We are pleased to announce that on October 1st, 2007 we will be releasing FactorySQL™ 4.0 and FactoryPMI™ 3.0.
The cornerstone of the new release will be the introduction of SQLTags™ technology, which will greatly enhance robustness, ease of use, and speed of development. SQLTags™ links together FactorySQL™ and FactoryPMI™ like never before, while maintaining our renowned database-centric architecture. The combination of FactorySQL™ and FactoryPMI™ powered by SQLTags™ will truly offer the industry's finest HMI/SCADA/Enterprise integration solution.
If you're new to Inductive Automation's software, there's never been a better time to learn more. Watch our website throughout the coming months to sign up for a free SQLTags™ demonstration webinar.
CALL NOW FOR MORE DETAILS, AND TO LEARN ABOUT MONEY-SAVING PRE-RELEASE SPECIALS.
Inductive Automation Releases FactorySQL™ 3.1.5, FactoryPMI™ 2.2.0
SACRAMENTO, CA AUGUST 14, 2007 - Inductive Automation is proud to release FactoryPMI™ Version 2.2. This important release adds a host of new features, as well as many bug fixes. The headlining feature in this release is a new way to simply set up multi-state animation for components. Rounding out the release are many other features, such as more flexible and easier to set up Active Directory authentication, component animation, inactivity detection, and more! Perhaps best of all, this upgrade is backwards compatible (as always) and free to existing users.
Component Styles
The new Component Styles feature is an easy and powerful way to set up multi-state animation on components. For example, if you want to change the background color, text, and border of a label based on a number, all you need to do now is configure that component’s Style. Previous to FactoryPMI 2.2, this would have required multiple data bindings. This feature will save designers precious time when developing screens in FactoryPMI. It is also a very flexible and powerful feature, allowing any component property to be animated, such as borders, fonts, colors, text, etc.
Active Directory® Authentication
The new Microsoft Active Directory authentication profile is much easier to configure than the old one, and more flexible to boot! All you need to do is point it to your domain controller and tell it the name of your domain, and - presto! - you’re authenticating with Active Directory. We strongly encourage use of Active Directory to ensure the highest degree of security for your application.
Lots More!
This release is packed with other small features. Users can now manipulate the size and position of their components during runtime using scripting, enabling beautiful animations. You can also detect the amount of time the user has been inactive (no mouse or keyboard activity) in order to initiate a logout or revert to a main screen. In addition to all these features, FactoryPMI is full of many, many bug fixes and compatibility improvements, making it the most stable edition to date.
If you are using the Reporting Plugin, you’ll have to upgrade to version 1.1.2 of that plugin when you upgrade to FactoryPMI 2.2.0. A maintenance release of FactorySQL, version 3.1.5, has also been released.
About Inductive Automation
Inductive Automation pioneered the first full featured web-launched HMI/SCADA system in the world. Its standards based, database-centric architecture receives accolades from plant managers, IT managers, and system integrators worldwide. With a commitment to software quality and technical support second to none, Inductive Automation is the rising star in the industrial software landscape.
Contact
Jim Meisler
(800) 266-7798 x27
jmeisler@inductiveautomation.com
Inductive Automation Attends 2007 North American OPC Interop Conference
SACRAMENTO, CA JUNE 5, 2007 - Inductive Automation is pleased to announce a successful attendance at the 2007 North American OPC Interoperability Conference. The conference, held annually in North America, provides top OPC client and server vendors the opportunity to mutually test products for interoperability, standards compliance, and functionality. For the second year in a row Inductive Automation has tested FactorySQL, a leading OPC to SQL databridge.
At this year's event, FactorySQL successfully passed core functionality tests against 37 industry leading OPC servers, from manufacturers such as Siemens, Matrikon, Iconics, Rockwell, Takabishi and more. In addition, FactorySQL was one of only several clients to pass a new certification test offered by the OPC Foundation, the 'Self-Tested Certification'. This test, administered by OPC Foundation officials, verifies a client's compatibility with OPC specification and best-practice guidelines, ensuring that certified products represent the very best of the client market.
"We see OPC as the cornerstone of interoperability in industry," said Steve Hechtman, president of Inductive Automation, "and we are dedicated to supporting it and other open, accessible architectures."
The OPC foundation is a collective of over 300 top-name companies dedicated to ensuring interoperability in automation by creating and maintaining open specifications for communication. Since the first specification was published in 1996, OPC has become the de-facto standard in the field.
Inductive Automation, an automation software company, was founded with the idea that industrial control systems and enterprise management systems should not be separate. Leveraging standard IT technologies, Inductive Automation's products break the mold of proprietary, monolithic control system software.
FactoryPMI™ Version 2.0 and FactorySQL™ Version 3.0 Released
SACRAMENTO, CA MARCH 2, 2007 - Inductive Automation announces the release of industrial data bridge server FactorySQL™ Version 3.0 and web-launched SCADA server FactoryPMI™ Version 2.0. These releases include clustering and redundancy, features that virtually eliminate SCADA system downtime, while enabling cost-effective scale-out. Rounding out this release are an easy new charting component in FactoryPMI, and a new Block Data group type in FactorySQL.
Clustering and Redundancy
With the new clustering feature of FactoryPMI Version 2.0, system downtime can be reduced to a minimum. A multi-node server cluster is immune to single points of failure. In addition, client load is automatically spread out over the entire cluster for cost-effective scale-out, eliminating the waste of a hot-standby model. Best of all, configuring a cluster couldn’t be easier.
FactorySQL Version 3.0 features redundancy for mission critical applications. Redundant FactorySQL servers mean you never lose control of your system and ensure gapless historical data.
View the FactorySQL Redundancy Architecture Diagram
View the FactoryPMI Clustering Architecture Diagram
New Chart Component
With FactoryPMI Version 2.0, great charting gets even better. SCADA system designers can now create jaw-dropping, professional, interactive charts in no more than a few minutes. Historical or real-time, and easily printed or exported to Microsoft Excel, these charts are an invaluable tool for both the plant floor personnel and the executive management team.
Block Data Group
FactorySQL Version 3.0 features a new group type, the Block Data group. This new group type is designed to address a wide array of situations in FactorySQL that were previously difficult to configure. Block data groups allow the user to drag and drop OPC tags into columns, instead of rows, enabling quick and painless mirroring of OPC data in the database. Like standard groups, block data groups support full bi-directional communication, dynamic data addressing and triggering, opening up a large world of possible uses.
FactoryPMI Version 2.0 and FactorySQL Version 3.0 are available immediately and are completely backwards compatible. Downloads can be found at http://www.inductiveautomation.com/downloads/. Existing users can upgrade for free until July 1st.
About Inductive Automation
Inductive Automation, an automation software company, was founded with the idea that industrial control systems and enterprise management systems should not be separate. Leveraging standard IT technologies, Inductive Automation’s products break the mold of proprietary, monolithic control system software.
For more information, visit http://www.inductiveautomation.com or contact: Inductive Automation, 2110 21st Street, Suite 500, Sacramento, CA 95858 Phone: (800) 266-7798 Fax: (916) 438-1808 e-mail: info@inductiveautomation.com
Contact
Jim Meisler
(800) 266-7798 x27
jmeisler@inductiveautomation.com
