Kepware Endorses Software Toolbox as their Wonderware "Center of Excellence"

Kepware, the world leader in communication software for automation, announces with its long standing partner Software Toolbox, the world leader in 3rd party add-in software for Wonderware products, the expansion of their relationship by naming Software Toolbox as their official "Center of Excellence" for supporting and promoting the use of Kepware OPC technology and native interfaces with Wonderware products. Software Toolbox has marketed and supported the TOP Server OPC & I/O Server, a branded version of the KEPServerEX, to their global customer base, with a specific focus on Wonderware distribution channels, users, integrators and OEMs. The "Center of Excellence" endorsement is designed to clearly let the market know how Kepware and Software Toolbox serve users of Wonderware with Kepware's OPC technology and Software Toolbox's Wonderware focused expertise and support.  To prevent confusion of TOP Server and KEPServerEX as competing solutions, the TOP Server branding will now include the tagline "Powered by Kepware".

The Top Server OPC & I/O Server incorporates the latest generation of Kepware's OPC server technology and, allows users to quickly setup communications from equipment to control systems using a wide range of available "plug-in" device drivers and components.  Software Toolbox has marketed and provided technical support for Kepware Technologies products since 1996, forming a partnership with Kepware in 2001, and creating the TOP Server brand to grow the presence of Kepware's technology in the Wonderware space. Software Toolbox, working with the global Wonderware distribution channel, has installed thousands of licenses with Wonderware InTouch, InSQL/Historian, and System Platform/Application Server, including major Wonderware users such as SAB Miller, Campbell Soup, Chevron/Texaco, Dow, and more. Software Toolbox's support of Wonderware includes application notes, videos, training, and a technical support team focused on the application of Kepware products with Wonderware software products.

"The support team at Software Toolbox has proven to be highly competent and responsive to their clients and users should know that when they buy TOP Server, in addition to Software Toolbox's excellent support, they are getting the full backing of the Kepware team working in close partnership with the Wonderware experts at Software Toolbox," Says Roy Kok, VP of Marketing and Sales for Kepware Technologies . "TOP Server and KEPServerEX are identical from a technical standpoint and because Software Toolbox always releases TOP Server in step with KEPServerEX, users of TOP Server will have immediate access to our latest technologies. Additionally, the Software Toolbox development team has created products which add value to the TOP Server solution. Beyond demonstrating another level of technical competency this shows their commitment to this endeavor" he added.

"Many customers think TOP Server is a competing technology to KEPServerEX. This announcement clarifies that Software Toolbox and Kepware have been partners for years" said John Weber, President of Software Toolbox. He continues, "Software Toolbox offers a variety of connectivity products as well as graphical, wizard, and HMI object add-in products that enable it to offer a one-stop shop for 3rd party products for automation applications. Because we have a wide range of complementary offerings specific to the Wonderware market and other products that add-value to Kepware's products, we are ideally positioned to continue to focus on the Wonderware market for Kepware,"

"We have been aware of both Kepware's and Software Toolbox's product offerings and relationship for many years," says Craig Resnick, Research Director, ARC Advisory Group. "This is a move designed to make it clear to the marketplace that these two companies share the same technology and are not competitors. This move will help provide the marketplace with additional clarity and visibility regarding both Kepware and Software Toolbox, while allowing these companies to show support for each other's technologies and strengths. Although the OPC server technology offered by both Kepware and Software Toolbox is identical, these companies can now provide the marketplace with specific choices based on differences in available HMI/SCADA technology, add-ins and complementary offerings, product support, or user preference. Offering the marketplace a greater number of choices is a positive thing, which should ensure that this announcement will be well received."

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Class I Division 2?

Image
A Class I Division 2 is a location: (1) In which volatile flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or (2) In which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment. Class I Division 2 Classification Class I Division 2 refers to the ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 standard. This standard was previously UL1604 until UL recommended the newer ANSI/ISA standard be used and that all hazardous location products be certified under this standa
Read more

FUSE SIZING CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY MOTORS

Image
When selecting the proper fuse for short circuit protection in motor starting applications, it is important to not only ensure that the fuse will not nuisance open during motor start up times, but also that the fuse will coordinate as required with overload relays. When sizing fuses between 125% and 150% of the motor nameplate current, several advantages, including ease of coordination with an overload device, a smaller disconnect, and increased short circuit protection from a lower fuse rating, can be achieved. However, if sizing at this level prevents the motor from starting, it may then be necessary to increase the fuse ampere rating and it then becomes important to know the NEC sizing limitations. As of June 1, 2016, the US Department of Energy has mandated that newly manufactured electric motors will need to meet NEMA Premium® efficiency standards. As motor efficiencies increase, motor locked rotor currents can also be expected to increase. In addition to this, with across-the-lin
Read more

7/8 16UN Connectors that Provide 600 Volts and 15 Amps

TURCK announces new A-Size 3 and 4-pin 7/8 16UN powerfast™ connectors that provide up to 600 Volts and 15 Amps of power. These IP67 rated connectors provide a modular wiring system designed to handle high current applications for machine power distribution, while providing resistance to vibration commonly associated with conveyors, motors and material handling applications. The cordsets are available with a tray rated, exposed run PVC flexlife ® cable, with or without STOOW rating, and 14 AWG wires that allow you to replace hard wiring with a robust, quick disconnect system that saves the time and money spent installing a conduit system. The A-Size powerfast line offers male and female, straight connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails or extensions. To make the system complete, fully encapsulated mating receptacles, with 1/2”-14 NPT mounting threads are available.
Read more