Research Triangle Park, NC (31 March 2008) - The Microsoft Manufacturing User Group (MsMUG), formerly a part of OMAC, is moving to a working group under the Automation Federation so that the group can better support the needs of the industry as a horizontal thread across disciplines.MsMUG was formed in 1999 to address issues that arise when applying Microsoft technology in manufacturing. The mission of the group is to define and resolve issues such as version management, system integration, maintenance, and supplier responsibility.
MsMUG works to develop a set of best practices that will aid in the use of Microsoft operating systems in manufacturing environment; provide input to Microsoft on the special needs of this environment; encourage and influence software suppliers to support these best practices; and provide user input to the OPC Foundation on changes and improvements to OPC." MsMUG creates an environment where end-users, ISVs, integrators, and Microsoft can collaborate to share information and solve problems," said Erik Goode, MsMUG Chair with Cargill. "End-users and integrators join to have an opportunity to be part of one manufacturing voice. By moving the working group under the Automation Federation, manufacturers in process, hybrid, and discrete manufacturing will all be part of that conversation."
There are three subgroups under MsMUG. MUGSecure is focused on increasing Windows operating system reliability and security by developing best practices for configuring Windows in a control system environment. MUGPatch concentrates on best practices for upgrade validation with OS patches, and MUGOPC concentrates on the expanding need to update user issues into OPC standards.
