September 23, 2010 - Software Toolbox released OmniServer Version 2.7, the latest upgrade to its universal data acquisition software featuring support for the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA). With support for OPC UA, OmniServer provides the most up-to-date OPC technology. OmniServer now offers users of OPC UA client applications, such as HMI/SCADA and MES systems, the ability to acquire data from miscellaneous, non-standard devices such as barcode readers, scales, printers, gauges and other instruments that may not feature connectivity software. Support for OPC UA in OmniServer also solves the problem of configuring DCOM security, which is frequently an issue for OPC DA users who utilize remote connectivity.
OPC UA support in OmniServer provides flexible security options enhancing the ability to securely share industrial automation data through corporate firewalls.OmniServer couples OPC UA support with existing client protocols including OPC DA, Wonderware SuiteLink and DDE. The OmniServer Professional Edition includes advanced functions for moving data into text files, databases and other Windows applications, as well as sending email and SMS notifications.
These functions can be used individually or together in any combination as well as with previous versions of OmniServer.Additional OmniServer Version 2.7 enhancements include improved graphical user interface and error logging functionality as well as reduction in engineering, startup and troubleshooting time needed to implement connectivity with non-standard devices. Upgrade paths are available for current users who want to take advantage of the new features and benefits of OmniServer Version 2.7.
“One of the most common problems we see in terms of support is overcoming the hurdles of remote OPC connectivity due to the frequency of OPC servers residing on machines that are separate from the OPC client requesting the data,” said Kevin Rutherford, senior application engineer at Software Toolbox. “One of the major benefits and goals of the new OPC UA specification is that it does not use DCOM for remote communications, making remote connectivity a much simpler process. The usage of encryption, security certificates and user authentication also dramatically enhances the security of the data being transferred, giving users additional peace of mind.”
ABOUT SOFTWARE TOOLBOX
Since 1996, Software Toolbox has been an industry source for industrial automation software, from project conception to completion. The company has served more than 10,000 clients in 110 countries helping them find, evaluate, purchase and support automation software solutions. These solutions include OPC servers, clients, development toolkits, HMI/SCADA add-ins/enhancements, and ActiveX and .NET development tools for Visual Studio C#/VB/C++. Software Toolbox works with its clients in all phases of projects to help them find and determine the right tools to use and to support overall project objectives and maximize their industrial software results.