SCADA/HMI SOFTWARE PROVIDES COLLABORATION & WEB BROWSER CONNECTIVITY FOR CONTROL SYSTEMS

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SCADA/HMI SOFTWARE PROVIDES COLLABORATION & WEB BROWSER CONNECTIVITY FOR CONTROL SYSTEMS
18 January 2004 - Advantech UK

One of the most powerful , integrated collections of automation tools has become even better with the release of Advantech's A-Studio V5.1 SCADA/HMI development system.

Building on the success of Advantech Studio V5.0, Advantech's A-Studio version V5.1 is Microsoft .NET technology compliant, runs under Windows XP, and supports the newest OCX version of OLE controls. A-Studio allows OEMs and end users to create Web-enabled SCADA and HMI systems for process control, automation, and embedded controls. Advantech Studio is well suited for OEMs, offering a built-in software update capability and remote debugging tools. A free, downloadable demo version is available on the Advantech Web site.

A-Studio V5.1 runs under Microsoft Windows XP, and has the XP look and feel. Like XP, A-Studio V5.1 allows for two visual styles in the development environment. One is XP, with its animated buttons and tabs; the other is the classic Windows style, with windows and dialog boxes appearing in the familiar way. Either visual style can be used when developing SCADA/HMI applications that can run on Windows NT, 2000, XP, or CE, or on the Web.

A-Studio provides ActiveX support for the Windows CE operating system and Browser-Based Thin Clients, and supports OCX, the third and most recent version of OLE controls. OCX has enhancements that facilitate distribution of components over networks. By using OCX, A-Studio gives Web connectivity and browser capability to control and HMI software, including systems embedded in Windows CE devices, such as the WebLink and WebOIT companion products.

Enhanced graphics include the ability to create 3D images for objects, thus allowing images to have a more realistic look. Graphic images can be resized to fit a display. Other graphic enhancements include grid lines, sizing handles, and "snap-to-grid," which makes placing and sizing images, columns, and text quick and simple.

In addition to allowing OEMs to embed Web-enabled and .NET-compliant control systems into devices, A-Studio V5.1 provides remote software update capabilities and debugging tools. An OEM can distribute and update user software from a central server, eliminating the need to ship software packages. With the proper security privileges, OEMs can also remotely view, debug, and update their customer's applications, eliminating the need to send service technicians to a customer site.

For example, using A-Studio V5.1, an OEM could embed a web-enabled HMI system in a "smart" instrument or control device. After the sale, the OEM could interrogate the device over the Internet, monitor and debug it if problems arise, and download upgraded software to all customers when new versions become available.

http://www.advantech-uk.com

About: Advantech UK
Advantech has been established in PC-based automation for almost 20 years. In this time, the company has built up a worldwide network of sales, support and logistics offices in 16 countries and has more than 60 distribution partners in territories where Advantech either has a local office or not.

There are 4 logistics centres in Asia, America and Europe. The European Service Centre, which is also our European Headquarters, is based in Eindhoven in The Netherlands.

Advantech founded a UK sales office in Milton Keynes in 1998, where 20 sales, marketing, technical support and administration staff now work. Please visit the contacts page for more information.

Advantech's wide range of products are presented through three groups: Embedded Computing, Industrial Automation and Network Computing. Full information on these three groups can be found by opening the links below. Today, Advantech has in excess of 1200 products in its portfolio, with around 30 new products introduced each year by each group.

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