• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Luxoft Labs, a ZigBee Alliance Member, Shows Its Continued Commitment to Open Standards By Joining OPC Foundation

Posted on: Thursday, 26 January 2006, 09:00 CST

Luxoft Labs, a wireless sensing technology provider, announced that it joined the OPC Foundation, an organization dedicated to ensuring interoperability in automation. Already a ZigBee Alliance member, Luxoft Labs' new affiliation with OPC Foundation demonstrates its long-term strategy, based on open standards. Luxoft Labs recently implemented both ZigBee and OPC technologies in its MeshNetics(TM) SensiLink integration platform.

MeshNetics(TM) SensiLink is essentially a middleware that integrates wireless sensor networks with various existing or user-defined applications, such as SCADA, HMI, GIS, etc. The sensor data and commands are channeled via one of the gateways (GPRS, RS232 or USB). This data can be then processed and stored. External applications are connected via one of the three interfaces: OPC Server, Web Services and JAVA API. An operator can easily configure network and data acquisition parameters and manage events via a user-friendly GUI. MeshNetics(TM) SensiLink also features distributed intelligence, thanks to the Smart Engine module that performs computations on sensor nodes.

"Our vision is to provide cutting edge wireless sensing technology wrapped into standards-based interface. Our SensiLink integration platform is designed to bridge new wireless technology with the older legacy systems presenting a welcome improvement, instead of a disruptive change" said Vasiliy Suvorov, Managing Director and CTO of Luxoft Labs. "Thanks to the successful implementation of OPC Server, it overcomes the interconnectivity limitation. The data from the wireless sensors can now be integrated into SCADA and HMI systems. Joining OPC Foundation is an important step for us, as we believe that our long-term success depends on our adherence to open standards."

OPC (Open Connectivity) technology is the non-proprietary automation interconnectivity standard. Frequently compared to Microsoft Windows' printer drivers, the OPC Specification defines a set of standard interfaces. OPC was designed to enable applications to retrieve information from a broad array of sources, including devices and databases. OPC Server is the hardware driver created to meet the OPC standard.

"The vision of OPC Foundation is to be the foundation for interoperability for moving information vertically from the factory floor through the enterprise of multi-vendor systems," said Mr. Randy Kondor of MatrikonOPC, the world's leading developer, trainer and distributor of OPC products. "As an active member of the OPC Foundation, we are pleased to welcome Luxoft Labs as a member. Luxoft is helping to expand the footprint of OPC by now providing access to ZigBee wireless sensor networks and legacy systems, such as SCADA. This is another example of how OPC is providing interoperability between devices on different industrial networks from different vendors."

About Luxoft Labs

Founded in 2001, Luxoft Labs (IBS Group) enables complete M2M solutions by providing wireless ad-hoc mesh-network software, integration applications, hardware design and customization services. Luxoft Labs helps its partners and customers to accelerate time-to-market by creating and jointly deploying components and complete M2M solutions for industrial automation, building automation and utility monitoring and control. Luxoft Labs is a member of the ZigBee Alliance and OPC Foundation. Luxoft Labs has offices in Moscow (Russia), London (UK) and Seattle (USA). Visit their website at www.meshnetics.com.

About OPC Foundation

The OPC Foundation, dedicated to interoperability in automation, is an independent, non-profit organization that comprises leading manufacturers and solution providers in factory and process automation. The OPC Foundation's charter is to develop worldwide industry-standards for data transfer Offering multi-vendor interoperability and seamless connectivity of measurement and automation devices, systems and networks used in the manufacturing and process industries, by leveraging open computing technologies. Board members and Officers are unpaid volunteers. Development of specifications is undertaken by volunteers from 350+ members worldwide. Visit their website at www.opcfoundation.org.

About Matrikon

MatrikonOPC is the world's largest OPC developer, providing connectivity to every major control system on the market. MatrikonOPC has the tools and expertise to help plants achieve operational excellence by providing public hands-on workshops, private onsite training and web-based education. MatrikonOPC is also a charter member of the OPC Foundation and has demonstrated a commitment to developing OPC as the industrial standard for open connectivity. Visit their website at www.matrikonopc.com.

Source: Business Wire

More News in this Category