Kepware Technologies, a software development company focused on communications for automation, today announced major product updates to KEPServerEX version 5.15. The release demonstrates Kepware’s unwavering commitment to communications standards and support of industry-leading hardware manufacturers. The updates are particularly relevant to customers in the Manufacturing, Building Automation, and Energy Management markets.
KEPServerEX version 5.15 introduces the Omron NJ Ethernet Driver to its Omron Server Suite. The industry’s only native driver, it provides connectivity to Omron Sysmac NJ controllers, utilizing the EtherNet/IP protocol for fast and robust communications. Recognized by Omron as a Vendor Endorsed Protocol, the driver enables unimpeded communications to HMI, MES, and other client applications through the KEPServerEX communications platform.
“The Sysmac NJ controller is Omron's flagship machine control platform, designed to advance the industry by integrating logic, motion, vision, safety, robotics, and database connectivity into a single architecture,” said Matt Trowbridge, Director of Marketing at Omron Automation & Safety. “In this high-performance market space, it was important for us to partner with a leading OPC provider to create reliable and scalable solutions for customers using our machines in their industrial applications. Kepware was selected to be Omron's recommended OPC provider with the industry’s only native driver to the Sysmac NJ controller, leveraging the built-in EtherNet/IP protocol in order to streamline communication.”
KEPServerEX version 5.15 also features major enhancements to the BACnet/IP Driver to support schedule and calendar objects for the Building Automation and Energy Management markets. The driver supplies data access to clients outside of typical Building Automation clients, including HMI, SCADA, Historian, and Enterprise applications that support OPC standards.
“Kepware is committed to developing products that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Tony Paine, CEO, Kepware. “KEPServerEX version 5.15 is no exception. Its new capabilities are a response to increasing customer requests for support of leading hardware providers and technologies like Omron and BACnet. We are confident that our latest release will have a significant and positive impact on the industry.”
In addition to the Omron and BACnet drivers, KEPServerEX version 5.15 includes updates to 28 of its supported drivers and plug-ins, including AES Version 3 encryption support for the SNMP Driver. Kepware also recently released ClientAce version 4.0.2.6, a .NET developer toolkit that enables applications programmers to design custom OPC clients. Maintaining its highly intuitive drag and drop development style, ClientAce now includes support for Visual Studio 2013 and .NET 4.5 Framework.
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