Top 5 reasons you need an OT data strategy
Register NowKepware has years of experience developing reliable, easy-to-use OPC technologies. Learn about the evolution of OPC standards—from the OPC Foundation launch to the adoption of OPC UA today.
OPC is open connectivity in industrial automation. Interoperability is supported by non-proprietary open standards specifications. The first OPC standard specification resulted from the collaboration of leading worldwide automation suppliers and Microsoft. Originally based on Microsoft's OLE COM and DCOM technologies, the specification defined a standard set of objects, interfaces, and methods for use in process control and manufacturing automation software applications to facilitate interoperability. Today, there are hundreds of OPC Data Access servers and clients.
In 1994, experts from a spectrum of industrial disciplines formed the OPC Foundation. The Foundation's goal was developing a single client/server specification that allows vendors to develop applications that share data in a fast, robust fashion, and eliminate proprietary schemes that forced vendors to duplicate development efforts. The OPC Foundation released the first specification, Data Access Specification 1.0a, in 1996. Using this specification, vendors quickly developed client/server software.
The Data Access specification eliminated the need for application vendors to develop proprietary communications drivers—an effort that often outweighed application development. OPC technology focuses vendor efforts almost exclusively on the client application. The Data Access specification defines how both the client and the server application interface are constructed. If the specification is followed properly, a client vendor knows any OPC server for an industrial device can provide the connectivity needed for data access. Issues like time to market or reliability no longer restrict OPC applications.
Historically, end users needed to select solutions based on communication driver availability or vendor willingness to develop them. OPC gives end users the ability to select best-of-breed software to solve application problems. The user can choose from a variety of OPC server vendors to address a new driver requirement or remedy performance issues. Application vendors can focus on continuously improving core products without the disruption of addressing communication issues and needs.
To learn more about the OPC standard, visit the OPC Foundation today.
Read our blog to find out how OPC UA protects the security and integrity of your organization’s data.