JavaScriptSearch Wednesday, October 25, 2006; 04:33 AM
The OPC DataHub
from Cogent Real-Time Systems now offers a way to create dynamic web
pages without any ActiveX objects, .NET programming, or Java applets.
The OPC DataHub's new built-in web server is capable of sending
real-time data to a web page using client-side scripting. Dynamically
updating data can be viewed in any web browser, PDA, or cell phone
capable of using HTML and Javascript. Wi-Fi enabled devices can even
access data without accruing cellular connection charges.
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"Today's professional wants always-on access to his data," said Andrew Thomas, president of Cogent Real-Time Systems.
"AJAX by itself is a leap forward in web technology, and when you
connect it to a real-time data feed through the OPC DataHub, you get a
truly dynamic system."
AJAX stands for Asynchronous Javascript And XML. It is a group of web
technologies that use client-side scripting to allow a web server to
send and receive data--without having to refresh the page in the
browser. This means data displays can be updated instantaneously, using
minimal system resources. The only requirements for the client side are
the ability to display HTML, and to run Javascript. This makes AJAX an
ideal technology for cell phones and PDAs.
OPC is the leading protocol for data communications between industrial
hardware devices and Windows software. The OPC DataHub is a
memory-resident real-time middleware application that collects data
from OPC servers and other sources, and redistributes it to any number
of clients. Now, with its built-in web server and AJAX, the OPC DataHub
can send OPC data in real time to a web page on a PC or cell phone.
"AJAX opens a new window of opportunity for OPC users," said Mr.
Thomas. "Now there is a way to leverage a company's investment in OPC,
and get valuable data from the shop floor into the pocket of any
manager or executive who needs it."
The OPC DataHub is a single tool for OPC tunnelling, bridging, and
aggregation, as well as for connecting OPC servers to Excel, ODBC
databases, and the web. The new web server in this latest release of
the DataHub greatly enhances its web capabilities, which also include
ASP-based reports and live data updates using Java applets.
Besides AJAX, the latest version of the OPC DataHub shows many other
improvements. Its new bridging interface sets up OPC server bridges
with a few mouse clicks. There are more options for connecting to OPC
servers. It is now easier to write data to ODBC databases. The
DataHub's tunnelling interface now offers more synchronization options
for new or renewed connections, and the data flow can be read-only,
write-only, or bidirectional.
Founded in 1995, Cogent Real-Time Systems is a leader in real-time
cross-platform data integration between Windows, Linux and QNX.
Customers include the Bank of Canada, Cadbury Chocolate and the
European Space Agency. Cogent leverages its experience in real-time
data communications to provide the next generation of OPC products.
http://www.opcdatahub.com/
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