M
Hi all,
I've been following a few threads here and the discussions involving open systems, communications and Windows seem to be
converging. So I'll just add my 2 cents worth.
1.Windows is proprietary and not truly open(ok, this statement is iffi).
2.Windows is not the best platform for control.
3.Windows is the only widely accepted OS.
4.Most automation suppliers are following WINwhatever because this is what customers want.
5.Most customers want a package that is stable, easy to configure, can be modified by an 8 year old, has acceptance by everyone (even suits), can actually be used to control equipment (versus just attempting to).
6.Most SCADA or HMI packages are on the Windows bandwagon because of #3 and #4 and not because of #5.
So, can anyone suggest viable alternatives for an OS that will take all of these points into account. This choice of OS could then be pushed in one concerted movement by all involved in the automation field.
This last paragraph states the huge can of worms that would be opened by trying to push this "new" standard. Unfortunately, we will have to live with what we have. The only remote way to change
this situation in the short term is by having MS opt out of the automation field. This could be done by adding some sort of "flash in the pan feature" that front office users want but which would make WINwhatever useless for automation. Only then would we all look for anything else that would work. Lo and behold, we would be right back to the pre-WINwhatever era.
Any takers?
Michel A. Levesque eng., mcp
Directeur Bureau Montreal
AIA Inc.
[email protected]
I've been following a few threads here and the discussions involving open systems, communications and Windows seem to be
converging. So I'll just add my 2 cents worth.
1.Windows is proprietary and not truly open(ok, this statement is iffi).
2.Windows is not the best platform for control.
3.Windows is the only widely accepted OS.
4.Most automation suppliers are following WINwhatever because this is what customers want.
5.Most customers want a package that is stable, easy to configure, can be modified by an 8 year old, has acceptance by everyone (even suits), can actually be used to control equipment (versus just attempting to).
6.Most SCADA or HMI packages are on the Windows bandwagon because of #3 and #4 and not because of #5.
So, can anyone suggest viable alternatives for an OS that will take all of these points into account. This choice of OS could then be pushed in one concerted movement by all involved in the automation field.
This last paragraph states the huge can of worms that would be opened by trying to push this "new" standard. Unfortunately, we will have to live with what we have. The only remote way to change
this situation in the short term is by having MS opt out of the automation field. This could be done by adding some sort of "flash in the pan feature" that front office users want but which would make WINwhatever useless for automation. Only then would we all look for anything else that would work. Lo and behold, we would be right back to the pre-WINwhatever era.
Any takers?
Michel A. Levesque eng., mcp
Directeur Bureau Montreal
AIA Inc.
[email protected]