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Kepware finds a partner for building automation

ControlGlobal.com
01/23/2009

By Andrew Bond, Industrial Automation Insider

Kepware is partnering with German communications protocol specialist ConneXSoft to develop drivers for the building automation and energy management markets. ConneXSoft specializes in BACnet and Echelon protocols and the partnership will combine its expertise and understanding of the European market with Kepware’s market access through its direct, channel and OEM sales partners. Initially, the focus will be on ConneXSoft’s expertise and capabilities in BACnet, Echelon i.LON smart server, LNS communications and layered productivity solutions. ConneXSoft products will be delivered as KEPServer-compliant and will be added to Kepware’s broad range of drivers which, in the building automation arena, already includes BACnet, Modbus, iSNMP for network infrastructure monitoring and the UCON User CONfigurable driver, which provides communications with a wide range of simple devices including RFID, bar code and badge readers. Additional drivers about to be released include System Monitor, which can monitor the health and performance of PCs used in automation, and the Industrial Defender Security Agent which can assess the security of an automation solution by detecting log-in activity, communication activity and registry, file and media access.

Kepware will also become a reseller of ConneXSoft productivity tools. “When addressing key vertical markets, it is important to deliver both technology and a core competency,” said Kepware marketing and sales vp Roy Kok. “Kepware has been delivering drivers for this industry for quite some time. This additional step will ensure a laser focus on the needs of the BAS (Building Automation Systems) and energy management industry, and will ensure that Kepware will be able to deliver the features and benefits the market demands.”