Wonderware Introduces New Operator Interface Touchscreen Computers

Wonderware Introduces New Operator Interface Touchscreen Computers
LAKE FOREST, Calif., Oct. 19, 2004 -- Wonderware, a business unit of Invensys Systems, Inc., has introduced a new family of touchscreen Operator Interface Computers featuring 10- and 12-inch display options. The computers are an addition to Wonderware’s family of Touch Panel Computers that combine ruggedized hardware with the powerful InTouch human-machine interface software. The new offering is an ideal solution to replace proprietary operator interface panels.

Unlike traditional proprietary operator interfaces which offer limited connectivity support for PLCs, drives and other industrial devices, Wonderware’s Operator Interface Computers provide hundreds of device integration servers to meet varying needs in the marketplace. In addition, these open and upgradeable computer platforms are capable of running multiple Windows applications and are easy to upgrade
“Computer technologies have become cost-effective enough to cross paths with higher-end proprietary operator interfaces,” said Ann Ke, Wonderware product marketing manager for Wonderware Touch Panel Computers and Industrial Tablets. “Instead of paying top dollar for proprietary, non-expandable terminals with limited functionalities, users can purchase fully functioning Operator Interface Computers from Wonderware and protect their investments. Users can gain system flexibility and openness as well as increased functionality with room for future application expansion.”

Wonderware’s Operator Interface Computers are fully functioning, touchscreen computers featuring the Windows XP Professional operating system. They also contain an embedded XP option using Compact Flash technology for harsh environments. The quick-change mechanism feature enables easy maintenance by allowing a quick connect and disconnect of the display from the computer.
“For applications based on InTouch, standardizing on one HMI platform from supervisory control to operator interface panel can significantly save on engineering costs, maintenance and training,” Ke said.

About Wonderware and ArchestrA Business Units
Wonderware and ArchestrA are business units of Invensys Systems, Inc. Wonderware is the world’s leading supplier of industrial automation and information software. Founded in 1987, Wonderware pioneered the use of the Microsoft Windows operating system in HMI automation software for manufacturing operation systems. Wonderware software powers intelligent plant decisions in real time. The hallmark of the ArchestrA architecture is: “Every system in your plant, working in concert.”
Based in Lake Forest, Calif., the Wonderware and ArchestrA business units have regional sales and development offices throughout the North American, European, Latin American and Asia-Pacific regions to provide support to its network of more than 160 distributor offices. Wonderware has approximately 300,000 software licenses in approximately 100,000 plants worldwide, which is about 30 percent of the world’s 335,000 plants with 20 or more employees. For more information, visit www.wonderware.com or www.archestra.biz.

About Invensys
Invensys is a global automation, controls and process solutions group. Products, services, expertise and ongoing support enable intelligent systems to monitor and control processes in many different environments. The businesses within Invensys help customers in a variety of industries perform with greater efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness. Industry areas of focus include hydrocarbons, chemicals, oil and gas, power and utilities, rail, telecommunications, paper, food and beverage, dairy, pharmaceuticals and personal care.

Process Systems provides products, services and solutions for the automation and optimization of plant operation in the process industries. Featuring industry-leading brands such as Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor and Wonderware, Process Systems occupies a top-tier position in the DCS, safety, simulation and HMI markets. Products are installed in more than 150,000 plants worldwide. Serving process and batch industries, including hydrocarbons, chemicals, power and utilities and metals and mining, and also the discrete and hybrid manufacturing sectors, Process Systems is at the forefront of technological innovation, with new award-winning products and technologies such as ArchestrA technology, Digital Coriolis flow meters and DolpHin pH sensors.

Also within the Invensys Group, APV specializes in process equipment engineered into systems and asset services for food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical and chemical clients. Eurotherm is a leading supplier of control and measurement instrumentation solutions and services to industrial and process customers. Rail Systems is a multinational leader in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of safety-related rail signaling and control systems. Climate Controls is a major provider of the components, systems and services used globally to make commercial and residential environments safer, more comfortable and more efficient. Appliance Controls has the broadest system and component offering for the appliance industry worldwide.

The Invensys Group is headquartered in the U.K. and listed on the London Stock Exchange. With 39,000 employees operating in 60 countries, Invensys helps customers to improve their performance and profitability, building value for end users and shareholders alike.

Invensys; Wonderware; ArchestrA; InTouch; “Every system in your plant, working in concert.”; APV; Avantis; Eurotherm; Foxboro; Triconex; SimSci-Esscor; Digital Coriolis; DolpHin; APV; and Eurotherm are trademarks of Invensys plc, its subsidiaries and affiliated companies. All other brands and product names may be the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Contacts: Kari Garcia -- for Wonderware
Comm Strategies
(949) 753-9292, ext. 244
pr@commstrategies.com