Redmond, Wa.— ABB Automation (Rochester, N.Y.) announced Sept. 25 a comprehensive software portfolio, IndustrialIT, for process manufacturing, including seven kinds of software and a new controller during a global webcast here at Microsoft Studios.

IndustrialIT products include ControlIT; EngineerIT, to integrate operations and asset lifecycle efficiencies; OperateIT, for a simplified, enterprise-wide user interface; InformIT, a decision-making enabler for e-manufacturing; ProduceIT, record-keeping production management software for batch process industries; OptimizeIT, to integrate online and offline optimization of plant assets; EvolutionIT, for upgrading the installed base and keeping it up to date; and the ABB FieldController 800, with double redundancy for added security.

"ABB Aspect Objects architecture allows every person to act like a business manager online at all times," explains Han Holmstrom, vp ABB Automation Group. "All materials and decisions go through a single industrial IT infrastructure, incorporating services for the complete lifecycle and providing full integration with all existing ABB products. This isn't a new platform; it's a new series of products making maximum use of standards," including OPC, COM, Internet and wireless standards, and IEC 61131-3. Unlike other vendors focusing on a single field network, Mr. Holmstrom adds these products integrate four: TCP/IP, FOUNDATION fieldbus, Profibus, and HART. Industrial IT's Internet capabilities incorporate BizTalk and XML. Robust Microsoft security services from Windows 2000 also add value. Product introductions will follow later in 2000 in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In 1Q01, OptimizeIT will be released. ABB plans to extend the Industrial IT concept to other product areas, as well, such as robotics and drives.

For more information, visit www.abb.com/control or www.controleng.com/freeinfo . For free information about software and other products, see Control Engineering Buyer's Guide Online at www.controleng.com/buyersguide.