Ethernet users adopting XML, Profinet, FOUNDATION fieldbus

Users of industrial Ethernet are increasingly seeking to use the XML (eXtensible Markup Language) protocol in both wiredand wireless applications, according to recent research by Venture Development (VDC) Corp.

By Control Engineering Staff July 1, 2004

Users of industrial Ethernet are increasingly seeking to use the XML (eXtensible Markup Language) protocol in both wiredand wireless applications, according to recent research by Venture Development Corp . (VDC).

For example, use of XML in wired Ethernet applications is expected to increase from 16% in 2003 to 31% in 2006. Users responding to VDC’s study add that 14% used Profinet in 2003, but 26% plan to use it in 2006. Meanwhile, 16% used FOUNDATION fieldbus in 2003, while 26% expect to use it in 2006.

In addition, the respondents reported that 27% used XML for wireless Ethernet applications, but 56% expect to use it for wireless Ethernet in 2006. Similarly, 7% used WML protocol in 2003, but 26% plan to use it in 2006. Likewise, while 33% used WAP in 2003, about 43% expect to use WAP in 2006.

VDC’s report adds that it’s important for suppliers to accurately predict which protocols their products should support. Respondents added that backward compatibility and easy integration are key to any successful network, and supporting the most popular protocols will help ensure customer satisfaction.

—Jim Montague, news editor, Control Engineering, jmontague@reedbusiness.com