Rockwell purchasing parts of Dynapro software

Can you buy your own software? Certainly, if it was developed by someone else, if you like it well enough, and especially if it’s a potential competitor.

Rockwell Automation agreed to buy portions of Dynapro (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) on March 4. Rockwell Automation’s ControlView and RSView32 human-machine interface (HMI) software and its Allen-Bradley PanelView “e” operator terminals and other control and communication products were initially developed and supplied by Dynapro.

The two companies expect this latest sale to close in April, following approval by regulatory authorities. Terms of the transaction weren’t disclosed.

About 80 Dynapro employees are expected to join Rockwell Software organization and remain in Vancouver.

After the closing, Dynapro’s remaining organization will be wholly owned by KHB Holdings Inc. It will focus on touchscreens, touch computers, terminals, and monitors. Dynapro will continue to develop, manufacture, and market these products under its own brand.

“This acquisition makes good business sense for both companies,” says Karl Brackhaus, Dynapro’s president and ceo. “Dynapro’s leading HMI software technology will be a core part of Rockwell Automation’s strategy and Dynapro will be well-positioned to focus on the large touch products market, which represents significant growth opportunities.”

Dan Savage, Dynapro’s director of marketing and sales, adds, “We felt RSView32 was getting choked,” adding that Rockwell Automation can now do what it feels is best for that HMI software. Mr. Savage says to watch for a major push to expand markets for Dynapro’s patented Near-Field Imaging touchscreen technology.

Rockwell Automation previously held a 50% stake in Dynapro. Rockwell chose to purchase the rest of certain Dynapro intellectual property and other assets at a time when Dynapro’s independent presence in the automation market was growing rapidly. Dynapro’s recent efforts to develop Microsoft Windows CE-based HMI solutions might have competed more directly with Rockwell’s products.

“We made a significant investment in automation software with the formation of Rockwell Software in 1994, and this acquisition furthers our commitment by adding significant development and marketing muscle to the business,” says Keith Nosbusch, Rockwell Automation Control Systems’ president.

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