Emerson Exchange 365

I've been wrestling with the webserver since 2003 and all I can say is I think an alternative is definitely warranted.  The traditional remote client architecture does sound like an expensive proposition especially if you are going to have hundreds of users accessing just process history or alarm and event data (as opposed to the full blown workstation environment).  I would like to see the webserver function replaced by an implementation of MS Terminal Service RemoteApp specifically for applications like Process History View. See the below links regarding this technology:

technet.microsoft.com/.../cc753844(v=ws.10).aspx

technet.microsoft.com/.../cc730673.aspx

In reply to Youssef.El-Bahtimy:

The Product Data Sheet was updated today!

http://www2.emersonprocess.com/siteadmincenter/PM%20DeltaV%20Documents/ProductDataSheets/PDS_WebServer.pdf

In reply to Travis Neale:

I've just checked the PDS, and from what I make out, the web server looks the same as previous versions dating back before Y2K.  Have Emerson's Product Development seen competitor offerings, the likes of Matrikon Process Net or CPM?

This is the kind of web server I'm expecting for DeltaV.

Emerson certainly doesn’t make it easy for us guys that have to sell their products!

In reply to AdrianOffield:

Do they still sell "Process Net"?  I can't find it on their website any more.

I sell my own solution (PPM+) so I'm biased, but it also includes a full integrated maintenance package, log book, shift reports, document management, and (something Provox had back with AtAGlance) VCRing.  Although I guess we would have to call it "Tivo-ing" now days.  This is where you look at the process graphic, and go forward/back in time to watch an event unfold.

The primary advantage of using the built-in DeltaV web server is setup.  Graphic and point translation takes quite a long time for the other systems (including PPM+).  The disadvantage is apparently features, but it should suffice for what Devrim is looking for.

Quite intrigued about the possibility of new features in V12.  Anyone have some dish to spill?

In reply to Travis Neale:

I assumed ProcessNet was still current as customers here are heavily dependent upon it.

I know the "Tivo-ing" feature, and that was something available back in the 90's offered by ORSI Cube SCADA, even Infosys IP21 had that feature if I recall.

With the likes of MS Sharepoint and dashboards, I was expecting at least a technology refresh DeltaV web server, a complete web portal associated with all aspects of DCS, not just AMS!

Travis, you state "the primary advantage of built-in DeltaV web server is setup", one would expect this is the case, but have you tried setting one up with dynamic graphics?  The historical data side of web server is quite straight forward, whereas graphics conversion is very limited; any complex dynamo cannot be converted, it’s very basic as to what it can convert into the web based objects.

When it comes down to financials, hours required to convert graphics into DeltaV web server pages is a similar amount of effort as building them in Pi's Processbook, there is no gain by building them natively in Deltav web server.

Maybe we need to hold on for V14!

In reply to AdrianOffield:

Correct, I've admittedly only done some demo conversions with the native web-server, to see if it was possible, and no "real" system.  So I'll take your word on it.  That leaves no real advantage!!

There was a great discussion in Nashville following one of the presentations on the future of the DeltaV interface and possibilities.  Even a native HTML5 interface was discussed.  This was mostly USERS though dreaming, not Emerson folk.  An update to the Operate interface might coincide nicely with external interfacing options.

V14!  I'm not that patient.  I would consider writing some conversion utilities to go from the .GRF and VB to HTML5 and Xi OPC, if I wasn't afraid the interface would change before I was finished!

Maybe we need to start a campaign for input to the UDEP site!?!