Plant operations software offers web access

The first Linux-based, real-time software platform for industrial and plant operations, Verano Performux provides web-based intelligence for secure operational management of critical infrastructure

Verano, a leading provider of software for instant awareness of plant intelligence to knowledge workers within the enterprise, today introduced Performux, a real-time plant intelligence software platform.

Performux is the first Linux-based plant operations software offering secure, Internet-enabled management of critical industrial operations within utilities, transportation, energy and process industries.

Performux provides business managers, knowledge workers and operational personnel with "Instant Awareness" of essential operational metrics and key performance indicators, at a low total cost of ownership.

For example, large process manufacturers can use Performux to monitor production status, asset utilisation and operational alerts.

Performux real-time capabilities provide plant managers and senior executives with up-to-the minute information across widely distributed assets.

Wireless capabilities also allow executives and managers to receive alerts at remote locations, allowing them to take immediate action in response to market drivers such as production outages or real-time pricing events.

Performux is built on the Red Hat Linux Advanced Server, the first Linux platform designed expressly for and certified by top enterprise software vendors.

Performux also has a strong lineage in Unix.

It is based on the Verano SCADA platform (RTAP/i - Real-time application platform) with a reputation for taming some of the largest, most demanding automation challenges in the world.

In the UK power industry, Innogy and Thales have been working together successfully for several years using the Verano RTAP software product.

"This technology has proved to be a powerful platform for our fully integrated plant control system (APMS), helping power plants to refurbish and stay ahead of market competitors," said Andrew Lichnowski, Manager of the Process Control Systems Group at Innogy.

"We are very pleased to see Verano continue to stay at the forefront of technology with the release of Performux, a Linux-based product," added Allan Crewe, technical director for Thales Information Systems.

"Performux can enable the continued cost-effective and secure implementation of APMS, now on a wide-range of different sized systems, from high-end servers to low-end PCs".

"All of our customers using commercial Unix are seriously evaluating Linux as a new operating system platform because of its unsurpassed computing power, portability and scaleability," said Brian Ahern, president and chief executive officer, Verano.

"Combined with the security, high performance and reliability of Linux, Performux delivers the information customers need to make timely decisions, without the traditional barriers of time, media or location".

Performux features include: Real-time data management and visualisation engine with built in web services; Sophisticated alarm and event management; Dedicated thick client HMI visualisation in addition to web-based display; Ability to link to the enterprise utilising the Verano Enterprise Link; Interfaces to legacy plant devices; Java application interface and C/C++ API for developers.

Performux-based solutions are now available and being sold through the Verano industrial automation resellers and integrators.

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