As the newest version of the OPC open connectivity standard, OPC-UA is the platform- and operating system-independent, firewall-friendly, secure, reliable OPC solution for enterprise-wide connectivity, the organization said. With OPC-UA, end-users can easily exchange data among controller products and systems on the factory floor and in higher-level information technology (IT) systems. The Foundation vision for Unified Architecture is to deliver true enterprise-wide openness for data exchange in the manufacturing industries.

“Tight certification disciplines are being implemented to ensure the quality of OPC Unified Architecture products,” said OPC Foundation President Tom Burke. “But ultimately, someone has to approve everything we do. Therefore, we have invited a variety of stakeholders to be part of that process. These include Board and non-Board members who have committed to UA, and also third-party organizations.”

The 17 third-party organizations currently involved in the Council are ABB, Emerson Process Management, Fieldbus Foundation, Honeywell Process Solutions, Iconics, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Invensys Process Solutions, Kepware, Matrikon, OSIsoft, Rockwell Automation, SAP, Siemens Energy & Automation, SISCO, WBF, Wonderware and Yokogawa.

“This step adds to the strength of our Early Adopter group,” said Burke. “As well as evangelizing Unified Architecture, TAC members will act as the representatives of all members. As a result, all Unified Architecture output will be ‘rock solid,’ guaranteeing the quality of our members’ products and providing end-users with the assurances they need.”