New DataHub Videos Simplify OPC Integration

Georgetown, Ontario (July 30, 2008) A new series of videos from Cogent Real-Time Systems teaches through animated demonstration how to get up and running on a live data integration project using the OPC protocol. Featuring the highly acclaimed OPC DataHub technology, the videos break down the complex challenge of developing an integrated OPC-based data communication project into a group of easy to understand modules.

In a few minutes the user is led through the fundamental steps of connecting to an OPC server, and can then immediately move to more advanced topics such as bridging data from different sources, tunnelling a connection across a network to avoid the frustrations of DCOM, and logging data to a database. These and other skills, such as connecting to Excel, displaying OPC data in a web browser, and sending custom email messages with current data are all covered in compact lesson modules of 5 to 7 minutes.

"These videos highlight the ease of use of the OPC DataHub," said Andrew Thomas, President of Cogent. "In just an hour or two an engineer or system integrator can gain the skills necessary to undertake a relatively sophisticated data-integration project."

Participants can choose the topics that suit their needs, and stop or repeat the lesson as often as necessary. Each user action is carefully explained through clear instructions and animated demonstrations. The software shown in the videos is the same OPC DataHub that is available for free download, so participants can immediately put their new skills into practice.

The OPC DataHub gives quick, reliable, and secure access to valuable information direct from the factory floor. It is an integrated tool that can present live process data directly on an engineer's or manager's desk in a form most suitable: database, spreadsheet, web page, or custom program. It provides OPC tunnelling, bridging, and aggregation, and has a free API to support virtually any type of data connectivity.

The DataHub Videos are a set of modular lessons available online for self-paced learning of the basic functionality of the OPC DataHub. Because the OPC DataHub is a single tool that can be applied to practically any live OPC data integration project, users who complete these lessons are able to apply it to solve many of the common tasks of real-time data integration.

Founded in 1995, Cogent Real-Time Systems is the leader in real-time cross-platform data integration between Windows, Linux and QNX. Customers include the Bank of Canada, Cadbury Chocolate and the European Space Agency. Cogent leverages its experience in real-time data communications to provide the next generation of OPC products.