Software provider Kepware recently released version 6.1 of its KEPServerEX Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity software. KEPServerEX Version 6.1 (V6.1)comes with several new features and enhancements that are designed to strengthen KEPServerEX’s utility for developing and deploying IIoT solutions.
Here’s an overview of some of the biggest updates to KEPServerEX V6.1:
- Configuration API updates: KEPServerEX’sREST-based Configuration API is now accessible via the IoT Gateway plug-in. The Configuration API allows users to remotely create, read, update and delete configuration objects, and the API now supports access to Event Log messages without the KEPServerEX configuration client.
- Better ThingWorx integration: ThingWorx is an IIoT platform from Kepware’s parent company PTC, andthe latest version of KEPServerEX aims to improve the experience for users of both products. For example, users can now manage all instances of KEPServerEX connected to ThingWorx.
- OPC UA Client driver updates: KEPServerEX’s Client driver for the OPC Foundation’s Unified Architecture (OPC UA)communication protocol has received a polish, with added support for complex data types and the OPC UA Nano profile.
- Siemens Plus Suite: The new Siemens Plus Suite for KEPServerEX bundles the OPC UA Client driver with Kepware’s Siemens driver. This suite was designed with the manufacturing industry in mind, especially as it relates to the use of Siemens’ SIMATIC S7-1500 programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for industrial automation.
- CODESYS Ethernet driver: The new CODESYS Ethernet driver offers real-time read/write connectivity to devices that are compatible with CODESYS V2.3, an open-source development environment for PLCs.
“KEPServerEX Version 6.1 puts a bow on the IoT-friendly and enterprise-ready connectivity solutions provided in Version 6.0,” said Kepware’s Tony Paine. “Our goal with this release was to balance the productivity demands of our traditional industrial operations customers while developing new features and functionalities that enable customers to bridge the gap between Operations and IT—and prepare them for emerging industry needs and opportunities. In Version 6.1, we’ve added critical performance enhancements that further support this goal.”