(PRWEB) April 20, 2006 -- SCADA software zenOn supports new Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Windows-based SCADA/HMI software zenOn 6.2 now supports Microsoft’s recently launched SQL Server 2005, allowing customers to take advantage of the new enhanced security and improved availability features provided.

Many zenOn installations use SQL Server for archiving data, providing standardised storage for third party software such as ERP and higher level MES systems. Whilst zenOn automatically generates an FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant audit log, connecting to an SQL Server for archiving is particularly beneficial in food and pharmaceutical applications where specialised third partly traceability reporting is common.

Thomas Punzenberger, Managing Director COPA DATA commented, “zenOn is an open system and will always be compatible with the technology our customers use, having supported SQL Server 2000 we were first in line to support the new version, taking advantage of the new features and ensuring backwards compatibility for our customers.”

COPA DATA has developed zenOn under a close relationship with Microsoft during the past 18 years, supporting VBA in the runtime, SQL Server. Indeed, all zenOn versions have been developed for Windows platforms, including the first Windows CE HMI SCADA software.

Christian Beyrl, Manager Server & Tools Platform at Microsoft Austria commented, “Our experts worked closely with COPA DATA to develop an interface that fully utilises the new security features and improved performance of SQL Server 2005 that benefit manufacturers directly in their operations.”.

When archived to an SQL server, the data is easily retrieved using the zenOn software with a few mouse clicks. Designed for longevity, zenOn is backwards compatible with the popular SQL Server 2000. Backwards compatibility is ensured making sure data recorded to an SQL 2000 database is fully accessible from the archive section of zenOn following customer migration to a new SQL server 2005.

Security is a hot topic in the process industry, specifically SCADA systems. An SQL Server is typically used as part of a zenOn-based system specifically to allow multiple users or systems on disparate systems to access a shared database. In a complex system with many connections, the new enhanced security model and encryption options built into SQL Server 2005 promise improved process safety and security.

www.copadata.com

About COPA-DATA
COPA-DATA is a leading European innovator in HMI/SCADA systems. Specialising exclusively in automation software since the mid-80s has enabled the Salzburg-based company become technological trail blazers in the industrial marketplace.

Today, COPA-DATA has subsidiaries in Germany, Italy, France and the Middle East with distribution and integrator partners throughout the world. The company currently employs more than 100 staff and has impressive references including Festo, BMW and Audi. Over 45,000 zenOn systems are installed in automotive, machine building, energy and manufacturing plants worldwide.

About zenOn
The zenOn software suite was the first visualisation suite to run entirely on Windows, later taking advantage Windows XP platform’s capabilities. Currently a unique feature of zenOn, the same platform extends from Windows CE handhelds on the factory floor up to Windows XP using an efficient event-driven distributed network.

The new generation 6 zenOn software features a powerful editor to reduce engineering time using automatic engineering wizards and through highly efficient reuse of pictures and control elements.

Notes to editor:
COPA-DATA press releases can be downloaded from the BCM online press room, complete with high resolution photography and screenshots where appropriate.

Visit the COPA-DATA online press room at www.ballard.co.uk
http://www.ballard.co.uk/press_releases/company_releases.aspx?company=copa-data

Press Contact:
Robin Wolstenholme, Ballard Communications Management (BCM)
Tel +44 (0)1306 882288

Reader contact:
Copa - Data GmbH
A-5020 Salzburg
Karolingerstrasse 7 B
Austria
Tel: +43 (0)662 431002-0
Fax: +43 (0)662 431002-23