Virtualisation extension for WinCC SCADA

24 January 2011

Siemens Industry Automation Division has expanded the functionalities of its Simatic WinCC SCADA system Version 7 with a new software update.

Service Pack 2 enables client virtualization via Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware ESXi 4.0, and it contains a driver for communication with Mitsubishi controllers via Ethernet. Windows 7 and Windows 2008 Server are also supported.

Virtualization allows several systems that would otherwise require separate hardware to be operated in parallel on one PC. The virtual WinCC clients can be connected with thin clients via an Ethernet network using RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol).

Virtualization technology has three central advantages, says the company: Firstly, existing hardware resources are optimally utilized, reducing procurement and operating costs. Companies can reduce their hardware costs in the production environment, particularly in combination with rugged thin clients.

Virtual clients can also be easily and quickly backed up to increase availability. The simple migration of existing, completely configured systems to new hardware, is also possible, making lengthy installations on the PC unnecessary.

After installing Service Pack 2, several WinCC clients can be installed and operated on one hardware platform via the two virtualization applications Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware ESXi 4.0, depending on the hardware equipment of the server. With VMware ESXi 4.0, the user can operate up to eight virtual clients with one PC in a configuration with 16GB RAM, depending on the scope of the project.

The Service Pack 2 can be downloaded free from www.siemens.com/simatic-wincc. It is also available on request as a DVD.


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