CimQuest INGEAR, a leading supplier of runtime-free software development solutions for industrial applications, has introduced its newest version of factory floor device communications software, NET.ABLINK 4.0. Providing a direct communication channel to Allen-Bradley programmable logic controllers, NET.ABLINK 4.0 delivers fast communications without the need for costly OPC servers.

INGEAR NET.ABLINK 4.0 allows users to develop their own Windows programs, system services, class libraries and ASP.NET solutions for automation and control applications without OPC constraints. Through the software, operators experience the following benefits:

• Direct communication to Allen-Bradley programmable logic controllers using Ethernet, DH+, DH-485 or Serial DF1
• Managed code specifically written to address the demands of writing HMI or data acquisition and control applications for Microsoft's .NET Framework
• Runtime free deployments without additional license fees, and
• No third-party components, drivers, API's or tools.

"Unlike OPC, which is a middleware application that presents complex programming and challenging application compatibility, NET.ABLINK 4.0 is an embedded class that features a direct communications pipeline to the controller, making it easy to talk to your PLC--fast and without the overhead and recurring costs of OPC servers," said Chuck Karwoski, President of CimQuest INGEAR.

Like all solutions in the INGEAR.NET software family, NET.ABLINK 4.0 is a runtime free class library that simplifies building, developing and deploying connected systems for manufacturing applications using Visual Basic .NET or Visual Studio C#. It uses only three primary classes of .NET code, which are used to manage the PLC, manage the data that are read from or written to the PLC and manage groupings of methods, properties and events to optimize read/write operations on a collection.

Applications developed with NET.ABLINK 4.0 can run on 64- and 32-bit Windows and Windows Server, Windows Compact Framework, Windows Mobile and Linux with Mono Framework. To provide users with flexible purchase options, NET.ABLINK 4.0 is offered in multiple editions, including Single Machine Edition, Developer Edition, Team Edition and Compact Framework Edition. An optional USB license key is also available to easily float development capabilities to runtime computers for field testing and debugging.

INGEAR NET.ABLINK 4.0 is available for immediate download and free trial. Visit http://www.ingeardrivers.com/ablink for pricing and download instructions.

CimQuest INGEAR. Email: plc.net@ingeardrivers.com