Invensys Process Systems has announced that it will offer 24/7 global network security monitoring and management through a partnership with Integralis, a leading global provider of managed security services. This unique collaboration between a major process control vendor and a major IT services provider demonstrates the growing importance of combining process engineering and IT expertise in warding off cyber threats to refineries, public utilities, pharmaceutical plants and other process industries.

Rockwell Automation has announced that IBM's Global Business Services has joined its FactoryTalk Information Solution Provider program. As a partner in the program, IBM will extend its existing relationship with Rockwell Automation by helping manufacturers build plant-wide information applications and manufacturing execution systems (MES) using the FactoryTalk suite of integrated production and performance software. The two companies have been actively collaborating on plant-to-enterprise solutions within several industries including automotive and life sciences.
Rockwell Automation launched the Information Solution Provider program in October 2006 to provide manufacturers with an extended network of information systems professionals to help them integrate their control and information environments for better manufacturing performance. Rockwell Automation trains and certifies participants on implementing applications within the FactoryTalk suite to facilitate better interaction between the plant floor and higher-level business systems. Through the creation of the program, Rockwell Automation adds to its own services organization's solutions and delivery capabilities around the FactoryTalk suite. “IBM truly understands the value of an integrated suite of production and performance software based on a service-oriented architecture,” said Kevin Roach, vice president of Software, Rockwell Automation. “They're a natural fit for our Information Solutions Provider program based on our track record of successful collaboration and their incredibly deep expertise in information systems and business process integration.”

According to the latest statistics from IMS Research, the worldwide low voltage AC & DC motor drives market experienced unprecedented growth in 2006. Record high energy prices combined with improved awareness of the energy saving benefits of motor drives have contributed to increasing the market by nearly 15% over 2005 levels, to more than $7.6 billion. It is expected to continue growing by an average of 9% per year in terms of revenues to surpass $11.2 billion by 2011.

Invensys Process Systems has announced that Hartmut Wallraf, chief of technology and vice president for Europe and Middle East Africa operations, had been elected Chairman of the Board of the FDT Group. (www.fdtgroup.org). The FDT Group is a consortium of manufacturers and process instrumentation vendors who have come together to enable interoperability among diverse technology protocols.

Companies that will not compromise on specification but want a low cost data recorder will be interested in the launch of Eurotherm’s new 6100E model. The design brief was straight forward; create an easy to use, secure and adaptable recorder that will meet the needs of industry at a competitive price.