Kepware's Communication Platform Answers Automation Industry's Call for Improved Security and Interoperability

-- New KEPServerEX V5.12 offers intuitive security plug-in, user access management, and increased interoperability with modern OPC UA standards

PORTLAND, Maine, June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A defense-in-depth security policy can minimize both malicious and unintentional mistakes that may cause downtime or impact safety. Today, Kepware Technologies, a software development company focused on communications for automation, released KEPServerEX® V5.12—the latest edition of its flagship communications platform designed to help meet industry security requirements and increase interoperability with modern OPC UA standards.

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"At Kepware, we're constantly adapting to address the evolving needs of our customers," said Tony Paine, President and CEO of Kepware Technologies. "Based on customer input, the ability to provide high levels of security and interoperability through modern standards such as OPC UA are of growing importance, so we have responded to these priorities in our latest KEPServerEX release."

With its new Security Policies Plug-In and updated User Manager settings, KEPServerEX V5.12 leverages user authentication in OPC UA to help ensure that only intended users receive access to the server runtime through trusted client applications. Administrators can provide broad access permissions at the group level or restrict read, write, or browse access for more granular control at the object level.

"While security is a major concern for any company reliant on automation, it is truly paramount for those in the power industry, as the consequences of inadequate access controls can quickly escalate beyond just a business disruption," said Lars Ole Christoffersen of Denmark's leading energy company, DONG (Dansk Olie og Naturgas) Energy. "We are confident that with KEPServerEX V5.12's new Security Policies Plug-in, we will be able to streamline operations and increase safety by ensuring that the right people have access to the right information and controls."

"OPC UA standards represent a major step for interoperability and security in the Automation industry," according to Craig Resnick, Vice President of Consulting at ARC Advisory Group. "While adoption remains at an early stage, technology based on OPC UA standards, such as KEPServerEX V5.12, will empower more organizations to invest in secure industrial device communications solutions, ensuring that their plants and factories will be safer and more productive."

KEPServerEX V5.12 also includes two new Allen-Bradley Micro800 Serial and Ethernet drivers. Additional enhancements have been made to more than 20 of Kepware's drivers, including the DataLogger Plug-In, the Siemens TCP/IP Ethernet Driver, and the DNP Master Serial and Ethernet drivers.

For more information, please visit Kepware Technologies online or contact a representative at +1-207-775-1660 or sales@kepware.com.

About Kepware Technologies
Kepware Technologies, established in 1995, develops a wide range of communication and interoperability software solutions for the Automation industry. The company's flexible and scalable solutions help connect, manage, monitor, and control diverse automation devices and software applications, while its industry-endorsed software solutions improve operations and decision making throughout all levels of an organization. Kepware Technologies' mission is to be the standard for connectivity by developing Advanced Communications for Automation. For more information, visit www.kepware.com.