(openPR) - Edmonton, AB, Canada - July 16, 2008: The OPC Training Institute (OPCTI) has released the 20 most common OPC Technology questions asked by automation integrators.

Questions on the latest list include; what are the security holes when working with OPC, will OPC work across a firewall, what is OpcEnum and why do I need it, and what is OPC self certification. These questions along with 16 others cover the vast majority of issues facing integrators today.

In addition to compiling the list of OPC integration questions, OPCTI calls upon industry experts to provide answers. Experts like Tony Paine, Executive VP and CTO of Kepware Technologies, Colin Winchester, VP of Operations at Software Toolbox and OPCTI’s Randy Kondor, President and CEO. On August 13, 2008, OPC experts will form an online panel giving insight and practical answers to the top 20 questions.

"OPC is an outstanding technology", says Randy Kondor of OPCTI, "however it takes know-how to integrate it. Our goal by releasing the top 20 list and providing answers is to make it easier for integrators to use the technology. In turn, manufacturing processes become more finely tuned and efficient."

Kondor goes on to say, "Control, A Putman publication, surveyed their readers in June 2008 regarding PLC programming software and just over one-third reported using OPC. The number is growing daily. Wonderware reports there are over 300,000 plants worldwide with 20 or more employees. As the demand for OPC technology grows so does the need for education and support."

Join OPC industry experts online on August 13, 2008 as they discuss the answers to the top 20 OPC integration questions. More information can be found at www.opcti.com/top20.

OPC technology is the fastest growing industrial connectivity standard among automation professionals with well over 15,000 available OPC applications supported by over 3,000 companies. OPC is a global industrial connectivity standard that enables process control and manufacturing applications to communicate with each other using an interoperable, reliable and secure connection. OPC enables manufacturing environments to host a multitude of applications created by a variety of vendors.

The Top 20 OPC Integration questions are based on data collected in OPCTI training courses.

Brian Neufeld
Director of Marketing
OPC Training Institute
Phone: 1-780-784-4444
Fax: 1-780-784-4445
Email: info@opcti.com
Web: www.opcti.com

OPCTI is the largest OPC training company in the world. OPCTI offers hands-on classes both in-person and online. Unlike other companies that offer vendor-biased information, OPCTI focuses strictly on training and does not sell its own products.

OPCTI’s comprehensive workshops provide automation professionals with a proven training program that enables them to quickly take on the challenging task of establishing a robust communication infrastructure. Each workshop is composed of various units that increase in complexity. In each unit, students first learn the theory followed by hands-on exercises that demonstrate common contemporary issues. Each unit has additional exercises to challenge even the most advanced students.

The Certified OPC Professional (COP) designation is endorsed by many OPC Foundation member companies. Holders of the COP designation have demonstrated proficiency with OPC technology, design architecture, installations.

OPCTI is an active member and a strong supporter of the OPC Foundation.