USB hardware license key to unlock KEPServerEX OPC drivers.
Delivery includes:
Warning: The delivery must be KEPServerEX OPC drivers license.
Product description:
USB hardware key is used to unlock the license of selected KEPServerEX OPC drivers.
Advantage is portability purchased a license to another computer - eg. in case of a PC failure or when using the OPC Server for service purposes.
Disadvantage is the possibility of stealing a hardware key (as well as any other hardware in the workplace).
Please note: We do not recommend using a hardware key licensing for cases where the technology is used Terminal Services. In this case use only software license !!!
Note: It is not possible to combine software and hardware license on one computer. Each additional license must be the same type as those already existing (ie. in addition to software licenses can only add additional software licenses).
Software | |||||
Name | Type | Version | Size | Description | Download |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
KEPServerEX OPC server V6.7 | exe | 6.7.1046 | 509.40 MB | Latest version – released on 27/6/2019 | |
Older software versions | |||||
Name | Type | Version | Size | Description | Download |
KEPServerEX OPC Server v6.6 | exe | 6.6.350.0 | 484.16 MB | Latest version – released on 7/1/2019 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v6.4) | exe | 6.4.321.0 | 431.28 MB | V6.4.321.0 - released 13/12/2017 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v6.3) | exe | 6.3.273.0 | 469.77 MB | V6.3.273.0 - released 29/9/2017 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v6.2) | exe | 6.2.429.0 | 451.47 MB | V6.2.429.0 - released 8/6/2017 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v6.1) | exe | 6.1.601.0 | 377.11 MB | V6.1.601.0 - released 4/4/2017 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v6.0) | exe | 6.0.21 | 363.21 MB | V6.0.2107.0 - released 15/11/2016 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.21.114.0) | exe | 5.21.114.0 | 151.22 MB | V5.21.114.0 - released 20/3/2017 This is the second release of version 5.21 - including bug fixes and updates. Please see the Released Versions tab for more details of the release. | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.21) | exe | 5.21 | 151.22 MB | V5.21.112.0 - released 16/8/2016 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.20) | exe | 5.20 | 148.93 MB | V5.20.396.0 - released 3/5/2016 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.19) | exe | 5.19 | 134.76 MB | V5.19.467.0 - released 20/10/15 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.18) | exe | 5.18 | 119.39 MB | V5.18.673.0 - released 17/8/15 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.17) | exe | 5.17 | 113.50 MB | V5.17.495.0 - released 24/2/15 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.16) | exe | 5.16 | 111.59 MB | V5.16.728.0 - released 18/11/14 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.15) | exe | 5.15 | 99.32 MB | V5.15.585.0 - released 22/7/14 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.14) | exe | 5.14 | 98.34 MB | V5.14.493.0 - released 4/3/14 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.13) | exe | 5.13 | 100.16 MB | V5.13.191.0 - released 15/10/13 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.12) | exe | 5.12 | 99.46 MB | V5.12.142.0 - released 18/6/13 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.11) | exe | 5.11 | 92.45 MB | V5.11.263.0 - released 20/8/13 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.10) | exe | 5.10 | 96.71 MB | V5.10.205 - released 13/11/12 | |
KEPServerEX OPC Server (v5.7) - Service Pack 1 | exe | SP1-v5.7 | 13.50 MB | Kepware strongly recommends using KEPServerEX 5.7 with this Service Pack 1. | |
Manufacturer’s documentation | |||||
Name | Type | Version | Size | Description | Download |
KEPServerEX V6 - Install Guide | 2016-11 | 811.53 kB | 3 installation scenarios for KEPServerEX V6 - Installing on a Clean Machine, Upgrading from Version 5 to Version 6, Installing KEPServerEX V6 on a Machine with Existing Licenses. | ||
KEPServerEX V6 - manual | 2018 | 2.82 MB | Complete KEPServerEX V6 documentation | ||
KEPServerEX - license utility | 1.061 | 361.74 kB | License Utility tool quide - how to manage software licenses and hardware key certificates | ||
KEPServerEX - OPC UA settings | 2017 | 553.91 kB | KEPServerEx OPC UA configuration manual | ||
KEPServerEX V6 - Application Reporting Tool | 2018-v1.012 | 256.92 kB | PDF document describing the utility for technical support department | ||
Windows - OPC DA DCOM Quick Start Guide | 2013 | 522.11 kB | Information for setting up DCOM connection between OPC server and client under Microsoft Windows XP (SP 2 or later). | ||
Windows - DCOM settings guide | 2009 | 854.66 kB | How to configure DCOM on Windows systems for OPC clients and servers communication | ||
Driver Options for KEPServerEX | 2019-05 | 102.48 kB | list of drivers and plug-ins | ||
KEPServerEX - presentation | 2017 | 2.63 MB | basic english presentation about the KEPServerEX and other Kepware products | ||
Kepware - manufacturing brochure | 2019-05 | 5.08 MB | Manufacturing Communications Solutions for Industrial Automation and Control | ||
KEPServerEX - Secure Deployment Guide | 2018-07 | 1.76 MB | Secure KEPServerEX deployment guide |
After purchasing a license you will receive from us a license number, which allows you to generate activation_request.txt file in the License Activation Utility. Send us this file and within 24 hours you will receive response.txt file for upload into the license manager (to speed up, you can register yourself on www.kepware.com website and automatically obtain the response.txt file). This way unlocks the demo version into a full version.
The advantage of software code is the speed of obtaining a license - a license number is generated directly in the Kepware company and because of the time difference we receive the license at about 15h our time. In urgent cases, we can send you the license on the same day we receive the order.
One disadvantage can be restriction for license using on another computer. The license can be transferred to another PC, but in case of hard drive failure you cannot transfer the license and you have the possibility to use "Emergency ID" for 7 days of operation. During this time, you can contact us and ask for support for the transfer of the license to a new PC - this service is available only if a valid "Support and Maintenance".
Unlocking via USB license key brings more flexibility in licenses transferring between multiple computers. Insert the USB key into the computer, upload the certificate file in the license manager and OPC Server is unlocked. To transfer license to another computer repeat the same procedure on the new computer. Purchased licenses are generated for specific ID number of USB key, the license is just upload to your computer through a certification file and USB key contains no license. This method allows you to purchase other Kepware OPC Servers or other Kepware programs for the same HW key.
The advantage is the ability to transfer licenses freely between computers.
The disadvantage is the need to pay extra for a USB stick and possible physical theft USB key from the computer.
Notice valid for all licenses:
Follow these links for detailed guidelines:
Activating a Software License for KEPServerEX V5
Transferring a KEPServerEX V5 Software License
Unlocking the Full Version of KEPServerEX V5 Using the HW Key
This page contains licensing procedures for all Kepware products.
For more detailed activating and transferring instructions – as well as information on upgrading licenses, renewing Support & Maintenance, and troubleshooting licenses—please refer to the License Utility help file.
Activate one or more KEPServerEX Version 6 licenses in a single transaction online or offline. Watch the Video for a six-minute demonstration.
1. To start, open the License Utility on the host machine.
2. Caution: Access to the License Utility may be password protected if the option was chosen during the install process.
3. Verify the “Perform Licensing Operations Online When Possible” option has not been selected, and then select Activate
4. Select “I have one or more software activation IDs”
5. Locate Activation ID within purchase fulfillment email (Example shown below).
Note: The Emergency ID is meant for restoring server functionality during off hours and will expire one week after activation
6. Copy and Paste the Activation ID into the text box field. Then, click Save to File. You can leave this screen open as we will use the Import File button in step #11
Note: The (Optional) fields are useful for Tech Support to locate a lost license, populating them is highly recommended
7. The License Utility will generate the request file (“activation_request.txt”) and then display a file-browse dialog. Save the request file, making note of its location as it will be sent to the My Kepware portal in the next step.
Note: The default filename for the activation request file is “activation_request.txt”. Users can rename the file to ease license management, which may be especially helpful when activating more than one product at one time.
8. In an internet browser, navigate to the My Kepware portal at https://mykepware.com. Returning users will be prompted to enter login information, whereas first-time users must create a new My Kepware Account to continue.
Caution: Microsoft Edge browser has known incompatibility issues with this process; use of an alternate browser is recommended
9. Once logged in, select Activate Product License
10. Now select Upload Activation Request File
11. Complete all required fields on the form, and then click Generate Activation Response File. Save the activation response file (“response.txt”) to portable media.
Note: The default filename for the activation response file is “activation_response.txt.” Users can rename the file to ease license management, which may be especially helpful when activating more than one product at one time.
12. Next, return to the License Utility. Click Import File and browse to the downloaded “activation_response” file received from the My Kepware portal, and then click Open.
Note: At this point, the response file will be processed.
13. Upon successful activation in KEPServerEX, an Activation Complete screen will be displayed
14. Click Close to exit or Next to access the View Licenses page.
15. Click Close to exit the License Utility
Transfer one or more KEPServerEX Version 6 licenses in a single transaction online or offline.
Note: At this point, the license has been successfully stored in the online account and the transferred product is now available for activation on another machines.
Note: At this point, the license has been successfully stored in the online account and the transferred product is now available for activation on another machines.
The hardware key license should now show Certificate status in the License Utility.
An Emergency Activation ID is provided with each purchased Activation ID to be used in the event of a machine or system failure occurring outside of standard business hours. The emergency license can be activated through the My Kepware licensing website from the target machine, and allows the product to run for seven days. The Emergency Activation ID is a one-time use license: one must be used for each product that requires emergency activation. After using an emergency license, contact Technical Support to discuss options for re-commissioning the permanent license.
For more information on emergency license activation, refer to the License Utility help file.
Hardware key certificates are digitally-signed files that contain a unique Hardware Key ID as well as a list of activated products. Although each hardware key certificate can be imported to many host machines, the physical hardware key associated with the hardware key certificate can only be attached to one machine at a time. The physical hardware key is necessary to use the hardware key certificate. For information on how to manage and transfer hardware key licenses, refer to the License Utility help file.
KEPServerEX V5, LinkMaster, and RedundancyMaster software licenses are activated and transferred through a multi-step process that requires Internet and user access to the web-based My Kepware portal. For detailed instructions, expand the topics below.
1. To start, open the License Utility on the host machine.
2. In the drop-down list, select Manage Software Licenses and then click Next.
3. Select Activate a product and then click Next.
4. In Create an Activation Request File, enter the Activation ID that was provided by Kepware with the purchased product. Then, click Save to File.
5. The License Utility will generate a request file and then display a file-browse dialog. Save the request file, making note of its location as it will be sent to the My Kepware portal in the next step.
Note: The default filename for the activation request file is “activation_request.txt”. Users can rename the file to ease license management, which may be especially helpful when activating more than one product at one time.
6. In an internet browser, navigate to the My Kepware portal at https://my.kepware.com. Returning users will be prompted to enter login information, whereas first-time users must create a My Kepware Account to continue.
7. Once logged in, locate Product Licensing and then click Activate Product License. Activate the product by uploading the activation request file.
8. Complete all required fields on the form, and then click Generate Activation Response File. Save the activation response file (“response.txt”) to portable media.
Note: The default filename for the activation response file is “response.txt.” Users can rename the file to ease license management, which may be especially helpful when activating more than one product at one time.
9. Next, return to the License Utility. In Manage Software License Activation, locate Import the Activation Response File and then click Import File. Browse to the downloaded activation response file received from the My Kepware portal, and then click Open.
Note: At this point, the response file will be processed.
10. Upon successful activation in KEPServerEX, an Activation Complete screen will be displayed. Click Close to exit or Next to access the View Licenses page. Upon successful activation in LinkMaster and RedundancyMaster, the View Licenses page will immediately be displayed.
11. Next, restart the runtime service to prevent the license from continuing to run in demo mode.
1. To start, open the License Utility on the host machine.
2. In the drop-down list, select Manage Software Licenses and then click Next.
3. Select Transfer a product activation and then click Next.
4. In Select an Activation to Transfer, use the drop-down menu to select the product activation that will be transferred. This will update the products located in the list box with the features contained within the software license.
5. Under Transfer the Activation File, click Save to File... in order to deactivate the license on the machine. Doing so means that the license rights will no longer be respected by the installed software. If the resulting transfer request file is not processed in the My Kepware portal, users will be unable to use the license
Note: Selecting this button will invoke the warning below. Click OK to continue.
Important: Users whose activation has a Support and Maintenance subscription will receive the warning shown below. Click OK to continue.
6. The License Utility will display a file-browse dialog. Save the request file, making note of its location as it will be sent to the My Kepware portal in the next step.
Note: The default filename for the transfer request file is “transfer_request.txt.” Users can rename the file to ease license management, which may be especially helpful when transferring more than one product at one time.
Important: The transfer request file must be generated from the License Utility on the original host machine. An internet connection is required to complete the license transfer process. If the host machine that the active license is being transferred from does not have internet access, users must copy the transfer request file to a computer that does in order to log in to the My Kepware portal and upload the transfer request file.
7. In an internet browser, navigate to the My Kepware portal at https://my.kepware.com/mykepware/. Returning users will be prompted to enter login information, whereas first-time users must create a My Kepware Account to continue.
8. Once logged in, locate Product Licensing and Registration and then click Transfer License. To browse to the transfer request file previously saved, click Choose file. Once selected, click Open.
9. Next, click Process Transfer Request.
Note: At this point, the transfer request file will be processed and a message will be displayed that indicates the license has been successfully stored in the online account. At this point, the transferred product is now available for activation on another machine.
Important: For information on limitations on activation transfers, please refer to the License Utility product manual.
An Emergency Activation ID is provided with each purchased Software Activation ID to be used in the event of a machine/system failure occurring outside of standard business hours. The emergency license can be activated through the vendor’s licensing website from the target machine, and will allow the product to run for a period of seven days. The Emergency Activation ID is a unique one-time use license: one must be used for each product that requires emergency activation. After using an emergency license, users must contact Technical Support in order to discuss options for re-commissioning the application.
Note: If the computer that the emergency license will be used on does not have Internet access, users must copy the activation request file to a computer that does in order to generate the activation response file. Both the activation request file and the activation response file must be processed on the target machine. For more information on license activation, refer to the License Utility product manual.
Important: It is important to discuss appropriate recovery procedures with all relevant personnel before a situation such as machine/system failure occurs. Furthermore, users can alleviate recovery by saving a copy of all current Activation IDs. It is also helpful to note the correct version of the server installation.
Hardware keys are used in conjunction with digitally-signed files generated by Kepware that contain a unique Hardware Key ID (Flex ID) in addition to a list of activated products. Each hardware key certificate can be imported to many host machines, but the physical hardware key that is associated with the hardware key certificate can only be attached to one machine at a time. The physical hardware key is necessary in order to use the hardware key certificate.
Important: An additional software feature must be installed in order for the hardware key to function properly. This can be done during the initial setup or at any time by re-running the product installation executable and selecting Modify. In Select Features, locate Hardware Key and then select Entire feature will be installed on the local hard drive. Then, continue through and complete the install. For more information, refer to Kepware Installation Guide.
The hardware key certificate must be imported into the License Utility in order for the physical hardware key to be recognized by the application's Runtime. For more information, refer to the instructions below.
1. To start, open the License Utility on the host machine.
2. In the drop-down list, select Manage Hardware Key Certificates.
3. Locate Import a Hardware Key Certificate, and then click Import File. Browse to and select the hardware key certificate sent from Kepware, and then click Open.
4. On successful activation, the View Licenses page will be displayed listing the licensing information for the activated products.
5. Next, restart the runtime service to prevent the license from continuing to run in demo mode.
For more information on managing hardware key certificates, refer to the License Utility product manual.
Kepware Support & Maintenance Program
More on Kepware.com:
Kepware's Support & Maintenance Program is a comprehensive service plan for your Kepware software applications. The program was developed to enrich and lengthen the lifetime of your Kepware software. It combines software updates and upgrades with expert Technical Support services to help keep your critical automation projects performing at an optimum level. It also increases your personal operational efficiency by providing access to Kepware's industry-leading expertise. The Support & Maintenance Program is available for all of Kepware's products and applications, including KEPServerEX, ClientAce, LinkMaster, RedundancyMaster, and all advanced plug-ins and drivers.
On 15th November 2016, Kepware released the new KEPServerEX v6 and changes to its business policy with regard to product updates and support. Specifically, when you buy a Kepware licence, you also need to buy licence update and support for a period of 1 year. During this period, you can upgrade to the latest version of the program at any time, take advantage of technical support and restore the application in the event of a machine failure.
During the period of the Update & Support you've purchased, your product is under warranty. If you want to extend this period by 1 or more years, you need to purchase Update & Support for the requested period during the period of the existing warranty and so continue to have a valid Update & Support without any break between the existing and the new warranty. If you happen to do otherwise, the product goes into the "expired warranty" mode. You can buy Update & Support for that product later, but it'll will be about 2.5 times more expensive than when the product is still under warranty.
Depending on availability, the above-mentioned requests can be dealt with in the form of a special project offering on the basis of a sales offer.
The Support & Maintenance Program is available for purchase in one-year, two-year, three-year, or five-year terms. The cost of the program depends on the value and quantity of Kepware software solutions purchased. For more information or to request a quote, please contact FOXON office.
Ensuring the stability of your high-performance software and keeping it at current release levels enhances business continuity and operational efficiency. Kepware's Support & Maintenance Program provides you with access to the latest software features and functionality that will enable you to continuously improve performance. This includes:
Existing KEPServerEX V5 licenses can be migrated to V6 by purchasing the Support & Maintenance Program, reinstalling the software and upgrading the licences. KEPServerEX V4 and earlier aren't supported anymore and aren't eligible for the Support & Maintenance Program. You need to purchase a licence for the latest KEPServerEX version.
Kepware’s Support & Maintenance Program provides immediate assistance with license recovery if the machine running Kepware fails or is irrevocably damaged. Please note that for failures occurring outside of standard business hours, you can utilise the emergency license (Emergency ID) provided with your original Software Activation ID to avoid software downtime. The emergency licence is valid for 7 days, during which you need to contact Kepware's Technical Support to discuss options for re-commissioning the permanent license. Users can alleviate recovery by saving a copy of all current Activation IDs and Emergency IDs or the .LIC file. It's also helpful to note down the machines which Kepware is running on.
When you purchase any of the KEPServerEX products (i.e. suites, drivers and plug-ins), you are also required to purchase a Year 1 Update & Support subscription. Before your Year 1 subscription expires, it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to renew it.
The Update & Support Renewal – Product Under Warranty option (i.e. you purchase a subscription renewal while your current subscription is still valid) is much cheaper than when you buy a subscription renewal after your current subscription expires. The Product Under Warranty Update & Support Renewal provides you with uninterrupted access to FOXON Technical Support and the latest KEPServerEX upgrades (released a few times a year).
Your current KEPServerEX version will work even if you do not purchase an Update & Support renewal. Nevertheless, it will soon become obsolete. In addition, you will not be eligible for technical support. If at any time in the future you need access to the latest upgrades and technical support, you can purchase the Update & Support Renewal – Product Warranty Expired. This option is, however, much more expensive than buying a renewal while your current subscription is still valid. Furthermore, you will be eligible for technical support only when you have purchased the renewal, which may result in increased downtime in the event of a problem or a failure.
That is why we strongly recommend that you renew your Update & Support subscription before your current subscription expires.
The technical support we provide is support for products and services purchased from us and support for software trials. Technical Support's response time depends on technicians' busyness and availability. We do our best to respond as soon as possible – usually within 2 business days – or when Kepware's Technical Support has responded to our query. Customers who have purchased the Support & Maintenance Program are eligible for priority technical support. Customers without the Program are only provided with limited technical support.
Before contacting Technical Support, please make sure that you first consult relevant troubleshooting sections in User Guides, on our website at foxon.cz and Kepware's website at kepware.com. Please bear in mind that our Technical Support Team can only deal with a certain number of requests at a time.
Our FOXON Technical Support Team only provide general advice on common problems. Complex problems, troubleshooting and bug fixing can only be dealt with by Kepware's Technical Support. These requests can't usually be answered immediately. Users can facilitate troubleshooting by providing all the information needed for the request to be handled in the shortest time possible.
If you'd like to send us a troubleshooting request, please collect the following information and send it to "podpora@foxon.cz:
KEPServerEX is the industry’s leading connectivity platform that provides a single source of industrial automation data to all of your applications. The platform design allows users to connect, manage, monitor, and control diverse automation devices and software applications through one intuitive user interface. KEPServerEX leverages OPC (the automation industry’s standard for interoperability) and IT-centric communication protocols (such as SNMP, ODBC, and web services) to provide users with a single source for industrial data. The platform is developed and tested to meet our customers’ performance, reliability, and ease-of-use requirements. KEPServerEX serves as a data aggregator that enables higher applications to perform read/write operations. Write operations can be disabled in KEPServerEX if you want to prevent any higher application from rewriting anything in your PLC systems, etc. KEPServerEX also includes the OPC DA and OPC UA interfaces for transferring data to OPC DA/OPC UA Client programs. KEPServerEX is considered one of the best communications platforms on the market as it offers more than 150 different PLC drivers supporting over 300 different communication protocols. Whenever your project requires new drivers for PLC systems that weren't originally part of your project, you can easily install them on your KEPServerEX. In other words, KEPServerEX gives you true freedom in that you can extend your project horizontally. This shows that KEPServerEX really is an open platform.
Important: If you install KEPServerEX on a 64-bit operating system, the platform will run without issue in the 32-bit environment (WOW64) of that 64-bit system. The WOW64 is supported by all 64-bit Windows versions. 64-bit Windows versions are supported by KEPServerEX v5.11 and newer.
Important: KEPServerEX v5.9 and newer, LinkMaster v3 and newer and RedundancyMaster v2 and newer do NOT support Windows 2000.
Please note if you have v5.19 (already fixed in v5.20 and newer): In Windows 10, hardware keys are supported by 64-bit systems only. As they're not supported by 32-bit systems, you need to use a software licence.
KEPServerEX provides critical technical features that enable accessibility, aggregation, optimization, connectivity, security, and diagnostics. Expand the topics below to learn more about these features. Explore the new features and enhancements that make KEPServerEX Version 6 enterprise-ready and IoT-friendly.
KEPServerEX provides data access for client applications (such as MES and SCADA) and IoT and Big Data analytics software via OPC, proprietary protocols (including GE NIO, SuiteLink/FastDDE, and Splunk), IT protocols (including MQTT, REST, ODBC, and SNMP), and flow measurement export to common Oil & Gas industry formats. KEPServerEX passes on data to higher systems through the following interfaces:
OPC is the leading standard for industrial automation connectivity. KEPServerEX supports the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) specification and many of the OPC Classic specifications, including OPC Data Access (OPC DA), OPC Alarms and Events (OPC AE), and OPC Historical Data Access (OPC HDA).
KEPServerEX offers preferred data access for leading automation software, including iFIX by GE Intelligent Platforms (NIO) and InTouch by Wonderware (SuiteLink/FastDDE).
KEPServerEX supports multiple interfaces for integration with IT applications, including ODBC for logging information to a database and SNMP for providing information to a Network Management System (NMS). With the advent of IoT and Big Data applications, KEPServerEX now includes the ability to communicate with Splunk software and Cloud services via the Industrial Data Forwarder for Splunk. It also provides data access for the ThingWorx platform, enabling you to develop and deploy smart-connected solutions for the IoT.
With the IoT Gateway, KEPServerEX can seamlessly stream real-time industrial control data directly into Big Data and analytic software for Business Intelligence and Operational Excellence. Its customizable data format supports most MQTT and REST applications—enabling users to choose the vendors and communication methodologies right for their system. The ThingWorx Native Interface also provides data to the ThingWorx platform using the secure ThingWorx AlwaysOn™ protocol for high throughput.
Some applications require information to be made available from a file or database. This information is typically exported at a predefined rate and includes both current and historical data. KEPServerEX has the ability to export historical Electronic Flow Measurement (EFM) data (via the EFM Exporter advanced plug-in) or historical trend data (via supported drivers) to files and/or databases.
KEPServerEX optimizes communications and reduces network and device load via data conditioning and reduction, customized load balancing, and protocol-specific optimization.
In addition to providing raw values to connected applications, KEPServerEX can perform linear or square root scaling, basic arithmetic expressions, and apply deadbands. These features utilize minimal bandwidth and resources by providing only the most critical updates.
KEPServerEX is used in critical applications where highly-reliable systems are required for maximum uptime. It includes the ability to define redundant network paths, primary and secondary data sources, and applicable failover criteria.
In large networks that have many devices and applications requiring information, flexible control is necessary to allow for customized load-balancing of data collection and information flow. KEPServerEX provides tools to schedule the frequency of communications and throttle the demand across the network.
KEPServerEX optimizes communications with devices by aggregating identical requests from different applications whenever possible. Multiple demands on data can be batched together into the fewest requests possible. These optimizations are unique to each protocol, and are designed to reduce network overhead and device processing.
In a typical industrial automation network, devices and controllers must communicate with one another even if they are not from the same manufacturer or do not support the same protocol. KEPServerEX provides the ability to establish links between data values in different data sources, allowing Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications as close to the device as possible.
KEPServerEX provides a REST-based API that enables users to remotely apply programmatic changes to the configuration via third-party client applications (including SCADA, HMI, IoT applications, and simple web applications). These changes include adding, editing, reading, and deleting objects (such as channels, devices, and tags) in the server. The Configuration API enables programmers to create simple webpages where users can identify the properties that change, and then programmatically create the channels, devices, and tags to the company standard. It also enables the use of templates to standardize creation and naming among different types of devices—ensuring consistency and increasing user efficiency.
KEPServerEX simplifies the configuration of connected applications by providing a single point of entry to all information—eliminating the need to purchase, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain multiple disparate solutions for discrete connectivity.
KEPServerEX can support connections to thousands of data sources and provide information to hundreds of applications. The platform design simplifies the configuration of the connected applications by providing a single point of entry to all information. KEPServerEX also enables troubleshooting and issue diagnosis, provides control to the access of information based on user roles, and the ability to restrict the frequency of communications over bandwidth-limited telemetry-based environments.
KEPServerEX provides a unified configuration for managing connectivity to any data source. Anything can be added, configured, or deleted while the server is on-line and operational. Users can configure projects manually using a step-by-step wizard or programmatically through the export and import of XML and CSV files, and via REST calls over the Configuration API.
KEPServerEX is capable of archiving the real-time data it collects to local storage. By leveraging the Local Historian advanced plug-in, applications can access this historical data (via OPC HDA) for future analysis. KEPServerEX can also store information in any ODBC-compliant database using the DataLogger advanced plug-in, which has a store-and-forward capability for when a database is unreachable or unable to process the information fast enough.
KEPServerEX supports the broadest range of drivers available, including current and legacy devices across various verticals, a variety of wired and wireless network mediums, and connectivity to databases, custom software applications, and other OPC servers.
KEPServerEX offers the broadest range of drivers available, supporting devices across various verticals within industrial automation. While most drivers act as masters that initiate requests, there are many drivers that can emulate a device where communications are driven by a controller. KEPServerEX drivers also support a variety of wired and wireless network mediums for Ethernet, serial, and proprietary networks. Although most drivers connect directly with hardware devices, some are designed to connect with other applications—such as databases, custom software applications, or other OPC servers.
Industrial automation equipment can be deployed in a dry and heated factory, but it can also be installed inside a vehicle, on a remote pipeline, or in a well or pump station. In these remote environments, there are often a variety of telemetry solutions in use like cellular, radio, or satellite modems. KEPServerEX supports these telemetry configurations and provides additional ways to optimize communications through virtual networks, timing parameters, device demotion, and by scheduling communications across devices.
As automation networks have grown from ten controllers to thousands of controllers, tools that aid and accelerate deployment are critical to a solution’s success. KEPServerEX provides many tools that speed the deployment of new devices, including Automatic Tag Generation (ATG) and Device Discovery (when supported by the device and communication protocols). Users can also export, manipulate, and import an XML project file to programmatically define the configuration.
As systems are configured, components must be implemented and tested before the entire system becomes available. KEPServerEX allows any data source to be placed into simulation mode prior to deployment. In addition, the Memory Based driver can be configured to create a range of static and dynamic data points. The Advanced Simulator driver can leverage a database and its contents to drive application-specific simulation data into connected applications.
KEPServerEX includes a variety of tools that control user access to the server, data source, or data values, regulate read/write access, provide the ability to connect or disconnect client applications, and support the configuration of secure data tunnels.
Access to the KEPServerEX configuration can be restricted through the User Manager. This tool allows the administrator to define user groups and users with restricted access to certain project configuration tasks, and provides the ability to disconnect client applications. KEPServerEX encourages users to set an Administrator Password during installation to strengthen security to application-level settings, preventing non-administrator users from:
KEPServerEX also offers the ability to encrypt .opf project files—which often contain proprietary information on an organization's network and processes—when they are being transferred to other users or other instances of KEPServerEX.
KEPServerEX also offers various features and functionality to control user access to the server, data source, or data values. The Security Policies feature limits access based on OPC UA user credentials while supporting default handling for anonymous users (both OPC UA and other client interfaces). The ability to dynamically address information can be disabled, limiting user access to tags defined within the project. KEPServerEX supports a number of secure client standards including SNMP (v3 security), OPC UA, and OPC DA (DCOM security) to further restrict access to the server, as well as a number of secure device protocols to meet the requirements of DNP3, SNMP, and OPC UA data sources. Secure data tunnels can be configured by leveraging multiple KEPServerEX instances at remote endpoints to pass data through firewalls and meet authentication and encryption requirements across the Internet.
Access to the KEPServerEX configuration can be restricted through the User Manager. This tool allows the administrator to define user groups and users with restricted access to certain project configuration tasks, and provides the ability to disconnect client applications. KEPServerEX encourages users to set an Administrator Password during installation to strengthen security to application-level settings, preventing non-administrator users from:
KEPServerEX also offers the ability to encrypt .opf project files—which often contain proprietary information on an organization's network and processes—when they are being transferred to other users or other instances of KEPServerEX.
KEPServerEX isolates device and application communications for troubleshooting, offering OPC diagnostics for real-time and historical views of OPC events. KEPServerEX also supports communications diagnostics to capture the protocol frames transferred between the server and any device.
OPC Diagnostics provide a real-time and historical view of OPC events between any OPC client and the server, including method calls made by the client or callbacks made by the server. The ability to view actual communications and responses is invaluable when troubleshooting client accessibility. The diagnostics tools within KEPServerEX greatly speed deployment and reduce downtime.
Communication Diagnostics provide real-time capturing of the protocol frames transferred between the server and any device, as well as indications on the driver's performance. All read and write operations can be viewed or tracked directly in an OPC client application using built-in diagnostics tags. This is useful when modifying key communication parameter settings (such as baud rate, parity, or Device IDs), because corrections are immediately visible.
Diagnostics information can be viewed within KEPServerEX and by third-party applications. Diagnostics information is provided through system-defined tags and accessible to the same clients connecting to the data sources. KEPServerEX logs event information, which is accessible within the configuration tool or to any application that supports the OPC Alarms and Events specification.
Kepware offers Subscription Licensing, a flexible way to access and implement Kepware software solutions by paying for only what you need, when you need it. Other benefits to subscription licensing are as follows:
For information regarding auto-renewal policies and term options, please contact FOXON office. Subscription licensing is not available through online orders. If you are interested in our subscription offering please contact FOXON Sales directly.
Kepware also offers a perpetual model, where customers pay a one-time product list price at purchase. Purchasing a year-one Support & Maintenance Agreement is mandatory to protect customers' investment and increase their software’s sustainability. Perpetual licensing is available through phone and online orders.
All types of licenses are intended for use on one computer at a one time.
USB hardware license key to unlock KEPServerEX OPC drivers.
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