XML-DA Interop Server

What is the XML-DA Interop Server?

Why has the XML-DA Interop Server been set up?

Using the XML-DA Interop Server

Installed Software

Acknowledgements

What is the XML-DA Interop Server?

The XML-DA Interop Server has been set up as a test platform for OPC XML-DA 1.00/1.01, giving users an opportunity to evaluate different XML-DA client and server software, and to prove their own clients against established XML-DA servers. It is operated by OPCconnect.com in conjunction with Dillamore Consulting, an OPC Foundation member.

Access to the XML-DA Interop Server is free to registered users.

The server is a dedicated computer, with a permanent high-speed (DSL) connection to the Internet. This computer is running the Windows Server 2003 operating system.

Various XML-DA servers and DA (COM) servers are installed. These include the OPC Foundation's XML-DA sample code, as well as commercially available products. The vendors of these products have agreed to support the Interop Server by responding to reports from users, and by continuing to provide up-to-date versions of their software.

Why has the XML-DA Interop Server been set up?

Interoperability between software from different providers has always been key to the success of OPC. In the past, ensuring such interoperability has required OPC providers to meet together under one roof to iron out their differences.

With OPC XML-DA the rules are very different. XML-DA was designed from the ground up to be an Internet-friendly protocol, meaning that interop issues can now be resolved even when the parties are miles, or continents, apart.

Using the XML-DA Interop Server

To use the Interop Server, you are required to register: simply send a blank email message to "interop" at OPCconnect dot com. Registration will provide access to the following:

• instructions on how to connect to and use the Interop Server
• a listing of suitable XML-DA client software

Installed Software

XML-DA server software installed on the Interop Server includes the following XML-DA gateways. This type of software allows data from OPC DA (COM) servers to be made available to XML-DA clients using Internet-style connections:

• OPC Foundation XML-DA Sample Code

Source data for the XML-DA gateways is provided by OPC Foundation sample code.

The following additional XML-DA server software is also installed:

• Softing OPC Toolbox Demo Server

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to all OPC vendors who have supported the Interop Server initiative.