Press Releases

MILWAUKEE, December 14, 2004 - MILWAUKEE, Dec. 14, 2004 – Rockwell Automation today announced the availability of the latest versions of its industry-leading Rockwell Software® automation control and information products as part of the company’s coordinated product release program. Included in the release is support for Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 Standard Edition and Windows® XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).

The Rockwell Automation coordinated product release program is a key driver behind the tight integration between Rockwell Software automation control and information software applications, helping to ensure that enhancements to product updates occur in a consistent and coordinated manner. By providing simultaneous updates, Rockwell Automation can help enable customers to better manage their software update processes, facilitate greater plant-wide interoperability and minimize implementation time. More specifically, the latest release includes upgrades and enhancements to a wide range of Rockwell Software products for human-machine interface, information integration and maintenance applications, including RSView® Enterprise Series, RSLogix™ 5/500, RSBizWare™, and RSMACC™. All use the Rockwell Software FactoryTalk® platform to allow connectivity that enables real-time sharing of production data across the plant floor and throughout the enterprise.

“Tight integration among Rockwell Software products makes a coordinated product release all the more valuable, in that enhancements to one application directly benefit others in the product line,” said Kevin Roach, vice president of software, Rockwell Automation.

In addition to providing support for Windows Server 2003, which has quickly become the operating system of choice in industrial automation applications, the latest Rockwell Software coordinated product release program also includes support for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), allowing manufacturers to take full advantage of security upgrades to the Microsoft Windows operating system. Use of Rockwell Software products that support Windows XP SP2 will allow manufacturers to better withstand common cyberattacks and other security threats associated with older operating system versions.

“As customers continue to migrate to the latest operating systems, it’s essential that software providers like Rockwell Automation assure compatibility and take advantage of the latest Microsoft technologies,” said Roach. “Our support for Windows Server 2003 and XP SP2 gives customers even more opportunity to improve productivity, reliability and information sharing across the enterprise.”

Security is not a one-size-fits-all approach, with a range of safeguards available. Rockwell Automation is taking a leadership role on the issue of security and the integrity of industrial automation systems. By educating the marketplace, offering vulnerability assessment services and developing new solutions that further increase security options available to customers, Rockwell Automation is working to help manufacturers effectively address the need for improved security.

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation® solutions, including Allen-Bradley® controls and services, Dodge® mechanical power transmission products, Reliance® motors and drives, and Rockwell Software factory management software. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries. Rockwell Software is the leading brand of manufacturing systems software, providing applications for factory automation, data acquisition and integration, manufacturing operations performance improvement and analysis, and shop floor scheduling. For more specific information about Rockwell Automation and its Rockwell Software products and services, go to http://www.software.rockwell.com. To order products at our online store, visit www.rockwellautomation.com/rsstore. For more information on the Rockwell Software coordinated release program, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1772.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like this information in electronic format (either disk or e-mail), please contact either of the individuals at the top of this release.

FactoryTalk, ControlLogix, PLC, Complete Automation, Dodge, Reliance Electric, Allen-Bradley, and Rockwell Software are trademarks of Rockwell Automation.