MILWAUKEE, WI - March 16, 1998 - Rockwell Automation today introduced the Rockwell Software RSView32™ Version 6.0 software package, one of the first MMI software in the industry to be both a client and server of OPC data. RSView32 Version 6.0 also provides additional features that deliver more flexibility and interoperability with other software running on the factory floor, including use of Microsoft's Visual Basic for Applications™ (VBA) development environment, Year 2000 compliance and ODBC database logging.

RSView32, built to run on the Microsoft Windows™ NT and Windows 95 operating systems, is a full-function man-machine interface software package that allows a factory to pull data from operations on the plant floor and view it in easy-to-understand graphical formats, store it in databases for reporting and analyze it for better decision-making. In addition, factory employees can use RSView32 to interact with the factory floor, whether it be to change recipes, download new parameters or make other adjustments in the process.

OLE For Process Control Compliance With the release of Version 6.0, Rockwell Software RSView32 is one the first MMI software package to fully comply with the OLE for Process Control (OPC) specification for software interoperability. Rockwell Software employees were lead developers of this industry standard protocol for exchanging data between clients and servers.

OPC defines standard objects, methods and properties for meeting interoperability requirements of applications. These include a standard technique for addressing information in process control devices and systems, efficient transfer of data from a device to an application, the ability for a client to use several servers simultaneously and server-specific configuration support. With OPC technology, users can incorporate multiple vendor products into their control system. Prior to OPC, companies had to use client applications developed with proprietary servers to develop a driver or server for a specific device, data source or network. RSView32 uses OPC technology to be both a client and a server of OPC data. This provides users with added flexibility for peer-to-peer networking as well as the ability to create a system using control products from multiple vendors.

Embedded Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications Version 6.0 of RSView32 comes fully integrated with the Microsoft VBA development environment and language engine, the most popular RAD (rapid application development) tool in the world. Rockwell Software was the first industrial MMI to leverage the VBA environment, and received an Editor's Choice award from Control Engineering Magazine for its first VBA implementation.

Version 6.0 of RSView32 features an second-generation object model and an implementation of VBA that is fully integrated with the core product. The object model enhancements include new folder, channel and node objects, folder, channel and node collections and enhanced properties, methods and events. With VBA, RSView32 can interact directly with Microsoft Office™, BackOffice™ and Rockwell Software applications. In addition, Rockwell Software is the first industrial software developer to have its VBA implementation certified with VeriTest, an independent testing organization responsible for evaluating the quality and completeness of embedded VBA development projects.

Data Logging, Year 2000 Compliance and Other Enhancements Version 6.0 also includes a data logging feature that directly logs data into any ODBC database. Rather than storing its data in a stand-alone proprietary database, this open database connectivity allows RSView32 to interact and integrate with many of the industry's most popular database software packages, including Microsoft Access™ and SQL Server™.

Other features included in Version 6.0 of RSView32 include Year 2000 compliance, 70,000-tag database capacity, support for the SoftLogix™ 5 soft controller, support for the RSLogix 5 database and a Microsoft ActiveX™ toolbox for added customization.

RSView32 Version 6.0 will be available 2^nd quarter 1998, with list prices varying depending on options and configurations chosen.

Rockwell Software is the leader in development and support of software technology that helps automate factories and integrate them with the rest of the enterprise. This includes programming, human-machine interface, process monitoring and control, communications and Internet technologies. Rockwell Software's headquarters is located in West Allis, Wis.

Rockwell Automation brings together leading brands to provide a broad range of automation solutions that include Allen-Bradley, Reliance Electric, Dodge and Rockwell Software.

Rockwell is a global electronics company with leadership positions in industrial automation, semiconductor systems, and avionics and communications, with fiscal 97 sales of approximately $8 billion and 45,000 employees. Rockwell's world headquarters is located in Costa Mesa in Orange County, Calif.

RSView32, RSLogix and SoftLogix are trademarks of Rockwell Automation. Microsoft, Visual Basic for Applications, Windows, ActiveX, Microsoft Office, OLE, Access, Excel, BackOffice and Visual Basic are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

For more information, contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, Dept. 0658 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, (800) 455-8234 ext. 0658