Softing’s edgeConnector family of products makes it easy to integrate into configuration platforms with a new REST API –

Softing’s edgeConnector products in the dataFEED family now include the REST API. This makes integration into configuration platforms even easier. In addition, a new licensing model offers more flexibility in the implementation of individual products.

The new REST API in version 3.0 of Softing’s edgeConnector products makes local or remote configuration much easier for users. Currently, the product family includes edgeConnector Siemens, edgeConnector 840D and edgeConnector Modbus. The software modules are based on Docker technology and provide state-of-the-art access to process data in SIMATIC S7, SINUMERIK 840D and Modbus TCP controllers. In the past, each product required a separate login through the local configuration interface. This is already done by the new edgeConfigurator, which allows access to all edgeConnector via the REST API. edgeConfigurator is also based on Docker technology and is used in parallel with edgeConnectors. The configurator can be deployed locally or additionally in the Microsoft Azure cloud, allowing REST API access from the cloud to the local edgeConnectors environment. Using the REST API, edgeConnectors can now be configured even more easily than a third-party application.

The new licensing model from version 3.0 distinguishes between Basic (edgeConnector Modbus), Advanced (edgeConnector Modbus and edgeConnector Siemens) and Premium (all edgeConnector products). Licenses no longer refer to data points, instead they only report to connected controllers. The user can choose between license options of 1, 5, 10 and 20 links. This saves him the time-consuming calculations of the required data. In addition, the license agreement includes a 1-year software upgrade. With Softing Floating License Server, licenses can be flexibly used for Docker applications that are currently managed by the user

All edgeConnector products are ready to use very quickly thanks to container technology. They work with standard hardware and can be easily administered centrally. The integrated MQTT Publisher / Subscriber functionality allows flexible customization of industrial IoT solutions (IIoT). They support the latest security standards such as SSL / TLS, X.509 certificates, authentication and data encryption. This gives users an easy and secure way to integrate production data into innovative and flexible IIoT solutions. Individual edgeConnector products can be downloaded from Docker Hub or Microsoft Azure Marketplace and tested for free. More information can be found on the Softing website.

At the Hanover Exhibition (May 30 to June 2, 2022) Softing will present edgeConnector products at the OPC Foundation booth, Hall 8 / Booth F07.

Softening in Hannover Messe, from 30 May to 2 June 2022:

• OPC Foundation Partner Stand, Hall 8 / Stand F07,

• Partner stand of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International, hall 9 / stand D68,

• Ecosystem stand of Siemens, hall 9 / cabin D49, June 2, from 9 am to 12 noon.