New Gigabit Switched Ethernet Backbone for the I/A Series System from Invensys Provides Fastest Communications Infrastructure in the Process Control Industry.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

FOXBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 2003

Boosts performance while simplifying existing Foxboro system

architecture to reduce costs

The Foxboro(R) Automation Systems unit of Invensys has recently introduced a new Switched Ethernet system backbone for the I/A Series(R) A2 system. This state-of-the-art, COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) technology further simplifies the system architecture by eliminating the need for carrierband LANs and provides a significant performance boost for both new and existing I/A Series systems.

COTS networking hardware reduces implementation costs and makes it easier to stay current over time. New, high-performance Windows XP and Solaris 8 (Unix) I/A Series workstations interface directly to the Switched Ethernet network to take full advantage of the high-speed communications.

"Our new Switched Ethernet system backbone provides the fastest communications infrastructure currently available in the process control industry," said Steve Young, vice president of Foxboro Automation Systems at Invensys. "It's just one of many important platform enhancements that we've recently announced, or will soon announce, for the I/A Series system. These enhancements also include new Windows and Solaris workstations, new controllers, new asset management and engineering software, and expanded fieldbus support."

The new networking technology deploys standard 100 megabit/1gigabit Switched Ethernet in a redundant/fault-tolerant configuration. This provides a secure, fiber-optic network that features highly reliable message delivery between I/A Series workstations and control stations with 1gigabit backplane capability. This new, high-bandwidth communications network can be connected to prior generations of I/A Series networks to increase existing capabilities.

In addition to boosting performance and reducing implementation and support costs, the platform enhancements allow the I/A Series A2 system to take advantage of the latest productivity-enhancing ArchestrA(TM) applications from across Invensys, as well as from third-party developers.

For more information, readers should contact the Invensys Customer Satisfaction Center at 1-866-746-6477 (508-549-2424 outside of the US), or visit www.foxboro.com.

About Invensys

Invensys is a global leader in production technology. The group helps customers improve productivity, performance and profitability using innovative services and technologies and a deep understanding of their industries and applications.

For more information, visit www.invensys.com.

I/A Series, Foxboro, ArchestrA, and Architected for ArchestrA are trademarks of Invensys plc, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.