Interoperability and Standardization are what OPC is all about. While conventional OPC solved the device interoperability problem at the Control level, the demand for that same level of standardization was required for the Enterprise layer. OPC Classic is based on the Microsoft DCOM which can introduce vulnerabilities at these layers. Urgency to find simplicity, maximum interoperability, and security drove the OPC foundation into creating a unified method of data communication for parts of the existing OPC specifications for DA, HDA, A&E, and Security.

OPC Unified Architecture extends the highly successful OPC communication protocol, enabling data acquisition and information modeling and communication between the plant floor and the enterprise reliably and securely. 

The key features and benefits for OPC UA are:

        (1) Platform neutrality to run on any operating system

        (2) Future-ready and Legacy-friendly

        (3) Easy configuration and maintenance

        (4) Service-based technology

        (5) Increased visibility

        (6) Broader scope of connectivity

        (7) Higher Performance"

        ·         OPC UA Suite

        ·         OPC UA Embedded Suite

        ·         OPC Smart Grid I2G

        ·         FLEX Dispatch™ Data Broker