Systech and PCS Collaborate on New Remote Access and Management Solution
2009-11-10 14:40:05 -
Powerline Control Systems’ new Remote Access Port (RAP) system resulted from its joint work and collaboration with Systech® Corporation, a leading supplier of IP network enabling solutions. The new system, which is designed for accessing and managing remote site lighting control devices, integrates the Systech ONDEMANDTM * software suite in a combined software and hardware solution. The RAP solution enables
remote access, management and control of the PulseWorx
® Powerline Interface Modules (PIM) via its UPSTART application, which eliminates the need for an expensive technician to be present on the customer’s site for system changes and upgrades.
The RAP system includes a host remote port access server, the UPStart control application and PulseWorx network device servers. At the end-customer location, the PIM is connected to the Internet through the network device server’s serial interface, and PCS’s PulseWorx lighting control modules are connected to the PIM using the conventional electrical wiring at the location. The network device server is a serial-to-IP unit using standard TCP/IP and Telnet protocols to automatically (1) connect to the host remote port access server, and (2) reconnect if the connection is disrupted. Secure network communication and always-on access to a remote site are established without opening a hole in the customer’s firewall or dedicating an on-site computer at the remote site.
For lighting control applications, maintaining and enhancing end-customer satisfaction can result in costly customer response, service and support issues. According to Scott Klodowski, PCS Director of Sales and Marketing, “Dynamic customer requirements drive these response and support issues. For the integrators and installers, alternatives for dealing with these changes are costly and time consuming. Historically, they send a tech via a truck at an average cost of $250 per visit; installed a dedicated computer at the remote location; or created a hole in the end-customer’s firewall, a solution that is fraught with security risks. And, customer response frequently is measured in hours and days.”
The new PCS full service software and hardware system is designed to directly address these costly service and support issues. At the remote location, PCS PulseWorx control modules (e.g. dimmers and wall switches, load control modules and keypad and timer controllers) are connected to the PIM, which is connected to a network device server with the remote port access software installed. The network device servers are connected via a high speed IP network to the host remote port access (RAP) server. PCS’s UPStart control application now becomes browser-based and, with the RAP software integrated, enables access to the remote, serial-based PIM device for configuration changes, problem resolution and implementation of new services. Integrators and installers can access an end-customer location from anywhere an Internet connection is available. The RAP system requires no modifications to the existing remote location network, application controllers, PIM devices or control modules, and works within the confines of existing firewalls.
In deciding to work with Systech for developing PCS’s remote access, management and control system, Mr. Klodowski said, “Systech was selected as our partner because of its expertise in providing IP communications solutions to customers with thousands of remote serial devices installed at many locations worldwide. Furthermore, we felt that Systech’s recently announced Systech ONDEMAND software suite could be adapted easily into a software solution meeting PCS’s requirements.”
The new PCS Remote Access Port (RAP) system for PulseWorx lighting control applications is available through PCS’s network of distributors, certified integrators and authorized dealers, and is currently being deployed.
* Systech ONDEMAND software suite patent pending.® and TM – Trademarks of each respective owner.
About Powerline Control Systems, Inc.
Powerline Control Systems has been developing and manufacturing top-of-the-line lighting and electrical control devices for the residential and commercial markets since 1992. PCS provides a complete range of products under the PulseWorx
TM brand, such as touchscreens, keypads, home controllers, dimmers, switches and custom-designed electrical control devices; powered by the UPB (Universal Powerline Bus) patented technology, the innovation of the PCS design team. UPB is answering the call for a lower cost, high reliability lighting control system to provide an alternative to expensive proprietary and hardwired systems. Additional information can be found at www.pcslighting.com :
cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww .. .
About Systech Corporation
Systech Corporation is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of distributed network conversion, access, gateway, server and switch products for enabling IP communications in existing, non-IP based systems and networks. Its’ innovative solutions are deployed in a broad range of worldwide markets spanning electronic transaction, point of sale, retail operations, and industrial and commercial facility management applications. Over 350,000 Systech distributed networking products facilitate mission critical applications worldwide. Additional information can be found at www.systech.com :
cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww .. .
Powerline Control Systems, Inc.Scott Klodowski, Director of Sales
and Marketing818-701-9831
scottk@pcslighting.com : mailto:scottk@pcslighting.com orSystech
Computer CorporationMs. Cheri Houchin, Marketing and
Administrative Services858-674-6500 X429
cherih@systech.com : mailto:cherih@systech.com
