IDXOnline introduces OSIsoft`s RtBaseline, announces release of PI 3.4

IDXOnline, the local distributor for OSIsoft Inc, is pleased to introduce RtBaseline and announce the release of PI 3.4. RtBaseline enables real-time performance management across the enterprise. PI 3.4 represents a significant upgrade to the PI System.

OSIsoft, the leader in real-time performance management (RtPM) software, recently introduced RtBaseline, a core component of OSIsoft`s RtPM platform. RtBaseline gathers relevant data from multiple sources and delivers it in a specific context for any role-based user who needs it. RtBaseline is powered by PI, OSIsoft`s flagship real-time event management and data historian system.

With new capabilities and enhanced performance, scalability and reliability, RtBaseline and PI 3.4 deliver the value of RtPM to the enterprise, setting a new standard to collect, organise and process data in order to make the most intelligent and profitable business decisions.

RtBaseline unifies all data across the enterprise-from enterprise systems, data bases and functional data sources-and adds context, converting it into meaningful and specific information that stakeholders inside and outside an organisation can access and use. RtBaseline`s architecture enables companies to define a frame of reference for data so that information workers can be alerted, perform root-cause analysis, or compare operational performance across multiple sites in the way that best suits their role.

RtBaseline hosts the largest library of data connectors, which enables data to be gathered from virtually any real-time source, including PI. As a result, workers have a comprehensive, real-time view into operational, IT infrastructure and business activities, enabling them to make timely, profitable decisions for real-time performance management.

OSIsoft`s RtPM platform is built to leverage the latest Microsoft technology. As a Microsoft Gold Certified Managed Partner, RtBaseline is compatible with all modern Windows platforms, including Windows Server 2003. In some cases, an additional Windows Server 2003 and Internet Information Services may be required.

"Identifying and standardising on best practices is an important method in managing today`s organisation. But how do you go about identifying those best practices? Real-time performance management unlocks metrics that can be viewed and used in real-time to adjust targets and exploit current market conditions. This improves overall business agility," said Tom Fiske, Senior Analyst, ARC Advisory Group.

"The real-time monitoring of performance measures and external factors keeps the enterprise focused on the 'right things` by exposing issues as they happen, in time to address a potential adverse outcome or to know exactly which new opportunities are feasible and profitable to pursue."

"We saved $50 million over the course of our 10-year relationship with OSIsoft. The RtPM Platform and the PI System is one of the best investments we`ve made in our business with significant payback," said Barry MacGregor, Global Business Process Manager, Dow Corning Corporation. "What happens in the physical world impacts our business every day. The RtPM Platform gets these physical world events into our ERP systems in an extremely accurate and timely way. Not only can we see a more complete picture of our entire operation, but also our customers can check their orders and get the right answers. Without accurate and timely data, our e-commerce efforts would not be as successful for our customers or as profitable for us."

The latest product upgrade to OSIsoft`s PI System, PI 3.4, raises the bar in capturing, storing and distributing real-time process data. PI 3.4 extends its value from the plant manager to any worker that relies on information to do their job through enhanced scalability, performance, security and reliability. PI 3.4 represents a 10-fold improvement on the performance of the PI System without a hardware upgrade and accommodates more users and complicated queries without affecting system performance or response times. PI 3.4 supports more than one million data points per PI server, support for more than 500 simultaneously connected users and up to 80 000 events per second throughput for archive storage and retrieval. In addition, fully threaded sub-systems ensure timely access for all connected users, no matter how complicated the query.

"Improving on OSIsoft`s industry-leading PI System, PI 3.4 is designed for the high-reliability and massive scalability needs of the enterprise," said Michael Saucier, vice-president of marketing at OSIsoft. "Version 3.4 expands OSIsoft`s leadership in developing data and events monitoring technology that caters to the operational complexities and disparate locations of today`s global organisations. Together, RtBaseline and the PI System provide enterprise customers with the solid foundation to develop a service-oriented architecture for true manufacturing intelligence."

Other key product upgrades of PI 3.4 include:

* Multi-thread support in all sub-systems, providing concurrent support for additional users and more complex user queries.

* Faster inter-process communication within data collection and storage sub-systems, driving higher data rates-10x faster than PI 3.3.

* Improved archive cache design to reduce memory requirements, allowing higher point counts and faster, more efficient handling of out-of-order data.

* Demand-based loading of configuration tables that reduces memory footprint, enabling more data to be tracked. Related performance enhancements are:

* More efficient data access routines.

* Support of more advanced features when representing data from foreign information systems. This allows third-party databases to return calculations such as averages based on their own algorithms and delivers better performance of the PI Server.

"PI 3.4 represents a quantum leap forward in performance and has been eagerly anticipated by our existing customer base. Internationally OSIsoft is installed across a number of industries. Locally we enjoy a strong presence in petrochemicals, and pulp and paper. Last year OSIsoft concluded a number of major corporate agreements in SA. OSIsoft via IDXOnline is looking to grow its market share in SA and will focus on the power and mining sectors for new opportunities while continuing to service its existing customers," said Bruce Bean, OSIsoft Account Manager at IDXOnline.

Further information on RtBaseline, PI 3.4 or any OSIsoft product can be obtain locally from Dean Trattles (dtrattles@osisoft.com), OSIsoft`s country manager, or Bruce Bean (bruceb@idxonline.com), OSIsoft account manager at IDXOnline.