Rockwell Automation, in association with Cisco, has entered into a new market with the supply of a line of managed switches integrated with Cisco technology. This enables Rockwell Automation to provide complete networking products from I/O to enterprise.
The modular managed co-branded switch line is the first of its kind. It uses the current Cisco Catalyst switch architecture and feature set, along with powerful configuration tools. This helps to provide secure integration with the enterprise network. The line also features easy setup and comprehensive diagnostics from within the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture
The partnership also sees the two companies working towards improving the Ethernet/IP standard. Ethernet/IP is Rockwell Automation’s adoption of Ethernet in the control environment. It is a global open standard that is owned by the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association (ODVA).
“We are actively seeking ways in which to improve Ethernet/IP protocol and will be presenting these changes to an ODVA committee in order to get them approved and adopte.” says Clive Barwise, Integrated Architecture Field Business Leader, Rockwell Automation.
The collaboration has been formalised on an international level. Locally, Rockwell Automation and Cisco sales teams are working together to determine the way forward.
