"ABB chose XESS because of its advanced client/server technology which allows ABB to integrate customized spreadsheet functionality into ABB's existing client server applications," explains Dave Fancher, Principal Engineer at ABB Systems Control.
The ABB S.P.I.D.E.R. product is the world's leading UNIX-based SCADA/EMS/DMS system. It offers numerous features designed to enhance a utility's ability to efficiently and cost-effectively monitor, control and coordinate operations throughout large geographical areas. Its modular functionality can be tailored to the needs of each customer, from small distributors to large power utilities. Functions include network operation and planning, job management, power systems control, knowledge based fault diagnostics, production planning, demand side management, outage management, and network restoration. The SCADA/EMS/DMS software features an advanced OSF/Motif Graphical User Interface.
XESS supports standard spreedsheet paradigms and file formats, providing an easily-learned upgrade path for users of the existing system. ABB plans to use other advanced features of XESS including support for external calculations, per-cell constraint definitions, the ability to link to mulitple external data sources at the same time, and the support for presentation-quality reports and graphs.
XESS will be fully integrated into the ABB S.P.I.D.E.R. System Release 8.0, due to be shippped Q1, 1997.
"AIS is delighted with ABB's selection of AIS and our XESS programmable spreadsheet system," said Anne Hartley, vice-president of AIS. "We are proud of our technology and the endorsement from ABB."
ABB Systems Control is a division of ABB Power T&D; Company Inc. and provides utilities with systems and software for effective energy planning, distribution and management. Currently, more than 120 utilities worldwide are users of systems and software from ABB SC. Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, ABB Power T&D; Company Inc. provides a complete line of products, systems and services for electric power transmission and distribution. The company operates 23 manufacturing and technology centers in the U.S.