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Article - Jan 2000
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Graphical Programming- Solving The Interoperability Riddle

Contact: Erik Petersen
E-mail : erik@richards-zeta.com
Tel : 805.683.6883
Fax : 805.683.6819
www.richards-zeta.com

Booth 2322


bldg.jpg (40884 bytes)Santa Barbara, California. November 11, 1999- 'You just look at it and know it' says Richards-Zeta's Chief Engineer Fred Davison in explaining how graphical programming is superior to line code in understanding and working with software that controls modern building automation. Graphical programmings' reflective association to the human mind represents critical path towards solving 'Interoperability' - the capability of divergent manufactured devices and networks to operate and 'talk' together in systems architectures.

Richards-Zeta Building Intelligence, manufacturers of controls and graphical software for the building/facility automation and deregulated power management markets believe they have a better way to solve the 'Interoperability riddle' than other companies waving that flag.

Company President Edmund B. Richards states it this way, 'everyone talks about "Interoperability" being "for all " but how many manufacturers really have a mission to drive towards Interoperability? Many companies feel Interoperability means a marketplace that will not allow market dominance- All companies drive for dominance in some measure. Our drive for dominance is to be a solutions centerpiece for an interoperable marketplace. Why? Because Interoperability is a major markets movement that is well on it's way and the view is better at the front of the pack. It's that simple!'

How Richards-Zeta system works: Richards-Zeta Building Intelligence software is able to interpret divergent data platforms from building automation controls made by virtually any manufacturer and convert that data into common data platforms. The basis for these conversions is still numbers" -the most commonly accepted programming language on the planet. Hence, the closest thing we have to an 'interoperable' or universal language.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]Along with this, Richards-Zeta applies graphics (pictures) to the numeric data flow that represents those various devices or functions. This creates an immediate comprehension of what the numbers mean-'You just look at it and know it' as Chief Engineer Davison says.

This solution accomplishes revolutionary things- First; it makes it possible for divergent manufacturers/networks to work together under one architecture; thus creating an 'Interoperability'. Second- it simplifies the application programming process, which makes installation and service faster; hence more cost effective. Third, it makes error detection and correction far simpler than with line code.

Four- it makes it possible for non-engineers to compete in industries such as building automation that are turning the 'high-tech' corner. Non-engineers can provide sophisticated services with the Richards-Zeta program as it has been written with 'non-techies' in mind rather than being software engineered for software engineers. Five- it allows freedom of choice in the market place to use controls and systems that are deemed most appropriate for specific circumstances; this brings cost and function into their most optimum relationship. Finally- the Richards-Zeta system provides a significant 'leg up' for legacy controls and systems that must upgrade-either for Y2K compliance or for phased & total modernization.

The goal in solving for Interoperability is a 'win-win-win' for manufacturer, systems integrator and end-user. Richards-Zeta Building Intelligence accomplishes this goal. Richards summarizes, 'those that take on the Interoperable riddle often answer it with the same proprietary reasoning as Henry Ford did when asked what colors the model "T" would be available in.

Fords' answer, 'any color you want as long as it's black' is now, simply too restrictive. As we look at the today's automation market demands, the genius that made Ford a market power in his time might in fact, strangle both Ford and the market place today. Therefore, our answer to the same question is 'any color you want!'

Richards-Zeta Background:
Richards-Zeta was created as a division of the mechanical contracting giant R.P. Richards through the acquisition of Zeta Engineering in 1995. Richards-Zeta completed a formal split from R.P. Richards, Inc. in May 1999 and is establishing itself as a key source for Interoperable solutions. Company foundation stems from its distinction as the originator of true graphical programming with its perfectHost software for the automated buildings industry.

Richards-Zeta as manufacturers market their leading edge software and digital automation controls worldwide through a federation of new and established Dealers. To learn more about Richards-Zeta Building Intelligence Inc. visit their website at www.richards-zeta.com or contact Edmund B. Richards directly at 805.683.6883.


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