SCADA systems in heterogeneous environments

Middleware communication architectures are increasingly used in modern SCADA systems. Usage of traditional middleware architectures for component integration purposes simplifies development and deployment process, but often restricts possibilities of merging different platforms. Interaction of components written in different programming languages, running on different hardware platforms and operating systems can not be easily achieved. In the last few years new XML based middleware communication architectures evolved. These architectures provide true platform and language independence, thereby making component integration in heterogeneous environments possible. In present-day SCADA systems XML technologies have not yet been extensively exploited. This article deals with SCADA data acquisition process, realized by using platform neutral XML communication architectures. Limitations of using XML middleware communication architectures in SCADA systems are identified, and the solution for dealing with these limitations is presented.