How Does Opendata Work?
The system is based on a modular, client-server software architecture deployed over a standard IP
network. OpenData Enterprise Edition collects point data from connected equipment and sends it to a
server for storage and analysis. It also monitors for user-specified and device-generated threshold and
alarm conditions that are then immediately sent to the notification engine. The OpenData point-centric
architecture consistently manages data across the OpenData Message Service regardless of product
line, product vintage or market. This data management functionality facilitates extensions to new
device types using existing control platforms, and creates the possibility of new information-based
service offerings that enable the integration of device data to build business intelligence applications.
OpenData supports BOTH device-oriented protocols and I/T oriented protocols in a single architecture,
thereby creating a more efficient and uniform integration technology. The OpenData architecture
addresses all OSI layers from the physical accessibility of serial communications through the
application layer.
The OpenData Enterprise Server functions as the data repository for all devices monitored, and stores
the health and performance data in a standards-based database that can later be queried for trending,
capacity planning, failure analysis, asset performance statistics, and other uses that help enhance
business decision-making. This data is available to authorized users via any commonly used webbrowser.
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What Kind Of Devices Can Opendata Monitor?
OpenData can be used to monitor almost any type of equipment that has either a serial or network
interface. This includes most types of power, fire suppression and environmental equipment, as well
as security systems. Examples of power equipment include uninterrupted power supplies (UPSs),
generators and power distribution units (PDU). Environmental systems include CRAC, HVAC and leak
detection units. OpenData supports most major brands in each of the above industries such as
Liebert, Mitsubishi, MGE, APC, Eaton Powerware, Raychem/Tyco, Generac, Exide and Fenwal.
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Is Opendata Flexible?
The OpenData architecture targets multiple types of users, so that operations, maintenance,
management and financial constituents of an organization are able to extract information value and
business insight.
As a result of the flexibility and extensibility of its metadata-driven system, OpenData accommodates
system extensions, while reducing the risk, complexity and cost of integrating device data within
enterprise systems. Anything viewable as a "time-varying value" (aka: mathematical variable) is
amenable to the OpenData architecture.
OpenData’s unique, modular and patented technology allows support for new devices to be rapidly
added without changing the technical infrastructure of the system. In fact, adding more monitored
devices need not even involve any downtime in an existing OpenData system. Further, since the
device protocol modules can be loaded and unloaded at will, the OpenData Protocol Gateways are reusable
when a monitored device is replaced by one of a different make and model.
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Is Opendata Scalable?
OpenData is a distributed system that can easily scale to monitor a mix of small and large, distributed
critical facilities, whether or not they are all manned 7x24. A prime advantage is that the OpenData
system does not require a server at every site. Infrastructure devices located at small or unmanned
sites can easily be connected via a WAN to report to a server at a larger site. In addition, multiple
OpenData servers can be linked together in a peer-to-peer architecture to cover very large,
geographically dispersed, multi-site critical infrastructures. OpenData’s architectural approach
achieves cost reduction, performance improvement and size scaling, independent of programming
languages, hardware platforms, subject device categories, and manufacturer protocols. This reduces
the complexity and costs of accessing and managing device information because it is done as low as
possible in the architecture, to ensure ease of and maximize sharing across all systems.
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How do I view information about my device network?
Simply point your web browser at the OpenData web address, where all of your critical facilities
equipment --- regardless of location, type or manufacturer --- will be displayed in a device tree. An icon
represents each device, depending on its type. All system activities will take place through this one
web portal. With access rights, you can view, change thresholds, trend or monitor anything on the
device network from any location.
In larger installations, the amount of historical data storage depends on the storage capacity of the
OpenData server. Additional storage capacity can be easily added with disk arrays and storage area
networks. Since OpenData stores device data using a standard SQL database, stored data can also
be backed up and moved to a secondary database.
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How are notifications handled?
If an alarm state is reached either through a trend or an event, OpenData instantly dispatches
communications to authorized users. A key element of OpenData solution is the richness of
notification methods and alarms, including:
- Email notification with attachments that describe the details of the event
- SNMP Enterprise MIB II compliance, with SNMP traps sent to any Network Management
System or help desk tool
- Alpha-numeric pager support for alarms
If an alarm goes unacknowledged within a specified amount of time, the notification system can
escalate it to other authorized users in a chain of command.
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