Should we replace OFS by Ecostruxure OPC-UA Server Expert ?

Hi Loris Carboni ,

I think it is up to you to decide if you want to switch from OFS (OPC-DA) to EcoStruxure OPC-UA Server Expert (OPC-UA) and what your requirements are, whether it is compatible with your system.

I have not officially heard that OFS is end of life, as there are still service patch updates for it being released from time to time, to address security and quality issues. So I don't think you need to make a quick decision.

From OFS 3.63 SP2, it appears that license check has been removed. I would recommend reaching out to your AVEVA sales representative to discuss returning the AVEVA license files and checking if you can buy the new license through AVEVA or if you need to go via SE sales.

Kind regards

Olivier

Hi Olivier,

Thank you for your message.

In my opinion, OFS will no longer be supported in the near future; we received this information directly from Schneider Electric. It makes sense since OFS uses OPC-DA (you're probably familiar with the history of this protocol). The OPC-UA Server Expert has the same interface but utilizes OPC-UA instead. If I were the project manager, I would stop any investment in OFS and focus on the OPC-UA Server Expert.

However, we are becoming overwhelmed with all the software offered by either Aveva or Schneider Electric. We discovered the Modicon Communication Server, which seems to be linked to ASP, but we still have no idea how to make it work properly or whether it is supported and actively developed by Schneider Electric/Aveva.

The only working solution we've for the moment is OPC-UA Server Expert, works fine. I'll answer this feed as soon as I get a proper answer from Aveva regarding the licenses.

Hi Loris,

I believe it is fair to expect that all software vendors are looking to replace classic OPC with OPC UA. AVEVA will continue supporting classic OPC-DA client to access 3rd party servers, but we will gradually phase out our classic OPC servers in favor of OPC UA.

I must refer you to Schneider Electric for the licensing of their OPC UA Server Expert software. The classic OFS does not require a license as long as it is isntalled in conjunction with AVEVA software such as System Platform or InTouch. I recall that OPC UA Server Expert is licensed differently than the classic OFS but please confirm that with Schneider Electric and don't take my word for it. 

Hello rickard.norin ,

I wanted to mention that the current OFS version available for download from GCS is OFS_V3.62_3302_W (released in December 2018).

https://softwaresupportsp.aveva.com/#/connectivityhub/details?id=fde2b59a-6e96-48a0-80b6-4b60a20b686a 

However, the latest version available at SE exchange is OFS_3_63_4905_SP3_W (released in March 2024).

https://www.se.com/nz/en/product/TLXCDLUOFS36/ofs-v3-60-large-data-server-software-single-station-for-pc-compatible/?range=547-opc-factory-server&selectedNodeId=12146170292

Do you recommend using the latest version instead of the one downloadable from GCS? Additionally, is it possible to update GCS with the latest information?

Thank you! Arul

Hi Arul,

I recommend to always go with the newer if possible. For now, please acquire OFS and OFS UA from Schneider Electric. It is likely that we in the future will link to the se.com rather than hosting the OFS downloads ourselves. 

Regards,
Rickard

Thank you, Rickard, for confirming.

Will advise the customer to utilize the latest version of OFS from the SE website.

Is the SE download version of OFS also license enabled with the Aveva OI license?

Yes, it is the same OFS regardless if downloading from AVEVA or Schneider Electric websites.

Strictly speaking, it does not check for an AVEVA license (anymore) but it does check for the presence of AVEVA software. At least so I've been told.

Hi Rickard,

It appears that the OFS _W version requires the communications driver license. Refer to the tech note from GCS titled "Using Schneider Electric OFS Server with AVEVA Activated Licensing" 
https://softwaresupportsp.aveva.com/#/knowledgebase/details/000021188?lang=en_us

Please note that the license state on OFS may take up to 20 minutes to update from DEMO to LICENSED for Activation based license.