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Displays Client Types

Many types of remote graphic clients are supported. This page will describe what is required for the installation and configuration of each one of these types of clients.

Rich Clients

Runs as a desktop application, allows blocking the Windows task-switch. This is ideal for process control applications that need high performance and enhanced security.

Smart Clients

Uses Click-Once technology. Installs and updates on remote clients with a single click from a browser and is automatically updated on the remote clients when it is updated on the server. It uses all the power of the remote computer yet retains the advantages of a centralized installation.

Web HTML5 Clients

Runs directly from the Web-Browser with no installation of any software required (nor any active-x controls!). The partial-trust security guarantees it runs in a completely isolated secure environment.

Smart Clients

The same displays created on Windows computers are automatically rendered to run natively on iPads or iPhones, combining the rich user experience and security of a native app with the benefits of having only one project configuration.

Terminal Server Clients

Runs using remote desktop connection or Terminal server or other thin client technology. Currently, this option is less used and not included in the installation, but our software platform is still compatible with third-party tools enabling that technology.

Rich Clients Setup

A Rich Client is a computer with the FactoryStudio FrameworX RichClient installed. The RichClient is a WPF-based desktop application. (in Linux, the Rich Client is a WinForm application)

Advantages:

• Allows the blocking of Windows task switching (Ctrl+Alt+Del, Alt+Tab, etc).

• Can use redundant application servers automatically.

• Project updates are downloaded automatically.

Trade offs:

• Local FactoryStudio product installation is required (Project Solution is remote, only the product is local). Therefore, product updates must be deployed to each client station.

Smart Clients Setup

A .NET Smart Client automatically downloads the application the first time you execute and also when it is updated on the server. It uses local processing so the hardware requirements are identical to the Rich Client, but there is no local installation of either the product or the project, therefore having all the benefits of a web-based solution plus the performance and security of a desktop solution. 

Advantages:

• One-click application installation.
• Application updates are downloaded automatically from the server.
• Allows the blocking of Windows task switching
• Automatically recognize redundant servers

Trade off:

• Only available to Windows computers

Smart clients are client applications that behave like rich clients , but either run from the web or can be installed painlessly with a single click. You can deploy your application to be used by Windows smart clients. The smart client runs like the rich client, but the smart client it uses ClickOnce™ installation. This technology allows you to have the same functionality as the rich client , but without having to install FactoryStudio the software on your computer. 

The first time you access the application, the system automatically downloads the components necessary to run the application. The next time you access the application, the system checks if the local cache is the same version of the application that is on the server, and if necessary, updates the local cache before running the application. If the version is the same, the application starts immediately.

Web HTML5 Clients Setup

The Web clients run inside the browser.

Advantages:

• Requires only web browser and it is multi-platform.
• No installation required on the client-side Application.
• Updates are downloaded immediately from the web server.

Trade offs:

• Requires a web server (however, FactoryStudio FrameworX includes a zero-config Web server).
• Browser does not block Windows task switching (Ctrl+Alt+Del, Alt+Tab, etc).
• Data communication performance, due the HTTP protocols will be slower than SmartClient and redundancy options must have external IP resolving or operator confirmation.

Clients

You can deploy your application to be used by iOS clients (iPad, iPhone, and iTouch). For other tablet devices, contact support.

Installation

Install the SCADA HMI Client app from the Apple Store.

How to start

Start the SCADA HMI Client app and follow the initial setup options.

Execution

It runs natively on iOS. Thus, it provides higher performance, enhanced security, and access to native graphical components. This is compared to other applications using Terminal Client, Remote Desktop, or HTML web.

Communication

Communicates with the server by calling a web service using port 80. The server must be on the same VPN or local network as the iOS device, or it can be a public IP address, as long as HTTP access is enabled.

To deploy your project on an iOS device:

• From your iOS device, tap the App Store icon. You can also go to the Apple App Store from iTunes.
• Search for and install the SCADA HMI Client app, iDataPanel app.
• Start the SCADA HMI Client app.
• Enter the following information:

Field

Description

Host Server

IP address or name of the project server.

Port

Port 80.

Polling

Defines the refresh rate between the client and the server, expressed in quarters of a second. The default value of 1 means the client gets new data from the server every 250 ms. When connecting to servers located on the internet or low bandwidth networks, this value should be increased. For more information, refer to for the app's help section.

User

Project user name as it is configured in the project. The default is guest.

Password

Project password associated with the user name.

Project

Project name on the remote project server.

• Tap Login. The application's graphics and displays download before the application starts. The application may take longer than normal to startup the first time the application is started.

Clients Technologies Comparison

The 3 three types of displays supported  (.NET, HTML5 and iOS) have their own benefits and trade offs. Depending on the Application each one, or a combination of more than is more suitable for your application.

In this section: