Contents - ICP DAS USA

Industry NewsFDT Group and CC-Link Sign Cooperation AgreementThe CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) has signed a cooperationagreement with the FDT Group to promote the use of the FDT asan international standard. Under the agreement CLPA will support thedevelopment of an annex of the protocol for the FDT standard to supportthe CC-Link family of networks including its CC-Link IE Field GigabitIndustrial Ethernet.CLPA’s participation is significant for the growth of FDT technologybecause of its pre-eminence in the Asian markets. FDT standardizes thecommunication and configuration interface between all field devices andhost systems. It provides a common environment for accessing the devices’most sophisticated features. Any device can be configured, operated andmaintained over the CC-Link networks through the standardized userinterface – regardless of supplier or type. In addition to CC-Link, FDT supportsmore than 13 network protocols including Hart, Profibus, FoundationFieldbus, DeviceNet, Interbus, AS-Interface and others.“We find increasingly that users are demanding common tools to enablethem to access and integrate intelligent field devices,” said Steve Jones,European general manager of the CLPA. “Implementing the commonenvironment provided by FDT provides this, but also gives us the potentialto add new functionality for users of CC-Link networks.”Harris Corp. to Acquire Schlumberger GlobalConnectivity ServicesHarris Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the GlobalConnectivity Services (GCS) business from Schlumberger InformationSolutions, an operating unit of Schlumberger Limited. The acquisition willextend Harris’ capabilities as a global provider of mission-critical, end-toendmanaged satellite communications services for customers operating inremote and harsh environments. GCS will be combined with recently acquiredCapRock Communications to form Harris CapRock Communications.With customers in more than 50 countries, Schlumberger GCS providesglobal communication services for a wide range of customers primarily inthe oil and gas industries, including Schlumberger. With principal operationsin the United Kingdom, Norway, Singapore and the US, SchlumbergerGCS has 400 employees in more than 25 countries, as well as 12 globallydeployed teleports, a 24/7 Network Operations Center (NOC), worldwideterrestrial infrastructure, and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) manufacturingcapabilities in the U.K. and Singapore.“Combining Schlumberger GCS with CapRock Communications willcreate an organization with unsurpassed global satellite network capabilities,broad service offerings, and a large experienced service team to providecustomers with superior remote and in-the-field support,” said HowardL. Lance, chairman, president and CEO of Harris. “Harris CapRockCommunications will be able to use its capabilities and expertise to offercustomers the most secure, reliable and efficient solutions in the industry.”Under the terms of the agreement, Harris will purchase the SchlumbergerGCS business for $397.5 million in cash, subject to post-closingadjustments. The goodwill arising on completion of the acquisition will bean allowable tax expense with an estimated net present value of $50 million,resulting in an effective purchase price of $347.5 million. Excludingacquisition-related charges, the acquisition is expected to have minimalimpact on Harris non-GAAP earnings in fiscal 2011, be slightly accretivein fiscal 2012, and a significant contributor to earnings and growth in fiscal2013 and beyond.“Schlumberger has successfully developed its Global Connectivity Servicesbusiness over the past 10 years to reach an extensive global productsand services offering. This acquisition by Harris will ensure continuedgrowth and new technology deployment in a focused communicationsorganization,” said Tony Bowman, president of Schlumberger InformationSolutions. “Schlumberger will continue to take advantage of these capabilitiesonce the transaction is concluded through a long-term contract withHarris CapRock Communications.”6th AnnualPromoting Energy Independence Through Increased use of MultipleRenewable Energy Sources and Enhanced Technological SupportFebruary 23-25, 2011Four Points Sheraton | Washington DCFeaturing Case Studies from Leading Experts Including:• Colonel Bob Charette, Director, Expeditionary Energy Office, US Marine Corps• Stacey Hirata Chief, Installation Support Community, US Army Corps of Engineers• Juan Torres, Manager, Energy Systems Analysis Department, Sandia National Laboratory• Dr. Imre Gyuk, Program Manager, Energy Storage Research, US Department of Energy• Steven White, Energy Program Manager, US Department of Homeland Security“Amp lifyingenergyconservationby enhancing the usereof powernewable”sources.DOD officials plan to reduce the military’sfossil fuel consumption by more than20 percent in the next decade.For More Information,Please Contact: David DreyE: ddrey@marcusevansch.comT: 312 540 3000 ext .6583Remote Site & Equipment Management February/March 2011 29