IEN: What are the major concerns facing providers of computer technology, networks, and related products and services? How can they be addressed?
Jannotta: My main concern is that systems are becoming more complex and networks are being used more frequently, often by users who don''t have the information and training to effectively implement a system. Our first solution is to further improve the ease of use of software tools and to make sure user interfaces are designed to be intuitive. Secondly, we are improving the documentation and training for network systems so users can design, install, and maintain today''s complex networked systems.
IEN: What innovations are in store for users in computers and computer accessories, I/O, communication standards, and/or systems? In software?
Jannotta: In general, the technology industry is seeing more and more integrated devices. Cell phones contain cameras, PDAs, and MP3 players. There are televisions with photo browsers and printers and even refrigerators with web browsers and video displays. Perfecting the integration of technological devices is difficult. It is difficult to support all the features of the individual devices and provide a user experience that is superior to using the separate components. With industrial controls we at Horner APG have been working for eight years on our OCS product line that integrates a control, operator interface, I/O, and networking. We see more customers interested in this integration and more competitive products entering the market.
IEN: What advances do you see in networks, and network equipment and devices?
Jannotta: For networking devices to be truly successful, ease of use and robustness must be improved. The user interfaces, and methods for designing and configuring networks, will improve. Physical interfaces, whether wired or wireless, will become easier to install. Users are spending too much time and money installing or fixing wired networks and don''t have the tools or knowledge to easily install wireless devices.
IEN: Can the limitations of wireless technology be overcome?
Jannotta: It will be extremely difficult for wireless systems to advance to the point where they can be used in any industrial system. There is always the possibly of interference, both accidental and malicious. This interference can be corrected with hardware and software solutions, but in real-time, control systems often can''t afford the time and resources required for these corrections.
IEN: How much progress has been made in preventing software and hardware debugging issues? Installation challenges?
Jannotta: The tools and techniques for debugging are improving, but many engineers and programmers only use a small portion of the debugging and analysis tools available to produce quality software. There are three reasons for this: time, money, and training. Almost all software projects are developed on a tight time schedule. When a project is rushed, it is difficult to stop and spend time with analysis tools to improve software. Spending a day today may save three days next week, but it is human nature to be short-sighted and not want to "waste" today.
Quality software debugging and analysis tools are often expensive. Engineers have "gotten by" in the past without these tools, so it is difficult to justify the investment of tens of thousands of dollars for them. Training and education is the last area that still needs progress. Go to any bookstore and you will see hundreds of books on programming, but probably only one or two on software testing and debugging. Debugging is often a skill that programmers pick up through experience, but this often isn''t enough. Additional training and education will help improve the techniques and skills required to design, develop, and test quality software.