This version of the archive has been placed on the web to guage the demand to produce a complete archive, probably on a CD. It would be necessary to charge for the CD to make this effort worthwhile. The CD version would probably be in PDF format, and of much better quality. The best way to assess the extent of the information in these archives is to browse the index. I would appreciate feedback from anyone who would be interested in obtaining a copy of the complete archives when they are completely in this format. email me at ianw@iinet.net.au

The industry is characterised by the lack of consistent adherence to standards. It is virtually impossible to achieve interoperability of equipment from different suppliers without special drivers and interfaces.

Standards do exist, but they are not complete. Where they exist they cover components of SCADA systems. Different vendors couple the standards together in different ways.

There have been many specifications produced which demanded adherence to specific internationally accepted standards, but there is no general acceptance of a subset of standards that should be used in any given application.

This is an industry problem. It can be solved but only by an industry wide approach to demand interoperability of equipment, especially with field Remote Terminal Units. It is surprising how few standards are required to achieve interoperability.

Since the original focus on standards, the interests of the subscribers have broadened, until today the list is widely regarded as an independant industry forum.