Automation system moves into the next two decades
March 2003
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Information Security
Security Services & Risk Management
The I/A Series A2 System is an advance on the process automation system from Foxboro. Available from Protea Automation Solutions, It is being heralded as the beginning of the Next Generation of I/A Series Systems - making effective use of the ArchestrA industrial automation software architecture. This evolution is expected to enable continual advancements in productivity, capability, integration and openness for the next 10-20 years.
I/A Series is now 'Architected for ArchestrA' - an open technology, applications and services platform that unifies Invensys and third party systems and applications alike. This means that, moving forward, I/A Series A2 System users will be able to take full advantage of ArchestrA software components developed by Foxboro, Wonderware, Triconex, SimSci, and other Invensys units; as well as third parties. These ArchestrA components will help further improve plant business performance, while reducing application development, integration, and software maintenance effort and costs.
This next generation of I/A Series system offerings begins with the Level 02-2 release including new workstations and operating systems, powerful engineering tools, and high-speed communications. I/A Series A2 is the first process automation system to offer both Windows XP and Solaris 8 workstations as well as fault-tolerant, 1 GB switched fibre-optic Ethernet. Through the I/A Series A2 System Foxboro is offering a seamless upgrade to state-of-the-art technology while continuing to protect the total automation investment.
The Foxboro I/A Series platform has been a world leader in technology for 15 years. It offers a great variety of configuration options, low automation life cycle costs, and powerful toolsets for an entire enterprise.
For more information contact André Cronje, Protea Automation Solutions, 011 719 5700, www.protea.co.za
Further reading:
71% of organisations suffered an identity breach
News & Events Information Security
The State of Identity Security 2026 report from Sophos finds human error and poor non-human identity management are the root causes of most attacks, as agentic AI accelerates the risk.
Read more...
Global security in 2026
Editor's Choice News & Events Security Services & Risk Management Industrial (Industry) Mining (Industry)
The World Security Report 2026 states: “In a world of increasing volatility, physical security has evolved. It is no longer just a defensive measure; it is a critical driver of corporate value.”
Read more...
Who is to blame for autonomous mistakes?
Editor's Choice Security Services & Risk Management Industrial (Industry) Mining (Industry)
Most supply agreements for AI-integrated equipment still closely resemble plant hire contracts from ten years ago: bilateral, human-focused, and silent on who bears the risk when a machine makes a decision on its own.
Read more...
Cyber resilience is the real defence
Security Services & Risk Management Information Security Infrastructure
Cyber resilience has evolved into a form of strategic agility, ensuring that when an interruption occurs, the business does not just survive; it snaps back into place before the market even notices a pause.
Read more...
Employees are SA’s biggest cyber threat
Security Services & Risk Management Information Security
South Africa experienced a 46% increase in insider cyber risk in 2026, surpassing the global average of 44%. What is more, 63% of South African companies surveyed expect insider-driven data losses to increase.
Read more...
The post-Q1 security checklist
Asset Management Security Services & Risk Management
By this time of year, employees have changed jobs or roles, suppliers may have changed, and devices have moved between offices, homes, and sites. This is the right time for businesses to run a practical post-Q1 security check.
Read more...
PoPIA turns its attention to gated access
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
The Information Regulator has gazetted its proposed Code of Conduct for the processing of personal information at gated access points. At 65 pages long, the code signals a significant shift in how personal information is collected and managed at entry points.
Read more...
Surge in AI-enabled cybercrime and a 389% increase in ransomware
News & Events Information Security
Cybercrime no longer functions as a series of isolated campaigns; it operates as a system, with malicious hackers operating across an end-to-end life cycle and compressing the attack life cycle with shadow agents.
Read more...
Advanced DCSs preserve what must not change while enabling
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Next-generation DCSs, such as Schneider Electric’s Foxboro, are preserving the best of the old while introducing the new in a less disruptive manner.
Read more...
Your company is already breached, you just do not know it yet
Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
Attackers are no longer relying on sophisticated exploits to break-in. Instead, they are systematically targeting weak credentials, misconfigured systems, and exposed devices stemming from preventable gaps such as identity weaknesses and poor visibility across digital environments.
Read more...