Softing edgeConnector Docker Containers with REST API

The edgeConnector products from Softing’s dataFEED range now include a REST API, making integration into configuration platforms easier. In addition, a new licensing model offers more flexibility when deploying the individual products.

The REST API in version 3.0 of Softing’s edgeConnector products makes local or remote configuration much easier for users. The product family currently includes edgeConnector Siemens, edgeConnector 840D and edgeConnector Modbus. The software modules are based on Docker technology and provide access to process data in SIMATIC S7, SINUMERIK 840D and Modbus TCP controllers. In the past, a separate login via the local configuration interface was necessary for each product. This is now done by the new edgeConfigurator, which allows all edgeConnectors to be accessed via the REST API. The edgeConfigurator is also based on Docker technology and is used in parallel with the edgeConnectors. The configurator can be deployed on-premise or additionally in the Microsoft Azure cloud, allowing REST API access from the cloud to the edgeConnectors’ on-premise environment. Using the REST API, edgeConnectors can now be configured more easily from a third-party application.

The new licence model of version 3.0 distinguishes between Basic (edgeConnector Modbus), Advanced (edgeConnector Modbus and edgeConnector Siemens) and Premium (all edgeConnector products). The licences no longer refer to data points; instead they only account for the connected controllers. The user can choose between licence options of 1, 5, 10 and 20 connections.