Niagara Framework

The Niagara Framework is a universal software infrastructure that allows companies to easily build custom, Web-enabled applications for accessing, automating and controlling “smart” devices in real-time over the Internet.

This open, Java-based framework unifies diverse systems and devices – regardless of manufacturer, communication standard or software – into an interoperable system creating a platform for value-added application development. Built on Internet standards, Niagara makes it possible for anyone, from anywhere around the world, to control their smart devices from a standard Web browser.

The Framework operates on a wide variety of hardware platforms from low-cost controllers to high-end server workstations, NT servers, PC’s, Tridium® JACE® controllers and other other Java-enabled platforms. And, the architecture supports a wide range of operating systems.

Critical real-time applications run on Wind River’s VxWorks® RTOS (Real-Time Operating System), Insignia’s Jeode or QNX, while robust server applications run on operating systems such as Microsoft® Windows NT®, or Linux™.

The foundation of Tridium’s patent-pending Niagara Framework technology is its robust, real-time, component object model. Object modeling creates a powerful architecture that alleviates the need for gateways.

By converting connected devices (and their data and attributes) into software “objects” for constructing applications, Niagara can talk to smart devices using their native protocol and respective networks, regardless of make, model, and manufacturer. Niagara integrates these devices so you can read real-time data, send commands to the device and utilize common programming tools to reconfigure and reprogram them easily and inexpensively.

Niagara’s underlying technology utilizes enterprise-level software standards such as Java™, TCP/IP, HTTP and XML to allow access to your control system via any standard Web browser.

In addition to anytime, anywhere access to information via a common interface, companies now can control all their smart devices via the Web while achieving true interoperability across a wide range of automation products. Furthermore, a complete set of desktop tools facilitates unique object-oriented application development and system administration.

Through the use of fundamental Internet software standards and open industry standards, the Niagara Framework creates a common environment that connects and shares information among heterogeneous devices, legacy systems, open system protocols – such as BACnet®, LonWorks® and Modbus™ – the Internet and enterprise information systems.

Niagara provides powerful and unrestricted access to the wealth of information that can be gleaned from control devices and then mined for use by enterprise-level systems to provide insightful, decision-making information.