User guide

11
Chapter 2. Getting Started
Since the initial introduction of addVANTAGE Pro 5 in 2006, you have been able
to access the client software through a standard Internet browser such as
Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. While you still have the option to
install addVANTAGE Pro on your own machine, you can also work through an
internet connection linking up to your data provider’s addVANTAGE Pro 6.2
server, accessing all the features through your web browser on that machine. All
you will need is a reasonably fast internet connection and a user name and
password to access your data.
Overview
For large installations, Adcon recommends that you install the server on a
separate computer. The server must have enough power and memory to sustain
the expected number of clients and RTUs, as well as the number of extensions
that will process the data.
You can consider several types of systems depending on your application and
the corresponding license type you acquired. For example, if you have an
application where you manage only one or two remote stations (RTUs), you
could install the server on the same machine you are using for your day-to-day
use. After installing addVANTAGE Pro you need only point your browser to your
local computer (e.g., http://localhost:8080) and you can analyze your data. You
don’t even need access to the Internet for this type of setup.
At the other end of options, if you intend to offer addVANTAGE Pro services to
other users, running tens or hundreds of RTUs, you most likely will want to
install the software on a powerful server with a good connection to the Internet.
A fixed IP address is mandatory in this case.
In many cases you might not want to run a server at all and would rather use
the addVANTAGE Pro services offered by an addVANTAGE Pro service provider as
described in the previous paragraph. You need only a web browser, an Internet
connection, and an account (possibly subscription-based) with your
addVANTAGE provider.