For Immediate Release:

Alerton Releases Version 1.1 of Envision for BACtalk: New Version Supports BACnet Multi-state, New Breed of Modular Alerton Controllers

Redmond, WA (March 9, 2004)—Building automation systems pioneer Alerton Inc. (www.alerton.com) today announced that version 1.1 of its Envision for BACtalk software is now available. Envision for BACtalk is operator workstation software for building automation systems. Alerton added support for multi-state objects and made enhancements for tighter integration with its recently released BACtalk control modules (BCMs) and VLX. The BCM is a modular router and global controller solution for open systems, and the VLX is an expandable field controller with scalable input and output modules.

“It’s clear that our customers are excited about the BCM and the VLX,” said Kevin Caskey, Alerton’s vice president. “The scalability and flexibility of these products is unmatched in the industry. With the VLX being such an excellent fit for smaller buildings and control applications, we also expanded the Envision offering to be economical for those customers.”

In addition to the support for new Alerton products, the development team updated key features to work with BACnet multi-state objects. According to Bob Thomas, the site head for new product development in Redmond, updated features include Alerton’s custom data displays, data backup and restore, and zone scheduling. Unlike analog values, which vary in a numerically predictable way, and binary values, which are either on or off, multi-state objects generate a series of values based on a device’s logic.

“The new features in 1.1 signal clearly our commitment to keep pace with BACnet and our customers’ needs,” said Thomas. “Alerton field devices don’t currently have a need to use multi-state objects. Nonetheless, to support customer integration with other manufacturer’s BACnet devices, we felt it was important to add it to our front-end.”

Envision for BACtalk 1.1 is available now through authorized Alerton dealers. For product ordering and technical information, contact your local Alerton dealer or call Alerton at 425.869.8400.

Envision for BACtalk product page

About Alerton

Founded in 1981, Alerton is a leading manufacturer and pioneer of building automation systems for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Alerton advanced the industry in 1996 with its introduction of Alerton BACtalk, the first product line based on BACnet, the building industry’s standard for open system interoperability. Alerton products are found in thousands of structures, including high-rise office buildings, government facilities, university campuses, airports, hotels, school districts and hospitals around the world. BACnet is a trademark of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE, www.ashrae.org); BACtalk and Alerton are trademarks of Honeywell International. All other product names used herein are property of their respective owners.

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