Microsoft Joins Energistics

Microsoft Corp. announced it has joined Energistics, a global, not-for-profit consortium designed to explore ways to facilitate exploration and production (E&P) information sharing and business process integration. This membership continues the momentum that Microsoft and its nearly 500 oil and gas partners have built in driving a common platform as the “unifying language” and a force for innovation across the industry.

            Microsoft, along with its ecosystem of partners, has proven experience in bringing technologies and solutions to the mainstream oil and gas industry. This expertise will be used to deliver the reference implementation of Energistics’ standards such as the Wellsite Information Transfer Standard Markup Language (WITSML) and Production Markup Language (PRODML), enabling oil and gas companies to increase the implementation of standards while lowering adoption hurdles.

            Energistics’ founding objective was to unite the oil and gas industry and foster an environment of collaboration. Across multiple industries, Microsoft is the trusted advisor and go-to company for developing and implementing the use of a unifying language as a common platform, for example, as a founding member of OPC (OLE for Process Control). By joining Energistics, Microsoft adds this expertise in helping the consortium meet its goal of uniting people, issues and ideas to facilitate E&P information sharing and business process integration.

            “E&P companies are relying on development of standards such as PRODML to provide a common set of definitions and thus improve data exchange and work process efficiency,” said Catherine Madden, senior research analyst at IDC Energy Insights. “Companies that can help facilitate the development and deployment of open data exchange standards such as PRODML will play a vital role in ensuring the industry can maximize potential cost savings.”

            “The oil and gas industry is undergoing massive changes,” said Ali Ferling, managing director, Worldwide Oil and Gas Industries at Microsoft. “By helping the industry adopt standards, Microsoft believes the industry can drive down cost by improving interoperability and building a platform for collaboration and communication. Our customers benefit when standards are implemented because their software prices decrease, interoperability increases and adoption hurdles are lowered. As a result, they will be able to better execute their E&P information sharing and business process integration strategies.”

            “We are pleased to have Microsoft on board to help us to deliver the reference implementation for our standards,” said Randy Clark, president and CEO of Energistics. “As a body that facilitates an inclusive user community for collaborative technologies, we are keen to draw on Microsoft’s experience in the industry to help facilitate the development and deployment of open data exchange standards in addressing information challenges.”

            “Having Microsoft as a member of Energistics is very positive news for the oil and gas industry,” said Jaap Van Ballegooijen, leader of Royal Dutch Shell’s Smart Fields group. “Microsoft will be able to contribute its experience and expertise to help drive the adoption of Energistics’ standards. Microsoft has demonstrated ongoing commitment and support of the Energistics standards through its participation and sponsorship of the latest PRODML specifications presentation at the Microsoft Global Energy Forum. Shell, Microsoft and Energistics also collaborated to explore new and innovative solutions through the software-plus-services approach by implementing a PRODML proof of concept utilizing Microsoft’s Windows Azure platform.”

www.energistics.org

www.microsoft.com/oilandgas

 

 

Aberdeen Firm Offers Next-Gen Broadband to Energy Sector

Converged Communication Solutions is the first independent Scottish Internet service provider (ISP) to offer a ADSL2+ broadband package, providing global energy businesses with increased bandwidth and faster Internet connection speeds. Benefits include increased efficiency for remote working (via remote access technology) as well as more effective communication via video conferencing technology.

            A recent report published by Oxford University Business School stated that UK broadband is not fit for use, ranking the UK’s systems 31 out of 66 countries. Britain was listed among countries whose broadband is only “meeting needs for today,” while technologically advanced countries like South Korea and Japan dominated, largely due to their commitment to super fast networks.

            Neil Christie, Converged technical director, said: “ADSL2+ will allow users to obtain more bandwidth for little or no extra outlay. Existing services (e-mail traffic, Web browsing, downloads and uploads) will be quicker, with newer services on the Internet, such as video streaming, becoming more accessible.

            “We are delighted to be the first independent Scottish internet provider to offer this broadband package. I believe it will enhance our clients’ productivity by offering greater speed and flexibility. Our aim has always been to provide a personal service that ensures our clients get the best solution for their communication needs.”

            The firm was recently recognized for its innovation in technology when it was named a finalist in the “Best Use of ICT” category at the Northern Star Business Awards.

www.converged.co.uk

 

 

Mobile Spy Monitors GPS Locations, SMS Messages and Calls

Arizona-based Retina-X Studios LLC announced the availability of Mobile Spy for smartphones running the Android operating system. Using this technology, users can silently monitor GPS locations, incoming and outgoing text messages (SMS) and call information of children or employees — even if activity logs are erased. Mobile Spy had already been available for the BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Mobile and Symbian OS smartphones. The new version for the Android platform is now on the market.

www.mobile-spy.com

 

DeepOcean, Statoil Pilot Windows 7 Operating System

Following the official launch of Windows 7 around the globe, Microsoft Corp. announced that two Norwegian customers from the oil and gas industry have successfully piloted the new Windows 7 platform. DeepOcean, a subsea services and construction support firm, and Statoil, one of the world’s largest offshore oil companies, have deployed or are piloting the Windows 7 operating system, improving employee productivity and increasing overall business performance.

            Albrecht “Ali” Ferling, PhD, managing director of Microsoft’s Worldwide Oil and Gas Industries, said: “Our industry is facing unprecedented challenges, and doing more with less is a priority for many of our customers. The role of IT as a key enabler to drive business efficiency is more important than ever, and Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 bring a powerful combination of cost savings, greater productivity and improved capacity for innovation to our oil and gas customers.”

            Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have been developed with today’s economy in mind, where long-term business success needs to be built on two things: innovation and productivity. Their main features allow employees easy access to information anywhere at any time while organizations can reduce risk through improved security and drive cost savings through virtualization and streamlined management capabilities.

 

DeepOcean Migrates from UNIX

In 2000, DeepOcean was among the first in its industry to implement the Windows platform for its onshore operations and offshore data processing, moving from a UNIX-based platform with flat files because the UNIX technology was out of date and the company wanted to develop new applications on the Windows platform. DeepOcean is now migrating from a UNIX-based platform to Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 because of its need to support its sales force and engineers who travel between onshore and offshore locations. These mobile employees rely on portable computers that make up more than 25% of the company’s computers.

            When DeepOcean migrated to the Windows platform, it implemented the Windows NT 4.0 operating system on its 50 client computers and the Windows NT Server 4.0 operating system on its 10 servers, which it is gradually upgrading from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008 R2. DeepOcean uses Microsoft Forefront Client Security to help protect its client and server environment from Internet-based threats.

            In an effort to enhance security for its portable computers and to address challenges with its virtual private network solution, the company also decided to migrate to the Windows 7 operating system. As a result of the upgrade, DeepOcean has simplified IT management, enhanced IT security and improved employee productivity.

            “Windows 7 has enabled our mobile work force to connect to the corporate network and access all the resources they need faster and more easily,” said Per Arne Stromo, IT manager at DeepOcean. “At the same time, Microsoft technology offers us a highly secure and reliable tool to help protect our confidential data and intellectual property even when on the road.”

 

Statoil Enables Remote Access

Statoil also wanted to improve employee productivity by making sure that workers in its increasingly global operations could fully collaborate with their colleagues. To address remote access issues that could hinder employee productivity and collaboration, the oil company intends to implement the Windows 7 and the Windows Server 2008 R2 operating systems, which together offer features such as BranchCache to improve data access at branch offices and DirectAccess to simplify remote connectivity. As a result of the upgrade, Statoil will deliver seamless access to the corporate network for traveling employees, improve information access at branch offices and enhance IT security.

            “Using Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, we’ll be able to better support our strategy as a global company and more easily share information no matter where our employees and consultants reside,” said Petter Wersland, leading advisor for IT Infrastructure, Statoil.

            Building upon this core IT infrastructure, Microsoft, together with its partners, is continuing to tackle the creation of technology solutions for some of the industry’s top priorities – better collaboration, unified communications and role-based productivity – to fundamentally change the way people work by introducing novel workflows and knowledge management capabilities that maximize scarce labor talent and bring business-critical information to workers wherever they are.

www.microsoft.com/oilandgas

Invensys Introduces Corporate Energy Management Application

Invensys Operations Management has introduced the new Wonderware^® Corporate Energy Management Application, which enables industrial automation customers to implement an energy management program quickly and easily and respond better to energy consumption challenges.

            The application allows users to monitor energy and detect and notify personnel of energy inefficiencies. It connects directly to meters on a network through industrial controllers, and accepts manual entry via the company’s Wonderware InTouch^® HMI and IntelaTrac^TM mobile solutions. The application is layered on top of the Wonderware System Platform, enabling integration with a wide range of applications, networks and I/O data sources. Application functionality includes recording consumption and demand at main and sub meters for a wide range of energy types, including power, water, chill, gas, air and steam. The application also associates production output to energy usage, providing the key performance indicators used in many sustainability programs. It can be installed in a matter of days, and pre-built reports give managers, supervisors and workers new visibility and information on how energy is used within the operation.

            “Energy management at the enterprise level is not only the responsibility of plant managers and engineers, it has now become the responsibility of corporate management as well,” said Bill Schiel, manager of energy management solutions, Invensys Operations Management. “All departments within a company consume energy and add cost to a product or service, so all must be involved in developing an energy management strategy that can be quickly implemented to benefit the entire organization’s bottom line.”

            With this Wonderware application, companies are able to create a variety of energy consumption Web reports based on time period, department, cost center and operational events. Real-time views of energy consumption are provided by Wonderware InTouch HMI, offering an overview of the real-time state of energy usage. With the Wonderware Corporate Energy Management Application, organizations can quickly meet business initiatives for energy reductions and resource management to achieve long-term sustainable results.

www.invensys.com

 

AVEVA NET Gains SAP Certification

AVEVA Group, provider of plant design and engineering lifecycle solutions, announced that its AVEVA NET 3.6 solution has been certified by SAP, achieving “Powered by SAP NetWeaver^®” status. The solution has been proven to integrate with SAP^® solutions, including the SAP ERP 6.0 application.

            The SAP Integration and Certification Center (SAP ICC) has certified that AVEVA NET 3.6 properly integrates with the SAP NetWeaver Process Integration (SAP NetWeaver PI) offering, to exchange critical data with instances of SAP Business Suite software. AVEVA worked with the SAP ICC to test the AVEVA NET interface software for correct implementation of SAP-endorsed technologies and stability in the SAP solution-based environment.

            Dave Coppin, Head of the AVEVA NET business, commented: “We are delighted that AVEVA NET 3.6 has been certified by SAP. Our customers have been using AVEVA NET’s integration abilities in conjunction with SAP solutions for some time already, and this certification further demonstrates AVEVA’s commitment in the area of enterprise asset management, and, in particular, our focus on supporting the needs of operations in major integrated energy companies.”

            AVEVA NET is a powerful, ISO 15926-compliant solution to control, link, evaluate and deliver all types of plant and marine data and documents – not just engineering information – across disparate systems in a secure, collaborative environment, regardless of application and format.

www.aveva.com/aveva_net

Invensys Announces ROMeo 5.2 for Industrial Utilities Optimization

Invensys Operations Management, a global provider of technology systems, software solutions and consulting services to the process and manufacturing industries, today announced the availability of its ROMeo^® 5.2 solution for industrial utilities optimization, built on its proven SimSci-Esscor^TM optimization software. This solution targets the unique needs of large enterprises, such as refineries, that have several options to produce, buy or sell energy to meet the demands of their processing facilities.

            At most of these operating sites, the cost of power and utilities is often the largest controllable operating expense, after the purchase of raw materials. Rising energy costs and stringent environmental regulations drive an increased focus on energy efficiency. Most companies are responding with demand-side energy management strategies that target process improvements or modifications to reduce energy usage. However, supply-side energy (utilities) management provides additional opportunity to reduce consumption through improved sourcing.

            The Invensys solution introduces several new capabilities and functions that simulate steam turbines, gas turbines, heat recovery system generators, boilers, headers and several others plant utility systems. Completely and efficiently modeling demand in a single environment enables user to target significant improvements in supply-side energy management.

            “With its utilities optimization functionality, our solution can help our customers not only meet federal and local emission control regulations, but also optimize the amount and type of energy that is consumed by their processing facilities,” said Harpreet Gulati, product director, Invensys Operations Management. “Invensys solutions built on ROMeo were already the market-leading choice for process-side optimization and energy management, but version 5.2 of SimSci-Esscor ROMeo optimization software now provides a unique platform that can be used for both demand-side and supply-side energy optimization.”

http://iom.invensys.com

 

 

IceWEB Enters GIS Agreement with ExxonMobil

IceWEB Inc., provider of purpose built appliances and building blocks for cloud storage networks, has entered into a Standard Procurement Agreement (SPA) with ExxonMobil Global Services Co., an operating division of ExxonMobil. The agreement for upstream services from IceWEB is for both the design of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and to provide GIS technical staff including Consultants, Project Managers, Senior GIS System/Software Architects, GIS Software Developers, Engineers, Database Analysts and Senior Storage Engineering staff.

            John Signorello, CEO of IceWEB, said: “Land exploration in the oil and gas sector requires the ability to put detailed imagery in the hands of those who need it regardless of where they may be. With this agreement ExxonMobil will leverage IceWEB expertise to work on building new infrastructure to accomplish that task. We are very pleased to be able to make our resources available to ExxonMobil for this important project.”

www.IceWEB.com

 

 

Fluor Expands Intergraph Global Alliance Agreement

Fluor Corp., an engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance (EPCM) company, has renewed its Global Alliance Agreement (GAA) with Intergraph for the next five years. This agreement covers the Intergraph SmartPlant^® and SmartMarine^® Enterprise software suites, including SmartPlant 3D, PDS^®, SmartPlant P&ID, and SmartPlant Instrumentation and numerous other solutions.

            As an Intergraph customer for 35 years, Fluor uses Intergraph enterprise engineering solutions on a significant number of its mid- and large-tier contracts across multiple industry sectors, including oil and gas, power, mining and chemical.

            SmartPlant Enterprise is an integrated solutions suite that provides full design, construction, materials and engineering data management capabilities needed for the creation, safe operation and maintenance, and capital project lifecycle management of process, power, marine and offshore projects. The software’s lifecycle data management capability facilitates the handover for EPCs to owner operators and allows owner operators to more easily manage, maintain, refurbish or modify their plants.

            “We are pleased to continue our Global Alliance Agreement with Intergraph,” said Peter Moore, VP Project Execution Services at Fluor. “This agreement fosters a continued partnership that we expect to be mutually beneficial to both companies.”

            Gerhard Sallinger, President of Intergraph Process, Power and Marine, said: “Fluor has always been an early adopter of new technologies and a well-trusted partner. We look forward to many more years of providing superior solutions to meet Fluor’s business needs.”

www.fluor.com

www.intergraph.com

 

 

GE O&G Enhances Pipeline GIS Data Management

GE Oil & Gas’ PII Pipeline Solutions business, in conjunction Colonial Pipeline Co. of Alpharetta, GA, has launched its new PipeView™ BandGen software tool that extends the capabilities of Environmental Systems Research Institute’s (ESRI) popular ArcGIS 9.3 geographical information system, which pipeline operators use for their data management programs.

            BandGen, which was unveiled at the Geospatial Information and Technology Association’s (GITA) 2009 Global Information System (GIS) for Oil & Gas Conference in Houston in September, is a powerful software extension of ArcGIS 9.3 that gives pipeline operators practical tools for managing bands, validating sheet content and generating alignment sheets directly from their database.

            Alignment sheet appearance is easily configured with out-of-the-box tools directly from ArcGIS. The module reads from all types of ESRI data base formats, it is data model independent, and it provides direct editing from bands. It can also plot unlimited line sheets, and features ad-hoc plotting capabilities.

            Colonial Pipeline Company was instrumental in assisting with the co-design and development of the BandGen tool, ensuring that the product meets the needs of the pipeline industry.

            Philippe Brejon, General Manager of Integrity Services at GE Oil & Gas’ PII Pipeline Solutions, said: “We are pleased to have partnered with Colonial Pipeline to develop PipeView BandGen as we strive to develop the most user-friendly pipeline GIS data management products available in the marketplace.”

www.geoilandgas.com

www.colpipe.com