: Rockwell releases specific versions of Enterprise that correspond to certain base versions of KEPServerEX .
By understanding the specific purpose of each product, you can ensure your industrial data flows seamlessly, securely, and cost-effectively to the applications that need it most.
It is important to note that PTC is currently re-branding and unifying its products. Kepware Server 7.0 is replacing the legacy KEPServerEX branding to provide a more unified experience. KEPServer Enterprise - Rockwell Automation
If your facility relies entirely on Rockwell Automation software—such as FactoryTalk View SE/ME, FactoryTalk Historian, or FactoryTalk Transaction Manager— is built for you. It integrates into the FactoryTalk Activation manager. This allows you to manage your Kepware licenses using the same server you use for your Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk licenses. Open Architecture and IoT Deployment
(most common), not perpetual like standard KepserverEX. kepserver enterprise vs kepserverex
You want the peace of mind that comes with a factory-validated integration for the FactoryTalk suite. 💡 Final Implementation Tip
Are you running your OPC on a or in a virtual/cloud environment ?
Because Rockwell has its own solutions for connecting to its own hardware (namely, RSLinx), the Kepserver Enterprise license explicitly excludes connectivity to Rockwell Automation controllers . If you attempt to use a Rockwell-sold version of Kepserver Enterprise to connect to an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix or CompactLogix PLC, you would be violating the license terms and the software will likely be restricted from doing so. It is solely for connecting "other" vendors' equipment.
Access to all Kepware plugins like IoT Gateway, Advanced Tags, and Scheduler. : Rockwell releases specific versions of Enterprise that
: Specifically optimized to coexist with Allen-Bradley equipment in a FactoryTalk environment. It allows FactoryTalk visualization and information software to interact with non-Rockwell hardware using OPC DA or OPC UA interfaces. 2. Bundled Drivers
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Handled directly by PTC Kepware engineers or authorized regional distributors. Updates, patches, and technical troubleshooting follow PTC’s release lifecycles. Summary Comparison Table KEPServerEX KEPServer Enterprise Primary Vendor PTC Kepware Rockwell Automation Driver Selection 150+ drivers available Restricted subset of third-party drivers Licensing System Kepware Activation FactoryTalk Activation Manager Technical Support PTC / Kepware Support Rockwell TechConnect Best Used For Vendor-neutral, multi-SCADA, and IoT systems Rockwell-centric FactoryTalk environments Final Verdict: Which One Do You Need?
You use HMIs or SCADA from different vendors (like Inductive Automation, AVEVA, or Siemens), or if you require the absolute latest IoT connectors and niche drivers as soon as they are released. Kepware Server 7
The platform is built on a flexible, modular architecture. Users start with a base server and then purchase and install only the specific "plug-in" drivers and advanced features they need for their project. Core features of KEPServerEX include:
KEPServer Enterprise and KEPServerEX share core technology but differ in distribution, with Enterprise bundled for Rockwell FactoryTalk, while EX serves as a standalone solution with full driver support. While Enterprise is integrated into Rockwell’s ecosystem for 3rd-party drivers, EX acts as a universal connectivity platform for various SCADA/IoT applications. For more details, visit Rockwell Automation KEPServer Enterprise - Rockwell Automation
Here’s a technical review comparing (now often referred to as KepserverEX Enterprise Edition or part of the Industrial Connectivity Suite ) and KepserverEX (the standard version).
At their core, both products are designed to act as a universal translator. They connect disparate industrial devices (PLCs, sensors, scales) to higher-level software (SCADA, MES, ERP). Shared Features: Protocol Support: Access to 150+ communication drivers. Standards: Full support for OPC UA, OPC DA, and MQTT.
: Support for this version is typically handled through Rockwell Automation Support rather than PTC. Recent Evolution: Kepware Server