APC 1999 Annual Report Download - page 13

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Growth: a critical priority 11
Web-enabled programmable
logic controllers
After an in-depth restructuring program, our
programmable logic controller (PLC) business is
poised to conquer new markets by positioning
itself as the leader in Web Automation.Thanks to
the Transparent Factory™ concept, our customers
can now enhance their automation systems
with the tremendous potential offered by Internet
resources and connections—for example, for
remote regulation of an automated production
line, maintenance, or operations control.This
function will gradually be incorporated into all
our smart components for automation systems.
A strategic step toward
consumer final low voltage
Scandinavia-based Lexel, acquired in June 1999,
has made Schneider Electric a key player in
consumer final low voltage and bolstered our global
leadership in low voltage electrical distribution.
As a result, we are in an outstanding position
to take advantage of exciting technological inno-
vations in the construction industry, notably with
the rapid, Internet-related growth of voice-data-
video networks.
Accelerating innovation
T hanks to improvements in our product develop-
ment processes, we can now upgrade our product
ranges at an accelerated pace. In 1999, we began
introducing our new Masterpact circuit breaker
in the US and Europe. We also launched new
switchboards, modular circuit breakers
and medium voltage overload relays in Europe
and North America. In the automation market,
we brought out new PLC software, interface
terminals and adjustable speed drives. A total of
twelve product families will be upgraded in 2000,
representing 20% of Schneider Electric’s sales.
In 1999, we also actively pursued our strategic
focus on large accounts, setting up partnerships
with twenty new large international customers.
All these initiatives rely extensively on new tech-
nologies, combined with a steady expansion of
our services and geographic reach.They are
enabling us to push back our borders, day after
day, ensuring sustained growth for our businesses
in the years ahead.
Schneider Electric
joins theWorld Wide Web
Consortium
Schneider Electric took an important step
in its strategy of integrating the Internet into
electrical distribution, industrial control
and automation by joining the World Wide
Web Consortium (W3C) on March 15, 2000.
This move will facilitate the development
of crucial standards for new services and
applications in the area of Web Automation.
W3C was created to lead the World Wide Web
to its full potential by developing common
protocols that promote its evolution and
ensure its interoperability. This international
association is hosted by the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology in the United States,
Institut National de Recherche en Informatique
et en Automatique in France and Keio
University in Japan. Its members include
private enterprises, IT companies
and international research laboratories.