GE Fanuc Introduces New Logic Developer PDA
Software for Convenient, Time-Saving Access to PLCs

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va - December 19, 2002 - The new CIMPLICITY® Machine Edition™ Logic Developer PDA software from GE Fanuc Automation, an affiliate of GE Industrial Systems, allows users to interface a Palm™ handheld device to any GE Fanuc Series 90™ and VersaMax® PLC. With Logic Developer PDA, users can perform PLC monitoring, diagnostics and maintenance quickly and easily at any PLC location in the manufacturing facility - which can save time and increase productivity. GE Fanuc will be showcasing the new software at National Manufacturing Week in Chicago, March 3-6, in Booth #4412.

Designed for Palm PDAs running on Palm OS 4.0 or greater, CIMPLICITY Machine Edition Logic Developer PDA 1.0 is a PLC Data View edition of the software that displays vital information about a PLC, so operators and engineers can quickly and easily assess a PLC's current state and take any corrective action needed. Version 1.0 includes the functionality to: view default reference tables, forced PLC references, and PLC specifications such as CPU model and revision, and view and modify I/O states (including Force On and Force Off) and register values, PLC CPU Run/Stop state, fault tables, and variable lists. Users can also transfer variable lists - created in VersaPro™ or CIMPLICITY Machine Edition PLC programming software - via the Shared Name File (SNF) format to the PDA. Additionally, the Logic Developer PDA software allows the operator to read, write and verify PLC RAM memory and Flash memory as well as log information, such as fault table details and forced references, to the Palm memo pad.

A future release, CIMPLICITY Machine Edition Logic Developer PDA Version 2.0, will enable users to upload and download PLC programs to and from the handheld device. Additional capabilities will include user-defined data view and reference view tables, the ability to store multiple folders on the PDA and the ability to update PLC firmware. Version 2.0 will also provide some hardware configuration capabilities. 

CIMPLICITY Machine Edition Logic Developer PDA uses the Series Ninety Protocol (SNP) networking standard to connect to any Series 90 and VersaMax PLC via the PLC's serial port.

Designed for state-of-the-art machine-level HMI, motion and control applications, the CIMPLICITY Machine Edition software package enables fast, powerful object-oriented programming. The software features a common user interface and drag-and-drop editing. Furthermore, CIMPLICITY Machine Edition takes full advantage of industry-standard technologies like XML, COM/DCOM, OPC and ActiveX, and incorporates Web-enabled technologies such as a built-in Web server to deliver real-time data to anyone in an enterprise.

About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc., is a leading global supplier of automation solutions and is a joint venture between GE and FANUC, Ltd. of Japan. GE Fanuc products and services include the iFIX® HMI/SCADA platform, ROI-enhancing Plant Intelligence systems, CIMPLICITY® collaborative production management software, nano to high-end PLCs, a wide range of CNCs, motion control, operator interfaces, industrial computers, lasers, and a wide range of integration and customer support services. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., GE Fanuc is part of GE Industrial Systems. For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com.

About GE Industrial Systems 
Since the founding of the General Electric Company by Thomas Edison in 1882, GE Industrial Systems has been known for technical innovation. GE Industrial Systems has over 7,600 U.S. and foreign patents on products that help provide peace of mind for people, the properties they own and their workplaces. In 2001 alone, GE Industrial Systems filed more than 200 U.S. and 340 foreign patent applications.

GE Industrial Systems spans the globe as an industry leader in integrated industrial, electrical and security equipment, systems and services. The business brings to customers the latest technologies that are used to distribute, protect and control energy and equipment, and to provide premise management. GE provides innovative product and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility customers. For more information visit the website at: www.geindustrial.com.

About GE
The General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) is a diversified technology and services company dedicated to creating products that make life better. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, medical imaging television programming and plastics, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com. 

For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com or contact: 
GE Fanuc Information Center, P.O. Box 8106, Charlottesville, VA 22906
Phone: (800) 648-2001, Fax: 434-978-5205, e-mail: gefanuc@gefanuc.com.

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CIMPLICITY is a registered trademark of GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc. iFIX is a registered trademark of Intellution, Inc. 
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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