The practicalities of implementing on-line network analysis and data management-an open system approach

In recent years, with the advent of powerful computer workstations and sophisticated networking, the concept of open systems has emerged. The authors describe how, as a result of this, all specifications for new network management systems (NMS) for both transmission and distribution systems expect the vendor to incorporate open system´s technology. This has been extended to include application packages, with the electric utilities wanting to choose applications from third party suppliers and not only the prime contractor as in the past. Both the SCADA/NMS supplier and power system analysis vendor have needed to change direction to create the flexibility to meet these needs