Emerson, Cisco sign partnership pact

Emerson knows the process automaton side of the business is not run by engineers anymore. They know the new technology not only deals with the plant process side, but it also deals with the IT world. So, that means more people have to sign off on big supplier contracts.
That is one of the main reasons behind Emerson's deal to partner with IT giant Cisco to offer open-standard wireless solutions. The companies unveiled the deal at the Emerson Global Users Exchange in Dallas.
Cisco, an IT networking provider, and Emerson will now be able to walk into manufacturers and explain both sides of the equation from the process side and from the IT side.
Emerson's wireless system monitors plant information for control and asset optimization. Cisco wireless plant networks deal more with worker mobility, voice over IP communications, tracking of personnel and assets.
"Our goal is to drive the transformation in the industrial market,” said Maciej Kranz, vice president of product marketing for Wireless Business Unit for Cisco.
“Together, we are going to expand the breadth of products out there,” said Peter Zornio, Emerson’s chief strategic officer.