Abelon Systems Ltd
is a hardware and software engineering company providing
solutions. If you have a product or service requirement
for any of the following then contact
us:
There are more details on our offerings in each of these
sectors below, or click on the appropriate link in the list
above.
As specialists in real time embedded technology we also
offer off-the-shelf Single Board Computer
products, configured and ready to use. In addition we
can provide custom application design with powerful FPGA
based hardware and real-time software.
Communications
Communication technologies lie at the heart of Abelon’s
capabilities. Our extensive experience in the field of telecommunications,
particularly in the embedded telecoms marketplace, allows
us to apply these leading-edge protocols and technologies
in non-telecoms market sectors.
Our background in telecoms has given us experience in
the development of complex highly-reliable systems and we
are familiar with many of the advanced protocols and technologies
used in today’s converged voice and data networks
such as Voice over IP, ATM, MPLS and H.248, as well as older
systems such as ISDN, X.25 and PPP. We also have many years
experience in traditional LAN protocols such as TCP/IP (V4/V6),
OSPF, OSI and so on.
Applications
We have developed applications for Packet and Circuit
Telephony, Remote Access, Routing, Security, and Media Gateway
systems using Protocol Stacks from industry leaders such
as DCL and Spider.
We are therefore perfectly placed to provide an embedded
solution to your communications requirements, from writing
low level device drivers to integrating third-party protocol
stacks with software applications. Our team of highly experienced
engineers have years of experience in embedded development
covering an extensive array of communication systems. In
these design we have gained first hand knowledge of many
microprocessors, embedded operating systems and platforms.
Embedded Systems
We are also experts in embedded communications, developing
robust, flexible and secure communication channels over
bus protocols such as SPI and I2C as well as more traditional
serial interfaces such as RS-232.
We have built systems based around industry standard chassis
such as cPCI or VME as well as custom ultra high speed serial
mesh backplanes.
Put our communication system design capabilities to work
for you. With extensive knowledge in a variety of communication
systems we can efficiently develop high quality and cost
effective solutions to your communications application.
Case Study
See also our embedded
communications protocol, secure
communications link and remote
device management case studies.
Data Acquisition and Process Control
Abelon design data acquisition and process control systems
that provide cost- effective real-time monitoring, management
and industrial control solutions. Implemented around standard
PC compatible hardware and open communications standards,
these systems are modular and extensible to suit a wide
variety of industries and applications.
Our open platform controller has several advantages over
systems from proprietary controller vendors. By selecting
the best components, technologies and networking from a
range of PC vendors we can always provide the most up to
date, flexible, best performing and cost-effective solution.
With Abelon’s retrofit services, our controller also
provides an ideal upgrade path for proprietary legacy systems.
The cost-effective nature of our open platform controller
allows industries to take advantage of process control where
previously there were little or no cost benefits.
Open Platform Controller
The open platform controller is based around a PC based
Single-Board computer with passive cooling
and no moving parts. For always-on reliability, all software
is supported on a Linux based kernel. The controller runs
a suite of Application Control Software specifically tailored
and trained to your application.
With a variety of I/O options the system can be adapted
to a broad range of applications. From digital interfaces
for push buttons, switches, proximity sensors and relays
through to analogue modules for flow, temperature or pressure
applications. Use of industry standard Ethernet based FieldBus
allows support of smart I/O modules adding the flexibility
of remote I/O systems and sensor termination. This is backed
up by a custom interface design service.
The controller can be supplied in IP55 and upwards-compatible
enclosures for industrial deployment.
Web Server Technology
With embedded web server technology,
our controller is fully managed from any web browser. Importantly
the web server provides full access to real time and stored
historical data, including the ability to generate on screen
reports and graphs. The web server replaces the traditional
SCADA or HMI system with simple web browser access.
Mobile Solutions
Mobile technologies represent a significant portion of
the work carried out by Abelon. Our background in the development
of mobile applications for a range of PDA and mobile devices
means that we are well placed to generate solutions that
satisfy your mobile application needs.
Mobile Development Issues
Developing software for mobile devices presents its own
particular set of problems. Abelon understands the issues
involved. We produce software specifically designed for
the mobile platform:
- Optimising applications for limited processor, memory
and power resources.
- Always-on usage and abrupt application closure.
- Portability across multiple operating system and hardware
platforms.
- Developing user friendly Graphical User Interfaces
for small touch screen and/or keypad operation.
In addition to these our extensive background in communication
technologies places us in an excellent position to make
the best of GSM, GPRS and 3G networks by ensuring network/data
cost minimisation, secure transfer of information and secure
deployment scenarios.
Multiple Operating System and Hardware Platforms
We have worked with hardware from all the major manufacturers
such as Nokia, Motorola, Sony and Samsung. We have also
worked with the major operating systems, Symbian, PalmOS,
WinCE, Linux and the BREW platform.
Abelon understands the diverse number of options that exist
in selecting hardware and software platforms. With our experience
we can advise on how best to satisfy your requirements.
Cross Sector Experience
Abelon does not believe there should be rigid dividing
walls between technology sectors. We have extensive experience
of working on remote asset management, web
server design, embedded database access
and fixed line machine to machine communications.
This experience allows us to apply mobile technologies such
as WAP, SMS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G to new markets producing
novel solutions to existing problems.
Web-Enabled Applications &
Devices
World-Wide Web sites are no longer just a series of static
HTML pages. Your Internet browser can now be a gateway to
a host of Web-enabled applications, bringing your Web-site
or device to life, as well as increasing productivity.
Common examples of Web-enabled Applications are “eCommerce”-sites,
Education, Enterprise Resource Planning, Customer Relations
Management, and Line-Of-Business sites. These make full
use of the 3-tier Web architecture, complete with backend
database server.
It is also increasingly common to find a Web-server embedded
within a device, such as a cable modem or firewall. This
server provides a powerful point-and-click configuration
interface that requires no additional software to be installed
on the user’s PC.
Whether your application is running on an embedded system
or on one or more servers with or without database access,
Abelon’s design services can meet your needs. We can
tackle anything from a small application such as an administration
interface for your embedded device to a multi-server Web
site. We can design and implement a fully integrated end-to-end
solution: from the choice of Web and database server technologies,
to the implementation of Web-frontends and back-end applications.
3 Tier Web Architecture
For 3 tier Web applications, Abelon specialise in the
LAMP architecture. LAMP consists of using the Linux operating
system, running the Apache Web server, MySQL database and
using PHP for dynamic Web-content and as an application
gateway. However, we are equally at home with alternative
database servers, or using CGI to Web-enable the application
(or device) via either Perl or ‘C/C++’ applications.
Database Access
Many Web-enabled applications make use of databases
for the reliable storage of data. We can identify and utilise
the technology most appropriate for you to provide database
access: whether it’s the Perl or PHP database access
libraries or ‘C’ application interfaces like
ODBC or via protocols such as SOAP/XML and CORBA.
Embedded Systems
For embedded systems, Abelon Systems can embed a light-weight
Web-server application. Depending on the environment, we
can also develop backend applications written in ‘C/C++’,
PHP or any other scripted languages. Access to a remote
database is also possible via a range of interfaces/protocols.
Web Frontend
We can use any of a wide range of techniques to provide
you with the look and feel your Web pages require, including
DHTML, Javascript, Java, Cascading Style Sheets and more.
Database Solutions
Databases lie at the centre of many IT solutions. The range
of applications involving databases is endless: Customer
Relationship Management, online booking, asset management,
Computer Telephony Integration and Web-site
support, to name a few.
Whatever the application, Abelon Systems have the database
expertise to provide you with the best solution for your
needs.
Turnkey Solutions
Abelon provides a complete turnkey solution from gathering
initial requirements, to system design and deployment. We
can select the best database engine for your scenario and
will design the database schema, SQL queries & stored
procedures. We use these technologies to build powerful
database-enabled applications. The applications can be embedded
or sit on the standard desktop.
Furthermore, we pull it all together into a fully integrated
and tested system.
Experience
Our experience includes development against Microsoft’s
SQLServer and, for smaller deployments, their MSDE product
using the ADO, ADO.NET and the lighter-weight ODBC APIs.
On the Linux side, we provide solutions with various open-source
servers including MySQL and Firebird using ODBC.
In the Web-services domain, we can integrate database
access via SOAP/XML or CORBA.
Interoperability
The multi-platform background of the Abelon team means
that you can be assured of interoperability between the
different parts of the system. Using industry standard interfaces
such as ODBC, connectivity can be guaranteed regardless
of which operating system is hosting the client or the server.
Mixing Linux and Windows is easily achievable.
To facilitate such interoperability, Abelon have developed
the AbelDB software toolkit. While greatly reducing development
timescales AbelDB also future-proofs your solution by allowing
migration from one database server architecture to another,
without the need to re-write the client application(s).
Computer Telephony Integration
Increasingly, workflow and process support applications
are being integrated with office telephony to provide quick
and powerful access to customer data. The latest generation
of Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony systems available from
3Com, Avaya, Cisco and others bring Computer Telephony Integration
(CTI) within reach of Small to Medium-sized Enterprises.
CTI encompasses many features, such as automatic display
of customer contact and order details with the incoming
call. Unified office contact directories, call recording
and logging, and email response to unanswered calls are
also important features. CTI helps maximise use of resources
and minimise operational costs. Importantly the customer
experience is improved.
Whatever your requirements, Abelon has the expertise to
build a solution tailored to your needs.
Abelon provide a turnkey solution from initial requirements
gathering, through to system design and deployment. We can
work with your telephone system vendor to select the best
features for your current and future needs. We can integrate
your existing applications and customer databases with the
phone system.
Importantly our software, database and
communications engineers can build
custom applications, which seamlessly integrate with the
phone based operations of your company.
Integration
We can integrate standalone and networked TAPI client
applications. We provide TAPI server solutions which integrate
with your phone system and have worked with the major VoIP
PBX vendors.
We work extensively with Microsoft’s SQLServer and
MSDE databases in addition to such Open Source implementations
as MySQL and Firebird. We can integrate database access
via ODBC, ADO, ADO.NET CORBA or SOAP/XML. We can develop
the supporting databases and SQL including the use of stored
procedures to accelerate performance.
We develop custom applications for Windows, WinCE and
Linux operating systems.
Project Management and Consultancy
Our project management skills can help you by providing
scheduled delivery against a detailed project plan. The
development of your solution is a transparent process with
milestones and associated deliverables supplied at each
stage of the project. This allows you to concentrate on
the business aspects of your product whilst at the same
time maintaining a reassuring visibility of the ongoing
development.
Extensive Experience
Collectively the Abelon team have accumulated decades
of experience in managing software and hardware projects
both large and small. From start up companies working out
of a single office to large scale developments involving
engineers spread across the globe. We have been involved
in the complete life cycle of products from drawing board
to customer shipment. We also have comprehensive experience
of rearchitecting existing solutions and getting slipping
projects back on track.
Project Consultancy Services
Using the experience we have gained the Abelon team can
help you by clearly defining the requirements and scope
of the project. We will help you pull together a team with
the necessary skills and responsibilities and where necessary
provide additional engineering resources. We will also assess
key areas of risk and manage change as required. Where appropriate
we can provide a monitoring process allowing you to track
progress to time, quality and cost.
Our goal is to ensure that the business benefits you need
from the project are kept in focus and delivered on project
completion.
Project Rescue
We also offer a Project Rescue service, where we can assist
on getting projects back on track and under control. In
addition to the standard consultancy services the Abelon
team can help you by confirming or revising the requirements
and scope of the project. Where necessary we will help re-plan
the remaining stages of the project and ensure that the
project team are capable of delivery. As always we will
provide a transparent process allowing you to track progress.
Quality and Commitment
Abelon has a comprehensive set of in-house quality processes
comprising:
- Multi-user Change Management System offering external
reporting/tracking of bugs and features via Web browser
or email.
- Source code version control.
- Complete mature life cycle standards for development
based on recognised best practices.
We offer consultancy on these processes helping our customers
to enhance their in-house procedures and processes.
Case Study
See also our project management
and consultancy case study.
Single Board Computer Solutions
The Single Board Computer (SBC) is the ideal technology
platform to drive embedded applications. Based on standard
PC hardware but in an ultra compact form factor and with
no moving parts, SBCs offer reliability with powerful cost-effective
processing capacity.
There is now no need to develop custom motherboards for
many embedded applications, greatly reducing NRE cost and
development time.
Importantly the SBC is 100% compatible with WinCE and
Open Source operating systems such as Linux. The use of
standard operating systems and toolchains also contribute
to lower risk development.
Abelon use SBCs for embedded application development,
where hardware and software reliability are mission critical
requirements. Our solutions are at work in military and
financial deployments.
Abelon offer a turnkey embedded application design service,
from initial requirements gathering, through to system design
and deployment.
Off the shelf SBCs are assembled with a range of carefully
selected peripherals. Custom FPGA based I/O processing can
be designed to your requirements. Our embedded software
and communications engineers can then
design and build your embedded application.
Specifications
Abelon work with PC/104 SBCs from DSP Designs Ltd. These
offer industry leading performance, reliability and cost.
Our FPGA designs are based on Altera and Xilinx parts.
We can specify custom or off-the-shelf enclosures at environmental
protection ratings up to IP66, and either with or without
an internal PSU.
All software is written in C/C++ and assembler, providing
board support packages, device drivers, protocol stacks,
driven by applications with graphical and Web
server based user interfaces.
We can offer support for operating systems such as WinCE,
WinCE.NET, Linux with real-time extensions, VxWorks, QNX,
eCOS, and custom executives.
Case Study
See also our secure
communications link case study which made use of an
SBC solution.
Abelon Systems
> Products & Services
