A central component of this generational transition is the complete reorientation of VBASE as a native 64-bit application. This is accompanied by a shift to modern software frameworks and a comprehensive optimization of the system architecture. These measures not only enable a significant performance boost but also lay the foundation for future developments and enhancements.

As a 64-bit application, VBASE X64 benefits above all from more efficient memory management and full utilization of modern processor architectures with wider data paths and registers. At the same time, outdated technological dependencies were eliminated and “old habits” were consistently discarded to free up additional system resources. In parallel with performance optimization, the security concept was strengthened to effectively protect sensitive process data from unauthorized access using new data encryption methods.

The completely redesigned VBASE X64 Basic Editor provides a significant improvement in engineering. The development environment for custom script extensions now offers not only a selection of predefined execution conditions (triggers) but also collapsible code sections, the use of templates (code snippets), selective deactivation/activation of VBASE Basic programs, and the import of programs from other VBASE projects.

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Another key focus is on the reorganization of the VBASE runtime systems (RT), which execute projects, communicate with remote systems, and prepare data for users. In addition to the traditional runtimes with a graphical user interface, VBASE X64 introduces the new VBASE X64 Service-RT without a user interface for headless operation.

This runtime was designed for operation as a headless server and does not have its own user interface. Rather, it makes data available to VBASE participants on the network and enables a new type of fully-fledged client-server operation. VBASE Service-RT essentially includes the full functionality of the Server-RT, but runs as a Windows service in the background and does not require a logged-in user. Learn more about client-server operation with VBASE X64 Service-RT.

Due to the transition to current software frameworks, support for the outdated .NET Compact Framework—and thus also for Windows CE-based runtime systems—has been discontinued. Compatible VBASE versions can still be used for the continued administration of these older systems. In the future, compact VBASE HMIs will use the VBASE X64 Embedded-RT runtime system, which offers a similar feature set and runs on operator terminals with the Windows 10/11 IoT operating system.

The VBASE Light-RT, Pro-RT, and Server-RT runtime systems have also been revised and adapted to the 64-bit architecture.

The communication capabilities of VBASE X64 have been specifically expanded. With new communication modules for intrusion detection systems and emergency lighting systems, we are simplifying the integration of security systems and expanding the range of applications, particularly in building automation. In addition, a new data interface to the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E) enables the integration of current electricity market and energy data. On this basis, the use of energy-intensive loads can be optimized and specifically shifted to periods with low electricity prices, enabling the implementation of strategies for cost-effective and energy-efficient load management.

The internal database connection has also been comprehensively revised. The VBASE X64 database interface now operates with significantly improved performance and additionally supports ODBC data sources. This simplifies integration into existing database environments and further improves flexibility in the collection, storage, and analysis of process and energy data.

VBASE X64 comes with the new Service Runtime (Service-RT), which enables high-performance client-server operation. Unlike traditional runtimes, the VBASE X64 Service-RT runs as a Windows service in the background and operates completely independently of user logins. This creates a central automation instance that continuously communicates with the connected control systems, collects process data, and continuously logs it.

The computer running the Service-RT acts as an automation server, handling communication with PLCs, field devices, and other data sources, and making the collected information available to the VBASE clients. These clients access the central server via the network and execute the automation project locally. Visualization is displayed directly on the respective client, while the actual data communication takes place centrally via the server. The new VBASE Remote Manager and a user-friendly system tray application for Service-RT are available for administering the remote stations.

The VBASE X64 Remote Manager for administering VBASE clients.

Since data visualization is processed locally in a native VBASE runtime, the client-server concept provides full access to all VBASE functions without restrictions—unlike the browser-based visualization solution VBASE Web-Remote. Complex visualization elements, such as line charters or other native functions, can be fully utilized without having to make browser-related compromises.

Service-RT also offers decisive advantages over traditional remote desktop solutions such as RDP or TeamViewer, as multiple clients can access the same server simultaneously and display different visualization screens or user interfaces independently of one another. Thanks to continuous data acquisition and logging—regardless of user login—as well as encrypted communication between the server and clients, VBASE X64 Service-RT is ideally suited as middleware, for data logging, or in large, distributed automation and control systems.

VBASE X64, the next generation of our automation platform, is now available and offers all users significant added value in terms of performance, security, and functionality. VISAM GmbH offers all existing VBASE users attractive upgrade paths for switching to the new version. And through the end of November, you can get VBASE X64 at an introductory price with a 15% discount!! You can find all options and prices in the VISAM Store.

As always, compatibility with existing projects is maintained: Applications built with VBASE can be run, migrated, and further developed over the long term with the new software generation.