HiOS adds open communications server for Industry 4.0 March 03, 2021 // By Nick Flaherty The latest version of the HiOS operating system includes an embedded Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) server for Industry 4.0 applications Belden has launched a new version of its Hirschmann Operating System (HiOS) for Industry 4.0 applications. The HiOS adds an embedded Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) server for seamless, brand-agnostic industrial automation. Belden is the only manufacturer to offer switches that can natively run this communication protocol. The universal communication capability provides tighter network integration within the factory automation system, including openness, interoperability and scalability. As the de-facto communications standard for Industry 4.0, OPC provides a communication bridge between all levels of the automation architecture, from embedded components on the factory floor to the enterprise.