The key to success for the DNP User Group is that it puts ongoing management of the protocol directly into the hands of the utilities and vendors who use it. Its members have known for years that initial publication of documents defining the protocol and a few demonstration projects would not be the completion of a standard, but only the first steps in its evolution. The DNP User Group acts as the focal point for this ongoing evolution, bringing the entire DNP3 global community together to collectively manage and evolve the protocol. Due to this community support, the DNP User Group is able to address issues related to the protocol on an ongoing basis, helping ensure DNP3 truly is meeting its members needs. The results of these efforts are clear.
Utilities now have a solid protocol solution that provides proven inter-operability.
When a utility chooses to use DNP3, it is not limited to a small number of products available from a limited number of vendors. In fact, the opposite is true. Never before have utilities had so many vendors offering them such a large selection of intelligent electronic devices capable of communicating with one another. DNP3 Benefits Extend to Vendors DNP3's benefits to the vendor community are just as significant. Vendors grappled with this issue, as supporting new communication protocols is a costly exercise and the potential market for many of these protocols may be limited to only a few utilities.