System for virtual process interfacing via a remote desktop protocol (rdp)

A system for process interfacing within an automation scenario for distributed engineering systems, the system comprising:

• a server for providing at least one application required for engineering;
• at least one client for accessing automation devices that supply process data and/or project-planning data and for setting up an online communication channel maintained for any length of time between the client and server;
• first mechanisms for feeding data of the automation devices into the server via the communication channel;
• and
• second mechanisms for linking the applications to the automation devices, wherein
• the first mechanisms have a first interface to a current communication channel and a second interface to the applications, and wherein
• the first mechanisms are provided for communicating with the second mechanisms via the communication channel.

A method for process interfacing within an automation scenario for distributed engineering systems, the method comprising:

• providing an application required for engineering by a server;
• accessing automation devices that supply process data and/or project-planning data via at least one client;
• setting up an online communication channel between the client and the server;
• feeding the data of the automation devices into the server via the communication channel;
• and
• linking the applications to the automation devices, wherein communication takes place with a second mechanism via the communication channel via a first mechanism having a first interface to a current communication channel and a second interface to the applications.