I just read that the new FDI Corporation is already showing benefits with prototypes of the first FDI components –proof that the concepts being proposed will work have been demonstrated on an ABB system. The prototypes include communications with HART, FF and Profibus protocol devices. The article on Control Engineering Europe’s web site http://www.controlengeurope.com/article/46341/First-working-prototype-of... also includes expected delivery dates for the remainder of the project indicating all the parts should be ready by the end of 2012.

From 'The Great Kanduski: Best Practices in Industrial Networking'

The steamroller toward integrated device standards is rolling on. The latest to climb on the back of the steamroller is Honeywell. The goal is full device interoperability regardless of vendor. Let's hear it for everybody on the team.

 From their press release:

From 'Sound Off! Editors' Blog'

There is new hope for End Users that a uniform interface to the rich information such as diagnostics and related material in smart instruments may soon be available. This is because a number of supplier companies have joined the FDI cooperation project that initially consisted of the major technology trade organizations, FDT Group, Fieldbus Foundation, HART Communication Foundation, OPC Foundation and PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation.From 'The Great Kanduski: Best Practices in Industrial Networking'