23 - Do PCs have any advantage over DCS other than price?

PC based software have easy interface with other PC based applications like Database, Spreadsheet, Word processing etc. post processing for special presentations etc. Not only within one computer, but network wide. There is also the potential to add in multimedia.

The main benefit with PC based packages, though, is the tremendous flexibility and that the integrator and end-user is in control. System integrators, engineering companies and process licensees can tailor the operator interface to suit the process. The end-user may modify the software the way he wants. Another important factor is that if he is not happy with determined software he can switch to another because most of them have drivers for the same equipment. This also gives the flexibility to mix and match equipment in the field, and change.