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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Blueberry is a Joint Venture (JV) company set up and owned by both HBK and Dewesoft, leading manufacturers of data acquisition systems (DAQs). Blueberry will contain employees from both HBK and Dewesoft who will work on backbone standardization for the new generation of DAQs: openDAQ. It will deliver designs and firmware source code for scalable DAQ ecosystems to both parent companies.
Have you ever dreamed that you can combine different data acquisition devices together? openDAQ SDK is simple to use general purpose software development kit jointly built by two of the largest test and measurement providers - HBK and Dewesoft.
openDAQ SDK will allow the users to discover, configure and receive data from any openDAQ compatible sensors, devices and instruments in their favorite programming environments like C++, C#, Python, Labview and others. It can be used on any host computer running Linux, Windows or Mac OS.
Both companies intend to build their future platforms to be fully compliant, but this is just the start. Blueberry will build a compatibility lab and will invite interface programmers, DAQ, sensor manufacturers and system integrators to join the community.
In this JV it is all about device backbones, embedded software elements and standardisation of device communication interfaces, so all non-competing elements of a Test & Measurement ecosystem.
You can compare it with the LXI consortium (LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation), with the open EtherCAT standard or even cross-automotive industry sharing chassis platforms, but not the body.
The “openDAQ Standard” defines ways to communicate, operate and its function. The openDAQ standard is based on other industry standards including PCIe, Ethernet, TSN, IEEE 1588v2 (PTP), IEEE 802.1AS-2020, OPC UA and many others. The JV and Consortium goals are to develop, support, and promote the “openDAQ Standard.” HBK actively participates in this JV and works to ensure that HBK software and hardware work well with systems that include the standards. HBK will focus on offering the highest data quality and productivity from sensor to result, simplifying configuration, data analytics, and collaboration, driven by HBK software.
A joint development agreement is a less committed, more “arm’s length” arrangement, whereas the joint venture will be a new company building its own culture, owning intellectual property, and employing people in its own name, representing a bigger commitment for the shareholders.
openDAQ is built by HBK and Dewesoft. At this stage it is not open for a third or fourth party to participate in the SDK development. However, it will be possible to use the open ecosystem standard interface as soon as it is published, to integrate devices into your own software. The mid-term perspective is integrating other partners into the circle, adding additional value that we do not offer right now. We even talked about licensing the overall ecosystem for other players, but first delivery, then we will investigate further options.
Currently it is planned for the openDAQ SDK to be released in June 2023.
No. Both HBK and Dewesoft remain completely independent companies, each with their own product development, administration, sales, and support, just like today. The difference is that new products developed by each company will be developed in compliance with the openDAQ SDK.
Our customers will be able to enjoy vertical interoperability never before seen in the test and measurement market. Customer investment will be safer than ever, and we will be able to address opportunities that were previously unreachable. Dewesoft and HBK customers can continue to use the software packages that they are familiar with. We would never change that. The difference is that new application software can be written according to the openDAQ SDK that will allow interoperation among compliant hardware products from both companies.
Blueberry joint venture will not develop any products together, only the backend interface technology.