Softing Inc.
Softing Inc. is the US subsidiary of Germany's Softing AG, providing industrial communication hardware, software, and services for OT/IT integration. The company serves process and factory automation customers globally through protocol gateways, OPC UA platforms, embedded modules, and network diagnostic tools.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersKnoxville, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Softing Inc. does
Softing Inc. is the US regional subsidiary of Softing AG, a privately held German industrial communication technology company founded in 1984 and headquartered in Haar near Munich. It operates as part of the Softing Industrial division, delivering hardware, software, and services that connect disparate automation components and move data from the shop floor to higher-level IT and cloud systems. Its core technology centers on industrial communication protocols and data integration platforms — OPC UA, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, PROFIBUS, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART, and Ethernet-APL — packaged as protocol-conversion gateways, the dataFEED OPC software platform, Docker-deployable middleware, embedded protocol stacks, and network diagnostic tools such as plantPerfect Monitor and the TH LINK/PROFIBUS Tester families. The portfolio is organized as a platform-plus-modules architecture, with the recently launched SDEX Suite positioning Softing as an all-in-one shop-floor-to-cloud connectivity provider.
Softing sells primarily into process industries (oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals) and discrete factory automation, plus product manufacturers that need pre-certified protocol stacks and SDKs (OPC UA .NET/C++, siAccess for Siemens, embedded modules for FPGA and microprocessor targets). It also operates an ODM-style hardware business — notably eATM tManager and the 5069-SDN DeviceNet scanner for Rockwell Automation controllers, and Phoenix Digital fiber/copper Ethernet switches for PLC environments — that embeds Softing inside long-lifecycle automation platforms. Customer evidence includes named integrations with Schneider Electric (FG-200 gateway) and Emerson (DeltaV/Ovation asset management extension), plus case-study deployments such as DNR Process Solutions using pnGate PA for PROFINET-to-PROFIBUS-PA integration.
Revenue mechanics combine one-time hardware sales (gateways, routers, switches, modems, PC interface cards, embedded modules), perpetual and subscription software licenses (dataFEED OPC Suite, OPC UA SDKs), recurring product support contracts (free Standard plus paid Premium SLAs), and professional training services delivered from the Haar training academy and on customer sites. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Distribution is multi-channel: direct enterprise sales through regional offices in Germany, the US, France, Italy, and China; authorized channel partners embedded inside Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider Electric, and Emerson; and an international distributor network spanning 40+ countries. In April 2025 the company acquired DELTA LOGIC Automatisierungstechnik GmbH, and in May 2026 it obtained IEC 62443-4-1 Secure Development Lifecycle certification, both of which extend the secure-networking and cybersecurity positioning of the broader portfolio.
Softing Inc. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Softing Inc.
- Legal name
- Softing Inc.
- Website
- https://industrial.softing.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Softing Inc. is the US subsidiary of Germany's Softing AG, providing industrial communication hardware, software, and services for OT/IT integration. The company serves process and factory automation customers globally through protocol gateways, OPC UA platforms, embedded modules, and network diagnostic tools.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Softing Inc. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Communication Hardware & Software
- NAICS
- Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290), Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411), Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118)
- SIC
- Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Electronic Components, Nec (3679)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial Thin Clients & Remote Terminals (HDACALAK)
Keywords
Where Softing Inc. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Knoxville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
Softing Inc. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Hardware Products: Sale of industrial gateways, routers, switches, network testers, USB/Bluetooth modems, PC interface cards, and embedded modules for industrial communication.
- Software Licenses: OPC and OPC UA software platforms, SDKs, and middleware products sold as licenses (perpetual or subscription). Includes dataFEED OPC Suite, OPC UA .NET SDK, OPC UA C++ SDK.
- Product Support Services: Standard (free) and Premium (paid) product support including technical assistance, software updates, and extended support for discontinued products.
- Training Services: Professional training courses on PROFIBUS, OPC UA, IIoT, and Industry 4.0 held at training centers in Haar near Munich or on-site at customer locations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Standard Product Support |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Premium Product Support |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Softing Inc. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Softing Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells industrial communication hardware (gateways, routers, switches, modems, PC interface cards, embedded modules) and software (OPC UA platforms, SDKs, IT/OT integration middleware, network management tools) that connect disparate automation components and move data from the shop floor to control systems and the cloud for process and factory automation customers.
Product overview
Softing Industrial provides a comprehensive portfolio of industrial communication solutions and products for Process- and Factory Automation. The offering is organized as a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on industrial connectivity and data integration. The core product families include Industrial Gateways (for protocol conversion between industrial bus systems), the dataFEED OPC & OPC UA Software Platform (OPC servers, middleware, IT/OT integration), and Docker Container Products (container-based deployments for Azure IoT Edge and AWS IoT Greengrass). Supporting product categories include USB and Bluetooth Modems (mobiLink family), Ethernet-APL Switches (aplSwitch family), Network Management Tools (plantPerfect Monitor, smartLink family, TH LINK family), Network Testers and Analyzers (PROFIBUS Tester 5, Analyzer IE), OPC UA & Siemens SDKs, PC Interface Cards, Embedded Modules and Communication Software (protocol stacks for Industrial Ethernet and fieldbuses), Rockwell Modules (eATM family for Rockwell controllers), PLC Ethernet Switches (Phoenix Digital OCR/OCX/OCM modules), and Industrial Routers & Remote Maintenance Solutions (MRX, ECR/SCR, MIRO series). The recently launched SDEX Suite serves as an all-in-one data integration platform. Products enable connectivity from shop floor to cloud, supporting protocols including PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, PROFIBUS, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART, and OPC UA.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- dataFEED: OPC & OPC UA software platform brand including dataFEED OPC Suite, dataFEED OPC Server, and dataFEED integration solutions
- smartLink
- dataFEED OPC SDKs
- eATM tManager
- Softing Connectivity Services
Products and services
- Industrial Gateways Gateways and links enabling coupling of various Ethernet-based and serial industrial bus systems, as well as access to OT networks from IT level. Includes multi-protocol process control gateways, field device access gateways, and controller data access gateways for IoT and Industry 4.0 applications. Targets industrial automation engineers.
- dataFEED OPC & OPC UA Software Platform OPC servers, middleware, and IT/OT integration solutions enabling secure and reliable data integration locally or to the cloud. Includes OPC Server & Middleware, Integration Platform, SDEX Suite, and dataFEED product family. Used by industrial automation professionals for OPC UA interoperability.
- Docker Container Products Container-based software modules for flexible deployment on devices running Azure IoT Edge or AWS IoT Greengrass. Includes SDEX Suite, smartLink SW-PN, smartLink SW-HT, edgeAggregator, and edgeConnector for IIoT applications. Targets IIoT developers and architects.
- USB and Bluetooth Modems Mobile interfaces and USB/Bluetooth modems for commissioning, device parameterization, PLC programming and data acquisition. Supports HART, FOUNDATION fieldbus, PROFIBUS PA protocols with plug-and-play solutions suitable for hazardous areas. For field service technicians and instrumentation engineers.
- Ethernet-APL Switches Transparent connection of Ethernet-APL field devices to higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks. Includes aplSwitch Field and aplSwitch Field PA for use in Zone 2 hazardous environments. Designed for process industry plant operators.
- Network Management Tools Tools for commissioning, monitoring and troubleshooting of industrial networks. Includes plantPerfect Monitor, smartLink HW-DP, TH LINK Industrial Ethernet, TH LINK PROFINET, TH SCOPE, and TH LINK PC Industrial Ethernet for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP networks.
- Network Testers and Analyzers Mobile and stationary diagnostic tools for testing connectivity, commissioning, acceptance testing and troubleshooting of wired assemblies and industrial communication networks. Includes PROFIBUS Tester 5 and Analyzer IE. For commissioning and maintenance engineers.
- OPC UA & Siemens SDKs Software development kits for fast and easy integration of OPC UA client/server, publisher/subscriber and Siemens communication. Includes OPC UA .NET Standard SDK, OPC UA C++ SDKs for Windows/Linux/VxWorks, OPC UA Demo Client, and siAccess communication library. For embedded software developers.
- PC Interface Cards PCI-Express and PCI interface cards for connecting PCs with fieldbus and industrial Ethernet networks. Includes PBpro PCI-Express, CANpro PCI-Express, PBpro PCI, and CAN-AC PCI for PROFIBUS and CAN/CANopen networks. For PC-based industrial applications.
- Embedded Modules and Communication Software Protocol stacks and embedded modules for integration of Industrial Ethernet protocols (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus/TCP, EtherCAT) and fieldbuses (PROFIBUS, Foundation Fieldbus, Ethernet-APL) into industrial devices. Pre-certified for Intel (Altera) FPGA, AMD (Xilinx) FPGA and microprocessor architectures. For device manufacturers.
- Rockwell Modules (eATM) Appliance Transaction Modules for Rockwell Automation controller platforms enabling Enterprise-to-Controller or Controller-to-Controller data exchange. Includes eATM tManager CompactLogix, eATM tManager ControlLogix, eATM OPC UA Server Module, eATM tManager IPC, cATM, compactLink HW-DN, and Analyst Inside.
- PLC Ethernet Switch (Phoenix Digital) Fiber optic and copper Ethernet networking solutions for PLC environments. Includes OCR Networking Module (DIN Rail), OCX Networking Module (ControlLogix in-chassis), and OCM Networking Module (PLC-5 in-chassis) from Phoenix Digital brand.
- Industrial Routers & Remote Maintenance Solutions Industrial VPN routers and remote maintenance solutions enabling reliable and secure communication between plants, machines and central systems. Includes MRX Series (modular), ECR & SCR Series (compact), MIRO Series (with LTE modem), and Softing Connectivity Services. For OT security and remote maintenance teams.
- SDEX Suite Secure industrial connectivity platform providing all-in-one data integration from shopfloor to cloud. Includes Secure Middleware, Data Aggregation, Data Access, Flexible Deployment across Windows, Docker, and hardware gateway, with Standardized Protocols and Scalable Architecture.
- Industrial Communication Training Services Professional training courses on PROFIBUS, OPC UA, Industrial IoT, and Industry 4.0 held at Softing's training centers in Haar, Germany, or delivered on-site at customer locations. Taught by practicing technicians with years of field experience.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduced development costs and accelerated time-to-market through pre-certified hardware and software solutions
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Softing Inc.
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Softing Inc. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
Softing Inc. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- INSYS IcomcoreSofting Industrial became a certified partner of INSYS Icom following its acquisition of DELTA LOGIC Automatisierungstechnik GmbH in April 2025. The partnership enhances joint offerings in secure industrial networking, VPN-based remote access, and Industry 4.0 applications, focusing on industrial data integration and automation.
- PROFIBUS & PROFINET InternationalcoreSofting Industrial is a member of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI), the organization responsible for developing and promoting PROFINET and PROFIBUS standards.
- OPC FoundationcoreSofting Industrial is a member of the OPC Foundation, the organization that maintains and develops the OPC UA interoperability standard.
- EtherCAT Technology GroupminorSofting Industrial is a member of the EtherCAT Technology Group, supporting EtherCAT protocol integration.
- Open Industry 4.0 AllianceminorSofting Industrial is a member of the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance, promoting interoperability standards for Industry 4.0.
- FieldComm GroupminorSofting Industrial is a member of FieldComm Group, supporting FOUNDATION Fieldbus and HART communication standards.
- ODVAminorSofting Industrial is a member of ODVA, the organization responsible for EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet standards.
- ZVEIminorSofting Industrial is a member of ZVEI (Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e.V.), the German electrical industry association.
- VDMAminorSofting Industrial is a member of VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau), the German Engineering Federation.
- SiemenscoreJoint connectivity solutions providing Siemens industrial automation software and hardware integration for seamless data flow from shop floor to cloud.
- Rockwell AutomationcoreComputing and communications modules developed for Rockwell Automation controller platforms from PLC-5 through ControlLogix for enterprise-to-controller data exchange.
- EmersoncoreConnectivity solutions for AMS Device Manager enabling connection of field devices such as valves and transmitters in projects without DeltaV or Ovation.
- Endress+HausercoreMobile and remote fieldbus interfaces for Endress+Hauser device configuration management products.
- Schneider ElectriccoreGateways for multi-protocol process control through Schneider Electric control systems.
- ABBcoreConnecting controllers and asset management tools to field instrumentation.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Softing Inc. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Moxa: Moxa is a direct competitor in industrial networking hardware (managed switches, secure routers, protocol gateways) and edge connectivity, overlapping with Softing's MRX routers, aplSwitch line, and industrial gateway portfolio for OT/IT integration.
- Red Lion Controls: Red Lion Controls specializes in industrial networking, protocol conversion, and edge connectivity products that map closely to Softing's Industrial Gateways, plantPerfect Monitor, and edgeNode Portainer product families for OT/IT integration.
- PTC (Kepware): PTC's Kepware OPC server and ThingWorx platform are direct alternatives to Softing's dataFEED OPC Suite and SDEX Suite for shopfloor-to-cloud connectivity, particularly in factory automation and discrete manufacturing customers.
- HMS Networks: HMS Networks (Anybus, Ewon, Ixxat) is the closest direct competitor to Softing in industrial protocol gateways, embedded communication stacks, and remote-access/IIoT connectivity, serving the same factory and process automation OEMs with overlapping product categories.
- Phoenix Contact: Phoenix Contact competes with Softing across industrial Ethernet switches, protocol gateways, and PC interface cards, and is itself a member of multiple industrial communication standards bodies, making it a peer in industrial communication components for automation OEMs.
- Belden (Hirschmann, Lumberg): Belden, through Hirschmann and Lumberg Automation, manufactures industrial Ethernet switches, routers, and I/O connectivity competing head-to-head with Softing's Phoenix Digital PLC Ethernet switches and Ethernet-APL switches in factory automation networks.
Broad incumbents
- Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric is a Softing channel partner AND broad incumbent whose EcoStruxure platform and industrial networking products overlap with Softing's OPC UA/dataFEED and Industrial Gateway offerings for process automation customers.
- Siemens: Siemens is both a Softing channel partner and a broad automation incumbent with its own industrial communication portfolio (SCALANCE, RUGGEDCOM, MindSphere, Industrial Edge), competing with Softing on integrated OT/IT solutions across PROFINET-centric plants.
- Cisco: Cisco's industrial IoT networking division (Catalyst IE, IOx, Edge Intelligence) competes with Softing at the OT/IT integration and edge connectivity layer for enterprise-grade industrial networking customers globally.
- Rockwell Automation: Rockwell is simultaneously a Softing OEM partner (eATM/tManager family) and a broad incumbent in industrial automation whose FactoryTalk and Stratix networking portfolios overlap with Softing gateway and connectivity offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Softing Inc. social profiles
Digital presenceSofting Inc. compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Softing Inc. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Softing Inc. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Softing Inc. subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Softing Inc. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Softing Inc. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Softing Inc.
What does Softing Inc. do?
Softing Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells industrial communication hardware (gateways, routers, switches, modems, PC interface cards, embedded modules) and software (OPC UA platforms, SDKs, IT/OT integration middleware, network management tools) that connect disparate automation components and move data from the shop floor to control systems and the cloud for process and factory automation customers.
Is Softing Inc. a public or private company?
Softing Inc. is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Softing Inc. founded?
Softing Inc. was founded in 1984.
Where is Softing Inc. based?
Softing Inc. is headquartered in Knoxville, United States, in the North America region.
How does Softing Inc. make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Products are the primary driver. The others are software Licenses, product Support Services and training Services.
Who are Softing Inc.'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Moxa, Red Lion Controls, PTC (Kepware), HMS Networks, Phoenix Contact and Belden (Hirschmann, Lumberg). Broad incumbents are Schneider Electric, Siemens, Cisco and Rockwell Automation.
Does Softing Inc. have an API?
No public API is recorded for Softing Inc..
What industry is Softing Inc. in?
Softing Inc.'s product category is Industrial Communication Hardware & Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDACALAK, Industrial Thin Clients & Remote Terminals. Its NAICS code is 334290 and its SIC code is 3669.