The OPC Foundation started in 1994,[2] as a task force comprising five industrial automation vendors (Fisher-Rosemount, Rockwell Automation, Opto 22, Intellution, and Intuitive Technology),[3] with the purpose of creating a basic OLE for Process Control specification.
OLE is a technology developed by Microsoft Corporation for the MS Windows operating system.
[citation needed] The OPC Foundation was chartered to continue development of interoperability specifications and includes manufacturers and users of devices instruments, controllers, software and enterprise systems.
The OPC Foundation cooperates with other organizations, such as MTConnect, who share similar missions.
The self-certification using the ComplianceTestTool (CTT) and the participation at an Interoperability Workshop (IOP) are now enhanced with a Certification in an independent test facility.