Abstract: A secure communication channel is established between the communication network and a first automation controller. The first automation controller is located remotely from the communication network. First data is transmitted between the communication network and the first automation controller or second data is transmitted between the first automation controller and the communication network utilizing the secure communication channel. At the communication network, automatically performing a function relating to the first automation controller using and in response to receiving the second data.

Abstract: An automation controller is selected on which to deploy control logic. At the communication network, the control logic is built for deployment to the automation controller selected. At the communication network, the control logic is mapped to the hardware configuration of the automation controller selected. The control logic is loaded on to the automation controller that is selected and the control logic is integrated to the selected automation controller.

Abstract: An automation controller is selected using a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface presents an interactive map of a geographical area to a single user and the interactive map has one or more selectable and navigable display levels. Control logic is stored exclusively at the communication network and at least some a portion of the control logic is stored in a data storage device at the communication network. The portion is available to a plurality of secure users. After selecting the automation controller, the graphical user interface is used to select at least one function involving the automation controller. The at least one function or action is one or more of configuring operating characteristics of the automation controller and initially deploying the control logic to the automation controller.