Web-based configuration of distributed automation systems

A configuration tool provides a user interface that interacts with a gateway to remotely configure and/or monitor automation devices in an automation network. The configuration tool employs a self-contained software application ( e . g ., applet) that can be utilized for presentation and configuration interactions within a common web browser. The configuration tool can be based on open standards and implemented with small devices and/or with heterogeneous automation networks. The configuration tool can provide a list of automation devices to a system engineer via a workstation and standard software (e.g., a PC with a browser). The configuration tool interacts with automation devices to obtain their configurable parameters and/or send configuration commands. In one instance, the configuration tool and the automation network devices are based on Java and IEC 61499, respectively.