reading data from machine and equipment through ports

[Aarvee]

Hi Friends,

I amnot sure where to post this and hence posting in general discussions.

I am looking for guidance and directions on integrating the machine or equipment whose data has to be read and stored in database for manipulation and analysis. To start with we need only to read the data from the equipment.

I am a complete novice to this and I am not even sure as to what to ask for.
Any directions and guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Varadarajan R