A runtime server includes a plurality of simultaneously executing runtime systems, which are configured for real-time execution of a control program for an automation system. At least two of the runtime systems execute application modules of the control program, with at least one module executing an application of the control program being installed on each runtime system. Each runtime system has a data transmission interface for transmitting data between the runtime systems and/or application modules, an I/O configuration which defines an allocation between at least one variable of the application modules and at least one hardware address of a hardware component of the automation system, an I/O interface for data exchange between the runtime systems and hardware components, and an intermediate I/O mapping layer. The I/O configurations are mapped in the intermediate I/O mapping layer.

An integrated controller configured to operate in a field includes a network interface module, one or more function modules, and an output module. The network interface module is configured to receive, from a remote host via a communication link, a setpoint for a process variable. The one or more function modules are configured to (i) receive a measurement of a process variable from a field device and (ii) execute logic for a control loop including the field device based at least in part on the measurement of the process variable and the setpoint for the process variable, to generate an output signal independently of the remote host, where the output signal is for controlling the field device. The output module is configured to directly apply the generated output signal to the field device.

A runtime server includes a plurality of simultaneously executing runtime systems, which are configured for real-time execution of a control program for an automation system. At least two of the runtime systems execute application modules of the control program, with at least one module executing an application of the control program being installed on each runtime system. Each runtime system has a data transmission interface for transmitting data between the runtime systems and/or application modules, an I/O configuration which defines an allocation between at least one variable of the application modules and at least one hardware address of a hardware component of the automation system, an I/O interface for data exchange between the runtime systems and hardware components, and an intermediate I/O mapping layer. The I/O configurations are mapped in the intermediate I/O mapping layer.