This document describes the evolution of motion and control system architectures and what new benefits are realized today when using EtherCAT, whether for a large number of axes or simple systems using just a few. OEMs have many choices available and naturally gravitate to a given architecture in order to speed development and reduce cost. Machine systems, and mainly motion control, are normalized to meet the requirements of the application.Highlighted too, is not only the rise and acceptance for network connected motion control applications, but also why they are here to stay. In fact, the continued demand for servo solutions like those provided by EtherCAT-based systems will grow faster than most others and come at lower costs to implement.