Machine builders are constantly attempting to integrate new technologies into their products, but without a graphical system design tools it can be a complex and arduous task. Machine builders trying to leverage technologies such multi-processor systems and distributed architectures face software development challenges that increase the cost of incorporating these technologies in their systems. These challenges include managing computing targets, sharing data between nodes, debugging code across distributed nodes, integration of multiple types of I/O and incorporating remote logging and alarming functionality. An integrated tool chain for multiple computing targets and a single graphical development environment would save significant development time and costs when building the next generation machine.