Building Automation and non-IT Integration servicesIndustry Links

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Industry Resources and Links

Following is a list of links organized by topic that we found to be useful. In many cases we took the description directly from the target web site. Let us know if you have a site that you believe should be added here or if you would like us to make corrections to a link you own or associated descriptions. Sample S4 link text

Agent Based Computing

REFERENCE

WEB LOCATION

DESCRIPTION

AgentLink

http://www.agentlink.org/

AgentLink is the European Commission's IST-funded Network of Excellence for Agent-Based Computing and is coordinated by the
Department of Electronics and Computer Science
, University of Southampton

UMBC AgentWeb

http://agents.umbc.edu/

Information, resources newsletters and mailing lists relating to intelligent information agents, intentional agents, software agents, softbots, knowbots, infobots, etc. Published and maintained by the UMBC Laboratory for Advanced Information Technology.

BACnet

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WEB LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

BACnet Manufacturer’s Association

www.BACnetassociation.org

The BMA is an organization of building automation manufacturers, system integrators and consulting engineers. This web site displays a great deal of information on the association, including information on testing standards product catalogs and a list of BMA members.

Cimetrics

http://www.cimetrics.com
The founders of Cimetrics have been working on Building Automation Systems and IT networking solutions since 1989. Their background, together with the skills and experience of newer additions to the team have made Cimetrics a prominent supplier in the industry. Our strength lies in our knowledge of BAS and IT technologies. Several of the company founders were early leaders in the creation of the Building Automation Control Network (BACnet) standard which has become an ASHRAE and ISO standard. More recently, we have been extremely busy with web services, enterprise databases, and network security issues.

 

NIST BACnet Publications

http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/

This is the online publications library for the Building and Fire Research Laboratory of  the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Look for the keyword “BACnet”.

Official BACnet Web Site

www.BACnet.org

Actually the official web site of ASHRAE Standard Project Committee 135, the society’s BACnet development committee, this site probably offers the most comprehensive range of BACnet information on the web. Features include BACnet tutorials, a host of contacts and updates on training or other future events.

Polar Soft

http://www.gopolar.com/

PolarSoft has been involved with BACnet from the very beginning. Since its inception in 1987, PolarSoft's founders have been very active in the ongoing design and development of the BACnet standard, as a voting member of the standing committee SSPC 135 until July 2000, and our involvement continues as active committee members today. We have participated in every aspect of BACnet's development including the authoring of a large portion of the actual text of the standard. This experience gives us a deep and detailed understanding of BACnet.

CORBA

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WEB LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

Object Management Group

http://www.corba.org/

CORBA is the acronym for Common Object Request Broker Architecture. CORBA is OMG's open, vendor-independent specification for an architecture and infrastructure that computer applications use to work together over networks.

Customer Management and Marketing Tools

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WEB LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

Cardscan

http://www.cardscan.com/

CardScan solutions are designed expressly to capture and enhance the value of contact data. At first glance, it's tempting to assume that the core of CardScan's technology portfolio lies in its line of powerful, portable, and stylish scanning hardware. But beyond the USB scanner, the heart of CardScan's advantages in the world of contact management lies in its sophisticated software that lets users convert all contact information - business cards, e-mail databases, and other electronic files - into a unified digital contact database.

EmailUnlimited

www.4OfficeAutomation.com/

EmailUnlimited is not just a simple bulk mailer, it is a sophisticated solution for automating your email marketing.
-  Follow-up with Leads and Customers automatically.
- Import Data from Incoming Emails, such as Order Forms, Payment Receipts, Trial-Sign ups and put it into your
  database system automatically.
- Subscription Management: EmailUnlimited will take care of subscription and removal requests as well as non-
  delivery receipts automatically.
Why waste your time with list maintenance when EmailUnlimited might as well do it for you?

Embedded / Industrial Computing Platforms

REFERENCE

WEB LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

Advantech

http://www.advantech.com 

Advantech, the leading ePlatform service provider, has been an innovator in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, high-performance ePlatform services in the industrial computing and automation markets since 1983. For over twenty years, Advantech has been refining what is possible in the ePlatform services market, offering comprehensive system integration hardware, software, customer-driven service, global logistics support, and an industry leading front as well as back office e-business infrastructure.

Applied Data Systems

http://www.applieddata.net 

Applied Data Systems, Inc. is a leader in "application-ready", semi-custom embedded computer systems with an exclusive focus on RISC-based ARM/ XScale/ StrongARM technologies. We offer many operating environments including CE.NET, Linux and VxWorks.

Beckhoff

http://www.beckhoff.com 

Beckhoff implement open automation systems based on PC-compatible control technology. The product spectrum includes the Industrial PC, Fieldbus Components, Drive Technology and automation software. Product ranges that can be used as separate components or integrated into a complete control system are available for all sectors. Components and system solutions from Beckhoff are used in a wide range of applications all around the world.

Kotron

http://industrial-computers.kontron.com

Custom computer, industrial automation, & industrial computers
Description: Kontron offers industrial computer products such as custom computer solutions, industrial automation, panel pc products, and more.

Field Bus Technologies

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WEB LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

EIB Association

www.eiba.com

A digital language for smart, distributed applications. EIB proposes an open multi-vendor system for embedded home " building control networks. At the core of EIB, is its embedded control protocol. This 'protocol' is the digital language by which any number of devices in the building may communicate with each other.

Fieldbus Foundation

www.fieldbus.org

Fieldbus is an all-digital, serial, two-way communications system that interconnects measurement and control equipment such as sensors, actuators and controllers. At the base level in the hierarchy of plant networks, it serves as a Local Area Network (LAN) for instruments used in process control and manufacturing automation applications and has a built-in capability to distribute the control application across the network.

Modbus.org

www.modbus.org

MODBUS® Protocol is a messaging structure developed by Modicon in 1979, used to establish master-slave/client-server communication between intelligent devices. It is a de facto standard, truly open and the most widely used network protocol in the industrial manufacturing environment.

The Open DeviceNet Vendor Association

www.odva.org

The Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA) is an independent organization that oversees and manages the DeviceNet specifications. Promoting the worldwide adoption of DeviceNet, ODVA works closely with its vendor members, end users and distributors to further establish DeviceNet's standing as the premiere choice for open network communications in industrial automation.

Profibus International

www.profibus.com

PROFIBUS was established as a German National Standard DIN 19245 in 1989. In 1996 it was ratified with the European Standard EN 50170. In 2000 it was ratified with the International Standard IEC 61158. PROFIBUS technology has been refined by end-user experience, enabling it to be used across a market spectrum which is wider than any other similar technology.

 Historian, Trend, and other OPC applications (non HMI)

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WEB LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

ECHO

http://www.echohistorian.com/

ECHO was created by OSIsoft, the world leader in data archiving and retrieval for the process industries.  ECHO Provides: High-performance archiving of vital time series data, Embedded software that interfaces to core components, Full scalability of your archiving solution, Support for embedded Windows NT/2000/XP applications, In-depth customer support, COM, .NET object model, Streamlined coding, Ability to create, edit and delete any object or level, OPC and OLE DB connectivity

windowsDATA

http://www.windowsdata.com

This site is dedicated to advanced data capture, data storage and data analysis tools for embedded Windows computers.  It serves as your source for information about new technology in the field of embedded  Windows-based Data Archiving, Transmission and Analysis (DATA). 

 HMI - Human Machine Interfaces / SCADA - Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition Systems

REFERENCE

WEB LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

A-Studio

http://www.advantech.com/products/Model_Detail.asp?model_id=1-G7IOX&bu=

Advantech Studio connects you to the world with powerful automation tools to develop modern Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) applications. The Advantech Studio enables complete control and monitoring from anywhere outside the plant through any connection to the Internet.

ALTITUDE http://www.plexus-technology.com 

The Plexus ALTITUDE Enterprise Automation System provides a complete monitoring and control solution for any building or facility regardless of size, directly from a standard Web Browser via an existing Corporate Intranet or Internet. The Web Servers provide connectivity to most Building Control Systems including; open systems such as LonWorks (LNS), BACnet and OPC as well as some of the more common proprietary control systems. Different systems can therefore be controlled from a single user interface and a pathway created for migrating from proprietary to open system technology. Through the adoption of internet standards in conjunction with ALTITUDE, their powerful Web-serving software they have been able to successfully deliver user-friendly, scalable and cost effective solutions to end users. Substantial benefits in terms of cost savings and improved efficiency can be obtained from true Enterprise wide integration.

Botech AB

http://www.botech.se

Using Botech AB's Linux-based Greyhound and Hubit systems brings many advantages. Foremost amongst them is the ability to monitor and control all buildings and all systems within the buildings in real time from any location where an internet connection is present. This fact provides an unparalleled ease of access for system integrators/installers, landlords, building managers, contract maintenance teams, tenants and anyone else authorized to access the system.

BroadWin WebAccess

http://www.broadwin.com/

Broadwin WebAccess is the first fully Web browser-based software package for industrial and building automation front-ends, Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). Using a standard Web-Browser, users can view and control automation equipment used in manufacturing facilities, industrial process plants and building automation systems.

Cimplicity

http://www.geindustrial.com/cwc/gefanuc/software.html?SMIDENTITY=NO

By combining the best selection of software productivity tools with the latest communication and networking technologies, GE Fanuc provides software solutions that make it easier for you to integrate your systems and empower your people. From the plant floor to the enterprise level and virtually everywhere in between, our software products and integrated systems provide the most productive open solution for the job.

Citect http://www.citect.com/home/en
Citect is the largest independent supplier of SCADA, industrial automation and Industrial Information Management (IIM) solutions in the world. 30 years experience specializing in innovative, reliable, cost effective products maximizes the efficiency of our customer operations. With a core focus in the production of high quality SCADA software and IIM solutions, we deliver value through technological excellence and superior customer service.
DeltaV http://www.easydeltav.com/
To develop and maintain a competitive advantage, it's time to take your plant digital, with the first fully digital automation system, the DeltaV system, voted the leading automation system by a 3 to 1 margin. It's part of the field-proven PlantWeb architecture which delivers revolutionary results across the globe.
DotVision Studio http://www.dotvision.com/
DotVision Studio, the HMI Software Framework, is a unique solution to command and control Buildings, Industrial Processes, IT Networks and SmartHomes. No more central Supervision PC, no more complex infrastructure and no programming required… DotVision Studio is the first and only powerful HMI software that embeds HMIs into Gateways and Automates such as i.LON®100 from Echelon and Premium/Quantum from Schneider. A revolution on our markets : automation, lighting, HVAC, energy management, facility management, security, access control, etc...
EnFlex Facility Monitoring and Control http://www.enflex.net
EnFlex serves companies on both sides of the meter. It is the ideal solution for large corporations with extensive facility holdings (retail chains, REITs, etc.) including major industrial, hospitals, and public sector facilities. Organizations using EnFlex can readily see the whole functional spectrum of their facilities and operations, quickly spot exceptions and inefficient operations, drill down to focus on problems, and implement timely solutions. Energy managers can use EnFlex’s operational and analytical tools to compare power usage, operational efficiency, system status, or service quality between facilities or even between entire regions.
Envenergy Mediator http://www.envenergy.com
Bringing together a unique team that combines IT and facilities management expertise, Envenergy developed the Mediator platform, an open-standards technology that brings it all together. Our Mediator pulls data together from incompatible legacy devices, ranging from HVAC to security. Bi-directional communication is established regardless of what communication protocol each device speaks. You're no longer trapped into a single vendor's standard. Implementation is simpler and less expensive.
FactoryLink http://www.usdata.com/solution/factorylink.html
USDATA's FactoryLink® software provides the process knowledge and control needed to perfect the products companies make and the processes they manage. FactoryLink monitors, supervises, and controls processes in a variety of industries around the world. FactoryLink is highly scalable and can be used to build from the simplest Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems to the most complex and demanding Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

Genesis32

http://www.iconics.com

Iconics harness the power of cutting-edge technology for HMI/SCADA in this suite of automation tools. This award winning, fifth-generation software is based on OPC-To-The-Core Technology and supports Microsoft's Distributed interNet Applications (DNA) architecture.

GridLogix EnNET

http://www.gridlogix.com/

The Gridlogix EnNET® Framework represents the latest in R2B (Real-time to Business) integration technology for providing a seamless enterprise-wide information network, a seamless network that now includes real-time remote control and data acquisition across an enterprise.  EnNET is an object oriented SOAP/XML Web Services interface to the vast majority of automation and controls systems and their communication protocols.  Using EnNET, enterprise managers can track, monitor, control, combine and compare any process associated with facility and industrial automation systems.
Indusoft http://www.indusoft.com/
InduSoft Web Studio is a powerful, integrated collection of automation tools that includes all the building blocks needed to develop human machine interfaces (HMIs), supervisory control and data acquistion (SCADA) systems, and embedded instrumentation and control applications.

Intellution

http://www.geindustrial.com/cwc/gefanuc/software.html?SMIDENTITY=NO
By combining the best selection of software productivity tools with the latest communication and networking technologies, GE Fanuc provides software solutions that make it easier for you to integrate your systems and empower your people. From the plant floor to the enterprise level and virtually everywhere in between, our software products and integrated systems provide the most productive open solution for the job.
LabVIEW http://www.ni.com/labview/
LabVIEW, the most widely used software for test, measurement, and control, delivers faster time to measurement with the introduction of LabVIEW 7 Express. Now, it's easier to develop intuitive LabVIEW block diagrams for your I/O, analysis, and presentation needs. From simple data acquisition to advanced embedded software development, LabVIEW delivers productivity you can measure.
Leonardo http://www.ergosign.de/en/clients-+-projects/case-studies/freemind-consulting.php
Freemind Consulting's LEONARDO software provides Integrated and Intelligent Management of multi-vendor technical installations from a single point. Whether it is HVAC, fire detection, access control, lifts, escalators, power or lighting, LEONARDO integrates all vendors’ systems and interfaces without modifications to your existing equipment and processes. LEONARDO processes the vast amount of management information generated by the different systems and presents it in a unified, coherent way. As a result you can make fast and accurate decisions in any situation, improving system efficiency and reducing downtime.
Monarch http://www.osii.com/monarch.html
Open Systems International, OSI (www.osii.com & www.e-scada.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, provides open, state-of-the-art, high-performance automation solutions to electric utilities worldwide. These solutions include Energy Management Systems (EMS), Distribution Management Systems (DMS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems, and Generation Management Systems (GMS), as well as individual software products and e-business solutions for electric utility operations.
RS View http://www.software.rockwell.com/rsviewenterpriseseries/
The RSView Enterprise Series is the software suite designed for Rockwell Automation’s ViewAnyWare products. The goal of the RSView Enterprise Series is to provide a common development environment, application reuse, and an integrated architecture so you can increase productivity, reduce operation costs, and improve quality.
SIMATIC http://www.automation.siemens.com
A complete range of software products, from configuration software through pc-based machine level visualization and process diagnosis to multi user SCADA-systems.
Tridium Niagra Framework http://www.tridium.com
Tridium is the inventor of the Niagara Framework™, a software framework that integrates diverse systems and devices - regardless of manufacturer, or communication protocol - into a unified platform that can be easily managed and controlled in real time over the Internet using a standard web browser.
WinCC http://www.automation.siemens.com
One of the particularly impressive things about SIMATIC WinCC right from the start was on the one hand the high level of innovation, which makes it possible to recognize coming trends at an early stage and to implement them; on the other hand, the long-term product strategy based on standards guarantees your investment.
Thanks to this approach, WinCC – the Windows Control Center under Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP – has advanced to become the industrial standard and market leader in Europe. 

Wonderware

http://www.wonderware.com

Wonderware is an operating unit of the Production Management Division of Invensys plc and produces uncompromising software that quickly integrates your plant data and gives you plant intelligence. Our mission is to power intelligent plant decisions in real time.

HVAC Industry Links

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WEB LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

Clints HVAC MegaLinks

http://members.cox.net/clintlee/hvac.html

Clint Beasley's list of controls/EMS manufacturers

Home Networking

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WEB LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

X-10 Technology and Resource Forum

www.x10.org

X-10 is a powerline carrier protocol that allows compatible devices throughout the home to communicate with each other via the existing 110V wiring in the house. Using X-10 it is possible to control lights and virtually any other electrical device from anywhere in the house with no additional wiring!

 Industry, Analyst, and Standards Organizations (non-protocol specific)

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WEB LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.

http://www.ashrae.org

ASHRAE writes standards and guidelines in its fields of expertise to guide industry in the delivery of goods and services to the public. ASHRAE standards and guidelines include uniform methods of testing for rating purposes, describe recommended practices in designing and installing equipment and provide other information to guide the industry..

ARC Advisory Group

http://www.arcweb.com/

Founded in 1986, ARC Advisory Group has grown to become the thought leader in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain solutions.  No matter how complex your business issues, our analysts have the expert industry knowledge and first-hand experience to help you find the best answer.  We focus on simple yet critical goals: improving your operational performance, return on assets, total cost of ownership, project time-to-benefit, and shareholder value.

Association for Enterprise Integration

http://www.afei.org/

The Association for Enterprise Integration (AFEI) is a non-profit association for corporate and individual members whose common goal is to advance enterprise integration, network centric operations and world-class electronic business practices for industries and governments around the globe. AFEI builds government and industry inter-relationships that cut across national and organizational boundaries and promotes the development of a global information infrastructure. AFEI is a member of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) family of associations.

Arcat

http://www.arcat.com

Find building products, specs, and cad details easily and free.

BICSI

http://www.bicsi.org/

BICSI's mission is to enhance the telecommunications industry by providing excellent education, promoting skill sharing, and assessing knowledge with professional registration programs. 

CABA Intelligent & Integrated Buildings Council

http://www.caba.org/

The Intelligent & Integrated Buildings Council will specifically review opportunities, strategize, take action and monitor initiatives that relate to integrated systems and automation in the "large building" sector. The Council is comprised of leading and visionary representation from all segments of the building industry including manufacturers, service providers, building owners and building professionals.

Construction Specifications Institute

http://www.csinet.org

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is an individual membership technical society whose core purpose is to improve the process of creating and sustaining the built environment. The Institute provides technical information and products, continuing education, professional conferences, and product shows to enhance communication among all disciplines of nonresidential building design and construction and meet the industry’s need for a common system of organizing and presenting construction information.

Enterprise Management Associates

http://www.enterprisemanagement.com/ 

Traditionally, network management has been viewed as device management. While this may have had merit in the past, technology and business have changed significantly. Dennis Drogseth, director of the NSM practice area, views the "network" as a delivery system for critical business services, vital for success and growth. He approaches this discipline in a visionary manner that is aligned with today's business requirements and Internet dynamics. As complex, emerging technologies are integrated into the network infrastructure, there is an endless need to understand how to manage gracefully, profitably, and competitively.

IFMA

http://www.ifma.org/ 

IFMA is Absolutely FM. The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is the premier professional association for facility management. Supporting the largest community of FM professionals in the industry, IFMA membership comprises more than 17,300 facility professionals throughout 55 countries. Our members have a voice in 127 chapters and 15 councils and one special interest group. IFMA was established in 1980 as a not-for-profit, incorporated association dedicated to promoting excellence in the management of facilities. Globally, IFMA spots trends, conducts research, provides educational programs, and assists corporate and organizational facility managers in developing strategies to manage human, facility and real estate resources. The combined purchasing power of IFMA’s North American members is $81 billion (U.S.) annually.

International Alliance for Interoperability

www.iai-na.org

The Alliance promotes information exchange between all software platforms and applications serving the building community. Their web site features information on membership, technical contacts and a calendar of upcoming educational events.

ISA - The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society http://www.isa.org
ISA is a 38,000-member global, nonprofit, educational organization connecting people and ideas in automation + control. The Society fosters advancement in the theory, design, manufacture, and use of sensors, instruments, computers, and systems for automation +control in a wide variety of applications. In addition to hosting the largest conferences and exhibitions for automation + control in the Western Hemisphere, ISA is a leading technical training organization and a respected publisher of books, magazines, and standards. ISA also serves the professional development and accreditation needs of Control Systems Engineers (CSE), instrument technicians, and others within the field of automation + control.

The S4 Group, Inc. is an active member of ISA.

NIST Computer Integrated Building Processes Group

http://cic.nist.gov/

Researchers in the Computer Integrated Building Processes Group are working collaboratively with the U.S. construction and building industries to establish an exemplary computer-integrated construction environment, based on open standards for the representation, access, exchange, use, visualization, and archiving of information.

NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory

http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/ 

The Building and Fire Research Laboratory studies building materials; computer-integrated construction practices; fire science and fire safety engineering; and structural, mechanical, and environmental engineering. Products of the laboratory's research include measurements and test methods, performance criteria, and technical data that supports innovations by industry and are incorporated into building and fire standards and codes.

OASIS

http://www.oasis-open.org

Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) is a not-for-profit, global consortium that drives the development, convergence and adoption of e-business standards. The oBIX initiative is hosted by OASIS

Object Management Group

http://www.omg.org/

The nearly 800 member companies of the Object Management Group produce and maintain a suite of specifications that support distributed, heterogeneous software development projects from analysis and design through coding, deployment, runtime, and maintenance.

 Internet

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WEB LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

American Registry for Internet Numbers

http://www.arin.net/

"Applying the principles of stewardship, ARIN, a nonprofit corporation, allocates Internet Protocol resources; develops consensus-based policies; and facilitates the advancement of the Internet through information and educational outreach."

The Internet Engineering Task Force

www.ietf.cnri.reston.va.us

The Internet Engineering Task Force is a loosely self-organized group of people who contribute to the engineering and evolution of Internet technologies. It is the principal body engaged in the development of new Internet standard specifications.

IANA - Internet Assigned Numbers Authority

http://www.iana.org

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is the overall authority for the IP Addresses, the Domain Names, and many other parameters, used in the Internet.  The day-to-day responsibility for the assignment of IP Addresses, Autonomous System Numbers, and most top and second level Domain Names are handled by the Internet Registry (IR) and regional registries.

World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)

www.w3.org

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) develops interoperable technologies (specifications, guidelines, software, and tools) to lead the Web to its full potential. W3C is a forum for information, commerce, communication, and collective understanding.

JAVA

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WEB LOCATION / DESCRIPTION

JAVA World

http://www.javaworld.com

Javaworld.com is a online reference site for everything having to do with JAVA programming and building JAVA-based systems.

 LonWorks

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Echelon

http://www.echelon.com

Echelon device networking technology enables end-users to remotely connect, monitor, control, sense, and diagnose intelligent devices. Today, thousands of intelligent devices and appliances are equipped with LonWorks networks. You can find them in every aspect of the device networking environment—from HVAC and lighting in buildings, to collecting energy usage information or data across a grid of 27 million homes—24 hours a day. LonWorks networks simplify system management, conserve energy, improve operations, and reduce costs.
Network Computing http://www.nwc.com/1402/1402f2.html