The Rise of Smart Buildings

Roland Piquepaille writes "In a very well-documented article, Computerworld describes the current status of building automation systems (BAS) that control heat, air conditioning or lighting and how these systems are merging with traditional IT infrastructures. Computerworld writes that they're not enough standards in this industry and asks a fundamental question: who will administer these building networks, IT or facilities managers? Take for example Yale University which wants to connect 210 campus buildings, but also wishes "to integrate the BAS with the university's accounting system for billing and chargeback." Imagine the security risks involved with such an approach. This shorter summary contains selected excerpts of this must-read article."

they're?

[Anonymous Coward]

"they're not enough standards"....?

Who will manage these?

[the_argent]

At first, probably IT. Then, after they've been around a few years, IT will get replaced with the boss's nephew that's "really good with computers".

Clearly this is a job for...

[BortQ]

Clearly this is a job for Microsoft, a company with large resources and the necessary pull to get a standard in place. Yes, there's some risk that Ukranian script kiddies may be able to 0wnz your air conditioner unit, but I'm sure there will be a patch out soon.

Dumb Idea

[Anonymous Coward]

Why the hell would anyone put the accounting dept in charge of computers?
"Hmmm... this file on my drive is named viruswarning.com, that must mean it's a webpage!"

Welcoming Message to our overlords

[shadowdata]

I , for one , welcome our new smart building overlords!!!! ... ok its lame but i got nothing much in my mind .. blah

New security frontiers

[stevenrnelson]

So who's going to be the first one to steal private information through the thermostat, or send spam though the ceiling lights? Remember how those guys turned the side of a large building into a very low resolution display?

IT and FM will merge

[towndowner]

IT and Facilities Management will merge - that simple. administering windows boxes and unclogging toilets aren't too dissimilar to begin with.

Yes, but...

[MMMDI]

Will there be smart buildings in a bag?

The boss' secretary

[John Jorsett]

who will administer these building networks, IT or facilities managers?

The boss' secretary. You know, the one who's always cold. She'll be setting the thermostat for every room in the entire facility from her desktop. Better stock up on Bermuda shorts.

Re:more fun and games

[cowscows]

It'd be awesome if i had a hot tub that could get that hot. I'd make the biggest batch wonton soup. Rock on.

Ctrl+Alt+Del

[kaalamaadan]

Great...The last thing I want to do is to reboot my house.

Today is August 5, 2006, Today is August 5, 2006... [wikipedia.org]

all your base are belong to us!

[sum.zero]

literally.

sum.zero

Good afternoon gentlement.

[fm6]

All your HVAC are belong to us!

Re:Who will manage these?

[Ohreally_factor]

No, the building will manage itself. And the super will look just like Arnold Schwarznegger.