Spurred by improved network and infrastructure design, as well as a proliferation of tailored cloud computing solutions, the market for building automation is expected to see substantial, rapid growth through 2018.

According to a recent study from connectivity research firm ABI Research, new software-as-a-service offerings are emerging to address demand for more sustainable, cost-effective buildings. As a result, the market for commercial building automation and connectivity technology is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 29 percent from 2013 to 2018.

“We are seeing a rush of investment, creativity and revenues in developing what can be achieved with BAS data,” said ABI principal analyst Jonathan Collins. “These software as a service (SaaS) or cloud services have the ability to pull together management of multiple buildings and applications within them, simplifying the process of improving energy efficiency for building owners.”

With enhanced network connectivity, today’s buildings can offer centralized, cloud-based management tools for controlling HVAC, power, lighting and other facility infrastructure features. Additionally, these tools can be merged with data feeds such as weather reports and energy pricing to determine intelligent, optimized solutions. Leveraging these technologies, businesses can improve their sustainability and reduce energy costs.

Such technology is gaining particular momentum as organizations begin to embrace the idea of the Internet of Things, Cisco Canada’s Mike Ansley noted in a recent blog post. Some Canadian building projects are already beginning to tap into the potential of connected buildings featuring sensor-controlled lighting and heating automation, real-time audio and video communications and building-wide Wi-Fi.

As companies become more familiar with such technology, they can leverage the network expertise of a managed IT services provider such as FlexITy. With extensive experience in designing and implementing connected real estate solutions, FlexITy’s network architects can help Canadian businesses embrace a growing worldwide trend.

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