Control4 Partners with Cisco for Smart Grid
Control4, which makes affordable IP-based control systems, has signed a strategic agreement with Cisco Systems to deliver network-enabled automation platforms for connected smart communities and home energy deployments, according to the company.
Cisco Smart+Connected Communities”>
Cisco Smart+Connected Communities
Control4, which makes affordable IP-based control systems, has signed a strategic agreement with Cisco Systems to deliver network-enabled automation platforms for connected smart communities and home energy deployments, according to the company. As part of the deal, Cisco is leading an investment in Control4.
Control4 officials said the collaboration between the two companies includes the integration of Control4 technology into Cisco’s Service Delivery Platform (SDP) and the introduction of Cisco-branded Control4 products. Additionally, Control4 will become a member of Cisco’s ecosystem in delivering specialized applications for Cisco’s Smart+Connected Communities and utility customers.
“Both Cisco and Control4 share a vision of delivering a connected world where we all lead better and simpler lives,” said Control4 chief executive officer Will West, in a statement. “The integration of Control4’s operating system is a key component of the value proposition for Cisco’s Smart+Connected Communities vision to use the network as the platform to build smart, green, and connected communities around the world and helps bring the benefits of automation and control to potentially millions. This relationship is a great validation of our licensing strategy and will accelerate our international growth and reach with consumers, businesses and utilities.”
Smart+Connected Communities projects will provide tenants of these communities the ability to automate and control lighting, temperature, entertainment, communication, security and energy use. Cisco is enabling an end-to-end, highly-secure Smart Grid communications infrastructure that will help utilities, businesses and consumers better manage and reduce energy consumption. The Cisco Home Energy Management Solution empowers consumers to effectively conserve and mange household energy consumption.
“Cisco envisions a future where successful communities and cities will run on networked information enabling economic, social, and environmental sustainability for citizens,” said Wim Elfrink, chief globalization officer and executive vice president of Cisco Services, in a statement. “Cisco’s collaboration with Control4 will offer our customers the network as the platform to transform and manage their properties, enhance economic development and city management, and improve energy management and citizens’ quality of life.”
Cisco will integrate the Control4 EMS 100 as an element of its comprehensive offering to global utility customers in the growing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) space. The EMS 100 is a bundled solution composed of an EC-100 energy controller, a 4.7-inch touchscreen with full color interface that provides feedback on electricity consumption and costs, Control4 Advantage software, and a WT-100 ZigBee wireless thermostat. The EMS 100 solution provides customers of utilities with information about their energy use and the ability to react to demand response event signals during peak load periods.
The Control4 EMS 100 platform has already been selected by NV Energy, AEP, OG&E, and other leading utilities to connect consumers to the smart grid.
