Vertical Integration in Building Automation Systems

Building automation systems (BAS) are widely deployed in modern buildings. They are typically engineered adhering to the classical, hierarchical 3-layer model, which has served well in the past but is reaching its limits in complex BAS. The move to more integrated building services also requires tighter integration of the mostly heterogeneous technologies. Vertical integration promises seamless communication from the individual sensor up to IT systems. The hierarchy levels are eliminated in favor of a service-oriented model. Several approaches promise to accomplish this goal: integration of network infrastructure, convergence of different protocols, distribution of services and integration to IT systems.