While the home control networking market is undergoing a significant transition from closed-loop solutions to open, IP-aware solutions, Allied Business Intelligence (ABI), an Oyster-Bay, New York-based company, is reporting on the results. According to its report, "Home Automation Systems and IP-Based Control," the U.S. home automation and controls equipment market is expected to grow from $1.1 billion in 1999 to $3 billion in 2005.
"This market has historically been hurt by the lack of standards, expensive solutions, and industry fragmentation," says Navin Sabharwal, director of residential and networking technologies. "However, the outlook has improved considerably as industry participation extends beyond traditional home control system vendors and service providers."
ABI warns there are obstacles ahead. "The impact of these new and improved technologies will not materially be felt until 2002," says Sabharwal. "Moreover, the industry must still look to coverage on a single standard in the long-run, to enable true interoperability among mainstream-focused solutions."
For more details, visit www.alliedworld.com.