Feb 9 2008
In2 Networks, a developer of Internet-connected utility management systems for consumer and commercial applications, today announced that at this year's International Home Builders' Show the company will unveil its simple and affordable, web-based technology enabling individuals and businesses to control their home or office environment from the Internet.
This "green," technology service empowers consumers to save money, set personal comfort levels and manage their own conservation efforts. During the show, executives from In2 Networks will be showcasing its growing suite of web-based, energy-saving systems, including the Honeywell Security Vista ICM, at Honeywell International Booth #W4291. The International Builders' Show will take place February 13-16 in Orlando, FL.
The technology behind In2 products is the Internet Communications Module (ICM), which is a complete control system the size of a deck of cards that connects various building systems like thermostats, water and irrigation systems, as well as security systems to the Internet. The In2 platform allows these systems to function as components of a broader, integrated system that logs data, performs diagnostics and provides timely feedback and efficiency recommendations that allow homeowners and businesses to cut overall energy consumption by up to 20 percent. The In2 ICM is the only home and business management product with nationwide distribution.
The In2 system, which previously was controlled from a touch-screen panel on the premises, now allows individuals and businesses to remotely monitor and control these systems from a single, secure EcoConcierge(TM) web site, which is accessible through a laptop, PDA or cell phone. For home monitoring systems, In2 has set up and for business monitoring. The EcoConcierge(TM) service solves the fundamental problem that consumers and businesses cannot modify behavior in time to save money on last months electric or water bill. It is the real-time, actionable feedback that allows consumers and business alike to reduce consumption and, with the accompanying savings, pay back the investment in just a few months.
In2 has recruited Hank Baker, a 30-year veteran of real estate development and the former Senior Vice President of Forest City's redevelopment of the Denver Stapleton Airport, to serve as the company's Chief Marketing Officer. Having also had extensive "green" development experience as the early coordinator of Stapleton's sustainability efforts, Baker stated, "The In2 system delivers a truly unique combination of real-time control over your energy consumption through a convenient web-based interface at a price point that is hard to beat. For under $300 for each ICM installed, plus a nominal, annual web portal fee, the incentives for homeowners and businesses to conserve energy could not be stronger. Consumers will have an easy-to-use system that will not only pay for itself quickly, but will empower a growing number of conservation and sustainability minded consumers, business owners and developers. When people are aware of their energy usage patterns, they're more likely to change them in ways that are fiscally and environmentally responsible."
In addition to consumers and businesses, builders and developers are also taking advantage of the EcoConcierge(TM) as an important component of "Green Building" programs and to differentiate their properties among conservation-minded buyers. In2 is in the process of deploying the In2 platform in numerous master planned communities across the United States, Canada and in Mexico.
Harbor Research estimates the market opportunity for these products will exceed $700 billion dollars over the next five years. In2 projects the energy management opportunity alone will exceed $60 billion for US homes and $5 billion for US multi-location businesses.
At the International Builders' Show, In2 will be showcasing its Energy ICM, which when connected to a Honeywell thermostat can help reduce energy costs by up to 15% and makes conserving energy an easy and satisfying experience. The new Water ICM reduces home water consumption up to 15 percent, reduces irrigation water consumption by 20-40 percent and takes the guesswork out of managing water consumption. The company has already introduced a Security ICM compatible with Honeywell's Vista Security System called VISTA ICM. In2 will also be introducing a new Solar ICM, which reports solar power generated and total power used, as well as a new Meter ICM, which reports total electric, gas, or water consumption. In2 has also introduced Lighting and Audio System ICMs, which are compatible with Lutron and Rotel products respectively.
The International Builders' Show is the housing industry's largest annual light construction trade show and exhibition. More than 100,000 people from 100 countries attended last year's show.