Verizon Launches Home Automation, via Z-Wave

Verizon opens a new front in the home energy automation wars — and sets up potential competition for utility home networking tech favorite ZigBee.

Verizon has become the first major U.S. telecom provider to launch a commercial-scale home automation line of business — and it’s picked the proprietary Z-Wave wireless mesh technology to enable it.

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Domotics

"Home automation (also called domotics) is a field within building automation, specializing in the specific automation requirements of private homes and in the application of automation techniques for the comfort and security of its residents. Although many techniques used in building automation (such as light and climate control, control of doors and window shutters, security and surveillance systems, etc.) are also used in home automation, additional functions in home automation include the control of multi-media home entertainment systems, automatic plant watering and pet feeding, and automatic scenes for dinners and parties.

The main difference between building automation and home automation is, however, the human interface. In home automation, ergonomics is of particular importance: the control should be largely image-based and self-explanatory." - Wikia

And it's true.  Home automation takes hundreds of small tasks and performs them on schedule so you can focus on more important things.   Let's list some of the stressors that one hypothetical customer has eliminated with the Vera 2 controller and various sensors:

Vera 2

Meet Vera...

Surgi's is pleased to be an authorized dealer for the VERA 2 home automation system.  This Z-Wave compatible system gives a user a rich set of features to assist you in developing home automation and security without investing in whole house wiring or monitoring.  Expand your system as you wish, including:

• Security: Get alerts via SMS, Email or telephone calls of security breaches and remotely arm/disarm your alarm and open doors
• Home Monitoring: See what's going on in your home by watching your cameras from a PC or cell phone
• Convenience: Control lighting, climate, draperies and a variety of devices using your cell phone, iPhone, iPod or other handheld remote.
• Energy Conservation: Monitor your energy consumption. See how much you're spending on energy, and save money by eliminating vampire energy drains.