Wipro lights get support for CISCO’s remote control technology

Wipro Lighting said it has signed up with CISCO to incorporate the latter’s Internet technology-based control systems.

With this, said the Bangalore-based company, some of its products can be controlled by and linked to a single, converged IP network based on Cisco’s Digital Building Solutions technology.

The technology enables large buildings to save on power costs by centrally monitoring lights and turning them off and on as needed using software.

“This will enable Wipro Lighting to simplify convergence of its lighting solutions with building automation systems over IP without compromising lighting efficiency, maintenance, product life and security,” Wipro said.

A common goal of facilities managers worldwide is to run their buildings with high service levels, while delivering cost savings and environmental benefits through reduced power consumption, Wipro said.

“At the same time, changing nature of work, workforce demographics requires a workspace that will help employees work more comfortably and effectively. Lighting makes up approximately 40 percent of a building’s electricity bill; this coupled with raising energy consumption by commercial buildings is pushing the demand for smart and connected lighting solutions,” it added.

The new connected lighting solutions will greatly simplify the deployment experience, lower total cost of ownership, offer pre-validated architecture and ecosystem integration among players.

“As next steps, the Cisco Digital Building Solutions framework will allow building managers to extend the benefits of the IoT throughout their facilities by converging multiple building networks including lighting, heating, cooling, IP video, IoT sensors and more through a highly secure and intelligent network platform,” it added.

Daisy Chittilapilly, Managing Director, Partner Organization, Cisco India and SAARC, said, “Lighting is one of the best ways to bring the Internet of Things to office buildings. Smart and secure lighting will form the backbone of the smart office of the future. We are extremely happy to collaborate with Wipro Lighting to empower building managers to quickly digitize their lighting networks to drive better user experiences and efficiency. Together Wipro Lighting and Cisco aim to accelerate adoption of these solutions in the market and deliver increased comfort and efficiency.”

While companies introduce more and more appliances and devices connected to local or global IT networks, some have warned that these also pose an easy target for hackers to manipulate, especially when they are connected to the Internet for remote monitoring.