Philips-Cisco alliance looks to develop role of connected lighting
Philips, a global lighting specialist, and Cisco, which specialises in IT, have formed a global alliance to create new value in energy savings, building efficiency and employee efficiency — made possible by the internet of things (IoT) in modern offices. The alliance brings together Philips’ LED-based connected lighting system and Cisco’s IT network to address a global office market estimated to be worth €1 billion.
Lighting is everywhere, making it one of the easiest ways to bring the IoT to office buildings. Lighting points in the Philips system, equipped with sensors and software applications, can be connected using Cisco Technologies. This lighting network creates a pathway for information and helps enable new services.
Lighting is presented as a logical first step to bringing IoT to enterprises worldwide. Equipped with sensors, connected lighting becomes intelligent to sense and measure the environment. For example, occupancy sensors in the system can provide information on space utilisation to help reduce costs.
Nearly 80% in energy savings and reduced building maintenance costs can be realised by managing, integrating and controlling a Philips LED connected lighting systems through a network with Cisco.
To showcase how Philips and Cisco can work together to unlock the benefits of the IoT in offices, Cisco is installing a state-of-the-art Philips connected lighting system at its Canadian headquarters in Toronto.
