Philips and IT leader Cisco have announced a global strategic alliance that focuses on smart lighting strategies for offices. During a press call briefing from Philips’ headquarters in Eindhoven, the Netherlands on Dec. 9, 2016, the two companies outlined the partnership that will allow Philips’ LED-based connected lighting systems to work with Cisco’s secure IT network as it address the needs of the global office market, which is estimated to be €1 billion (approx. $1.09 billion). The coordination of these systems, which are initially focused on new construction installations, will provide expanded building functionality while providing employees and building managers greater control and flexibility in maintaining working environments that lend themselves to comfort and productivity. Light serves as an information provider in this joint “go-to-market” strategy.
Using lighting as the system vehicle for power over Ethernet communications reflects the global adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the changing course of lighting and lighting controls. “Our alliance has two of the world’s biggest and trusted lighting and connectivity brands working together to bring the Internet of Things to life in offices and commercial buildings across the world,” said Bill Bien, Senior Vice President, Head of Strategy and Marketing, at Philips Lighting in a prepared statement. “Customers will receive the best energy-efficient lighting experience in the connected world and be able to use information acquired from their connected lighting system to save energy, reduce costs, improve productivity and optimize their workspace environment. Lighting that is connected to highly secure, reliable IT infrastructure will form the backbone of the smart office of the future.”
As Philips and Cisco roll out this partnership worldwide, the focus will be on prioritized market segments, noted Cisco’s Steve Steinhilber, Vice President of Strategic Alliances and. Corporate Consulting Engineering at Cisco. This has particular application for the North American market where Cisco already has a strong presence. Cisco’s headquarters in Toronto is one of the first completed projects to showcase this technology partnership.
Lighting accounts for 40 percent of a building’s electricity use. With the implementation of a connected lighting system building operation costs can achieve close to 80 percent in energy savings. Cisco technologies will be featured as part of Philips upcoming Light+Building presentations in Frankfurt this March.
