Digital convergence is a powerful player in the automation industry and the world. Convergence of media, telecommunications, and information and control technology industries has mandated a reassessment of the ways in which entertainment and information content are produced, distributed, manipulated, and used. In turn, this has driven both rethinking and repositioning of the players in the home and building automation arena. More exposure, larger markets, and major corporate interest increases competition, lowers prices, and removes home and building automation from the exclusivity of the affluent. Utility and telecommunications deregulation, referred to by some as reregulation, is also a key factor in the propulsion of home and building automation to new heights.
Deregulation provides incentive for both providers and consumers.
Telecommunications and utility providers will be looking to enlarge their customer bases and strategic alliances in order to develop and deliver a competitive advantage to consumers. The ability for utility and telecom companies to provide savings through energy management will help establish guidelines. When these solutions are available it will allow consumers to differentiate and choose between various providers based on their offerings. If a provider has a solution beneficial to its customers, the solution will be an incentive to keep customers loyal and further fuel the growth of the automation industry. Developing standards also play a major role in growing the industry.