The announcement of cooperation between CEBus and EHS is important to potential manufacturers. The Executive Director of CIC stated that applications for CEBus and EHS should offer the same functionality as perceived by consumers. This uniformity of functions will allow common marketing programs in Europe and the U.S. even though the products operate on different home automation networks. Building Automation Protocols Building control systems have a long history starting with the invention of the thermostat about a century ago. Communications network principles have been applied to building control to create building automation.
Building control is a well-established industry with many vendors offering competing subsystems.
Some manufacturers have adopted common infrastructures. Consortia of companies have been formed to support each protocol. EIB are similar communications protocols designed for building automation. BatiBUS and EIB networks typically link sensors and actuators to building systems that control HVAC, security, access, and life safety. Supporters of both protocols are promoting the adoption of each for home automation applications.