Freedom, Flexibility, Foundation—LONMARK Delivers at the AHR Expo

As building automation functions increasingly converge with the IT infrastructure, certified open systems are becoming the very logical choice due to its inherent autonomy and capability of providing a flexible networked system. As an endorsing organization of the world’s largest HVAC/R annual event, LONMARK maximizes the mass industry appeal of the AHR Expo to keep the industry engaged in the world of open, interoperable solutions with multiple education sessions, an interactive product demo and the launch of the LonMark Certification Program.

For LonMark, educating the industry on open, interoperable systems is key. Understanding not only the benefits, but exactly what is and what is not an open system is critical. The LONMARK educational sessions will define the requirements of an open system, coach attendees on how to sell open systems, and confirm and dispel many of the myths surrounding open systems. Led by technology experts, systems integrators and end users, these educational sessions are designed for all experience levels.

The LonMark booth (#1751) will again feature the Interactive Technology Demonstration highlighting the expanse of products and technologies that enable the world’s most efficient, effective and esteemed buildings. The Interactive Technology Demo will showcase leading manufacturers and suppliers of interoperable devices, connectivity products, systems, tools and GUIs operating together using a common platform. This one-of-a-kind demo is an excellent display of enterprise-wide integration using LON open systems, a dynamic display of plug-and-play products suited for countless applications. Current demo participants include: Circon Systems Corp., Control Solutions, Inc., Danfoss, Distech Controls, Echelon Corporation, Engenuity Systems, Inc., Gesytec GmbH, Hubbell Building Automation, Loytec, Continental Controls and TAC.

The LONMARK Professional Certification Program will officially launch at the AHR Expo with the first round of certification testing taking place on Wednesday, January 31. The certification program provides a worldwide standard of proficiency for individuals that install, integrate and maintain systems utilizing LONMARK certified products.

The AHR Expo is also an excellent opportunity for LONMARK to connect with members and understand their business needs and objectives for the New Year. LONMARK extends an invitation to all LONMARK members to attend the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2007, at 4:30 p.m. in Room D164. The meeting will be followed by a reception.

LONMARK Educational Sessions
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Room D164, Dallas Convention Center
8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. LON Primer
10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. The Value of Integrated, Open Systems
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Enterprise Connectivity
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. System Specification Process
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The World of LONMARK (panel session)

LONMARK Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Room D164, Dallas Convention Center
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Meeting open to all LONMARK members
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Reception

LONMARK Professional Certification Testing
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Room D164, Dallas Convention Center
Testing times TBD; please consult www.lonmark.org for times, schedules, etc.

LON Primer
8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Ron Bernstein, LONMARK International

The basics, the value, and the benefits; discussions will be on basic terminology and definitions; simple system architecture overview; control system functionality and features; and ideas and concepts involving LONMARK Open Systems and LONWORKS technology.

This session is geared for those who have heard about LONMARK and LONWORKS, but would like to receive more detailed technical information on the protocol, messaging, device profiles, product certification, wiring, network architecture, network diagnostics, network tools, programming devices and more.

The Value of Integrated, Open Systems
10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Tracy Markie, Engenuity Systems

Learn how open systems can be used to reduce costs from installation and commissioning through operation by understanding the financial benefits associated with interoperability.

By identifying what is and what is not an open system, integrators can avoid common pitfalls and financial burdens associated with closed systems that are many times disguised as open. This session will also feature discussions on market scope, size and trends; product sourcing and breadth of application areas.

Enterprise Connectivity
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Jeremy Roberts, Technical Director, LonMark International

When working with open systems, multiple protocols can co-exist throughout an enterprise and still be managed as one system. Discussions include integration strategies with multiple protocols and tying open systems into the IT environment. This session will also take a look at the features and benefits of several GUIs and the role of oBIX and IP-852 and how these can lead to a full, scalable system.

System Specification Process
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Mitch Slavensky, ACS Controls
Charles Holland, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

This session will address how to write, enforce and leverage an open systems specification, including how to ensure openness, the ABCs of specifying an open system; available tools and resources; common mistakes and how to avoid them, and examples of good specifications.

The World of LONMARK (panel session)
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ron Bernstein, LONMARK International - moderator

This panel discussion will include what’s new in the world of LONMARK International/Americas, including industry initiatives, product certification, system-level standards, and integrator certification. LONMARK members will highlight major projects throughout the world featuring open, interoperable systems and the value proposition gained by the owners and operators.

Events	Want Ads
Our Sponsors	Resources