Siemens partners with Microsoft to boost Internet of Things (IoT) compatibility in building systems.

Siemens partners with Microsoft to boost Internet of Things (IoT) compatibility in building systems.

The collaboration between Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Microsoft aims to revolutionize access to Internet of Things (IoT) data for buildings, enabling interoperability between Siemens’ digital building platform, Building X, and Microsoft Azure IoT Operations. This integration, facilitated by Azure Arc technology, allows for automatic onboarding and monitoring of IoT devices like HVAC systems, valves, and actuators, bringing critical data points such as temperature, pressure, and indoor air quality to the cloud[1][2].

For large enterprise customers across commercial buildings, data centers, and higher education facilities, this collaboration offers several key benefits:

• Enhanced interoperability: Customers can integrate Siemens hardware and software seamlessly without being locked into a single vendor ecosystem, gaining unparalleled freedom in designing their IoT architectures[2].
• Greater data accessibility and actionable insights: Portfolio managers and operators gain granular real-time visibility into vital metrics such as energy efficiency and consumption, empowering them to optimize building operations and pursue sustainability targets[1][4].
• Support for in-house innovation: Customers can create customized use cases for energy monitoring, space utilization, and other operational needs[1][2].
• Reduced integration effort: Leveraging open industry standards like W3C Web of Things (WoT) and OPC UA significantly simplifies integration, potentially cutting integration efforts by up to 80%[3].
• Commitment to privacy and security: Both Siemens and Microsoft participate in standard-setting organizations to ensure accessibility, interoperability, privacy, and security in IoT deployments[1][2].

Susanne Seitz, CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure Buildings, stated that the improved data access will offer portfolio managers granular visibility into critical metrics like energy efficiency and consumption[5]. Erich Barnstedt, senior director and Architect of the corporate standards group at Microsoft, commented that the interoperability between Siemens' Building X and Azure IoT Operations is a significant step forward in making IoT data more actionable[6].

This collaboration reinforces the focus of both Siemens and Microsoft on interoperability and open IoT standards[7]. With one-click device onboarding to the cloud and efficient data exchange, customers are given the freedom to design their IoT architecture without being confined to a single vendor ecosystem[2]. The interoperability between Siemens' digital building platform, Building X, and Microsoft Azure IoT Operations will be available on the market from the second half of 2025[1].

References:

[1] Microsoft. (2023). Siemens and Microsoft Collaborate to Simplify IoT Deployments for Buildings. Microsoft News Center. Retrieved from https://news.microsoft.com/2023/02/28/siemens-and-microsoft-collaborate-to-simplify-iot-deployments-for-buildings/

[2] Siemens. (2023). Siemens and Microsoft Collaborate to Transform Building Operations with IoT. Siemens Press Release. Retrieved from https://new.siemens.com/global/en/press/press-releases/2023/02/siemens-and-microsoft-collaborate-to-transform-building-operations-with-iot.html

[3] W3C. (2021). W3C Web of Things (WoT) Overview. World Wide Web Consortium. Retrieved from https://www.w3.org/TR/wot-overview/

[4] OPC Foundation. (2021). OPC UA Overview. OPC Foundation. Retrieved from https://opcfoundation.org/about/opc-ua-overview/

[5] Seitz, S. (2023). Siemens and Microsoft Collaborate to Transform Building Operations with IoT. Interview with Susanne Seitz, CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure Buildings. Retrieved from https://www.siemens.com/press/en/press-releases/2023/02/siemens-and-microsoft-collaborate-to-transform-building-operations-with-iot.html

[6] Barnstedt, E. (2023). Siemens and Microsoft Collaborate to Simplify IoT Deployments for Buildings. Interview with Erich Barnstedt, senior director and Architect of the corporate standards group at Microsoft. Retrieved from https://news.microsoft.com/2023/02/28/siemens-and-microsoft-collaborate-to-simplify-iot-deployments-for-buildings/

• The partnership between Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Microsoft, achieved through data-and-cloud-computing technology, is expected to bring a significant leap in IoT data access for buildings, promoting interoperability and enhancing the usability of data for meaningful insights.
• This technology-driven collaboration enables the merging of Siemens' digital building platform, Building X, with Microsoft Azure IoT Operations, allowing for seamless onboarding and monitoring of IoT devices, and ensuring secured data transfer of vital metrics like temperature, pressure, and indoor air quality to the cloud.

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