Barry Haaser, executive director of LonMark International, said the association is trying to put together an affiliate network around the world.

Since its inception in 1994 and new corporate structure in 2003, LonMark International has "become a major driving force in the establishment of interoperable guidelines for building, industrial, transportation, and residential/utility automation," said Barry Haaser, the organization's executive director. "It is a global membership organization created to promote and advance the business of efficient and effective integration of open, multi-vendor control systems."

As Haaser noted, LonMark membership is open to any manufacturer, end user, and system integrator committed to the development and use of open, interoperable products using ANSI/EIA 709 and related standards. There are over 300 members worldwide and the organization is now looking to put together affiliate networks around the world.

"Demand for open systems based on LonWorks technology is stronger than ever before as is evident with the availability of over 500 LonMark-certified products," said Haaser. "It is evident just by the sheer numbers that open interoperable systems using LonMark-certified products have become the industry norm. Clearly having the LonMark brand on products creates meaningful sales for LonMark members, because end users are demanding completely open, end-to-end solutions."

With new chief marketing officer Ken Toren now in the LonMark fold, Haaser said look for the association to market itself more as a solutions-based organization, "rather than as technical organization."

"LonMark is no longer just about devices," said Haaser.

The executive director was pleased to announce that the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA), in charge of construction projects for the New York City School District, and its engineering consultant, Burns & Roe Enterprises Inc. of Oradell, N.J., have specified a LonWorks open system control architecture as the design standard for new school construction projects for a project updating a series of outdated control systems in a variety of existing school facilities. The control architecture employs LonMark control field devices and the Echelon LNS operating system for new school construction within the New York City school district.

"The SCA and New York City Schools will serve as a great example to other large school districts faced with the need to replace outdated proprietary equipment," said Haaser. "By choosing LonMark products, the schools will have the flexibility, cost-savings, and freedom of choice that is limited by a closed system. Open interoperable systems are the best way the New York City Schools can retrofit their facilities and guarantee future-proof design."

Other LonMark organization members which made presentations at the press conference included Echelon, Circon, Distech, Engenuity, PureChoice, T.A.C., and Trane. Each disclosed some of the new products they are featuring at the expo. For instance, Circon has a new programmable VAV terminal unit controller, a programmable space comfort controller, and a multi-vendor LonWorks integrator.

In a future issue, The News will provide complete coverage of the new products LonMark International members announced and featured at the AHR Expo.

Publication date: 01/26/2004