DIY Zoning on Windows

Some of you may remember what I think of running mission critical applications on Windows (see above). However, not all agree, and for those who don't, there is a sister project now, running on Windows only:

HVAC Control System

Let me just say for the record that it I am very curious about how it turns out, and whether Windows can indeed sustain a mission critical application. In any case, hats off to Kevin.

Tip Of The Iceberg: Security

Last place to find anything about climate control, I thought, would be the Schneier on Security blog. But then, when he posted about Remote-Controlled Thermostats, it didn't surprise me much - for this is the same idea that is deeply rooted inside DZ.

Of course, since DZ is not a commercial project, the full-fledged security framework is not there, just the reasonable initial framework.

But the point of this message is to emphasize that within every big problem there's a thousand small, trying to get out. Security is just one of multiple facets of DZ that is not on the surface.

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For those interested, the original article is California Seeks Thermostat Control.

Still can't help but to ask myself how are they planning to control the legions of Honeywell mechanical thermostats, and who is going to pay for radio and Internet enablement of newer thermostats (last time I checked, Carrier Infinity was the only system that was somewhat enabled, and the cost is exorbitant). Have a nagging feeling that it'll be taken out of our pocket, but rest assured, in our best interest.

${mobile-device} + ${appliance}, Nokia edition

Not sure if this post reached the right audience, so reposting it here:

Nokia released the Control Center - a complete home automation solution.

Here's a video - there's a couple of fragments worth looking at if you're interested in temperature zoning.

I don't have any doubts that this system will be beyond the reach of the majority of readers here, and doubt that partial solutions will be offered (though wouldn't be surprised if this actually happens, I've been trying to show for years that this is quite doable).

Still, it's worth noticing that the big players are finally catching up to the game.