Daintree Networks

Daintree Networks emerged in 2003, founded by Bill Wood, a former general manager from Agilent Technologies and Hewlett-Packard. Initially, the company focused on providing design verification and operational support tools for emerging wireless technologies, establishing expertise in standards like Zigbee. By 2009, the firm pivoted, leveraging its deep knowledge of wireless protocols to address the commercial building automation market. This strategic shift set the stage for its significant impact on the industry.

The company developed ControlScope®, an enterprise-grade platform for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), specifically for managing building environments. This system provides wireless control over key energy consumers like lighting and HVAC systems. Daintree's business model centers on delivering this solution to small- and medium-sized commercial and industrial facilities, a market segment largely unserved by complex and costly traditional building automation systems. Clients, which have included names like Universal Music Group and the Salk Institute, utilize the platform to achieve significant energy savings, reportedly up to 60-70%, and to improve operational efficiencies.

The ControlScope platform's architecture is a key attribute. It operates on open standards, which prevents vendor lock-in and allows for interoperability with a wide ecosystem of third-party lights, sensors, thermostats, and other devices. The system comprises both hardware and software components. Hardware includes Wireless Area Controllers (WACs) that manage the on-site device network, along with various sensors and wireless adapters. The software component enables building managers to configure, monitor, and analyze energy usage and building data, providing insights for further optimization. In April 2016, Daintree Networks was acquired by Current, GE's energy-focused startup, for a reported $77-100 million. The acquisition was a strategic move by GE to integrate Daintree's open-standard wireless technology with its own Predix platform, aiming to create a scalable, cloud-based energy management solution for a broader market.

Keywords: building automation, wireless controls, energy management, smart building, IIoT, commercial lighting controls, HVAC control, Zigbee, ControlScope, energy efficiency, facility management, enterprise IoT, Predix platform, wireless sensor networks, open standards, GE Current, building control systems, smart lighting, energy savings, operational efficiency, Bill Wood