LonMark International will host a Building Open Systems Seminar series for commercial building industry professionals on transitioning from proprietary to open systems. The seminars are targeted to architects, building and facility managers, consulting engineers, electrical and mechanical contractors, and system and network integrators. They will be presented by industry experts familiar with the construction industry.

“The primary goal of this seminar program is to help industry professionals navigate through the noise associated with open systems to deliver what their customers really want - flexible yet powerful automation solutions that lower costs now and in the future, deliver greater value, and have the ability to be easily adapted to future market and technology needs,” said Barry Haaser, executive director of LonMark, in a statement.

The organization has become a driving force in the establishment of interoperable guidelines for building, industrial, transportation and residential/utility automation. Membership is open to any manufacturer, distributor, engineer or system integrator seeking involvement in the development, specification, and use of open, interoperable products using ANSI/EIA/CEA 709.1 and related standards.

The Building Open Systems Seminar Series is scheduled to begin in February and will stop in 20 cities. Find more information at www.buildingopensystems.com.

FREE EDUCATION SESSIONS AT AHR EXPO

LonMark International will host four education sessions at AHR Expo 2005 on Tuesday, Feb. 8 in Room S230F at the Orange County Convention Center. The education sessions are free.

Contractors' Dilemma: Is Systems Integration Right For You?

This panel discussion will help contractors wade through the issues, risks and rewards associated with systems integration, including how open, standard protocols impact contractors' business options in the construction of today's integrated buildings.

8:30 am - 10:00 am, Feb. 8, Room S230F

Benefits of Open Systems: End User Panel Discussion

This panel discussion will include "real life" experiences on open systems and delve into a number of key issues, including key objectives with the decision to go with open systems; the open system selection process; writing the specification; the bidding process; systems integration; and living with the results. 11:00 am - 12:15pm, Feb. 8, Room S230F

Introduction to Whole Building Automation

This panel of industry experts will address the key issues of whole building automation, including open systems specifications, equipment sourcing, systems integration, and maintenance. 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm, Feb. 8, Room S230F

The Value LONMARK Open Systems

This session will address the key components of the LONMARK open system including the protocol, communication media, devices and controllers, network tools, routers and gateways and management interfaces. Additional information will be provided on writing open system specifications, finding integrators, sourcing products, and more. 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm, Feb. 8, Room S230F