BACnet Secure Connect is an addendum to the BACnet protocol recently released by the ASHRAE BACnet Committee. It is a secure, encrypted datalink layer that is specifically designed to meet the requirements, policies and constraints of minimally managed to professionally managed IP infrastructures. The need for using standardized and often already present IP network infrastructures for BACnet communication is increasing, and this security is a critical piece in the networking of building technologies (Building Internet of Things – BIoT).

From this program, building automation system providers will derive the following benefits:

• Fast track to developing in-house technical knowledge of BACnet/SC and how to deploy it through education and experience sharing
• Access to a reference implementation for in-house interoperability testing
• Access to multi-vendor BACnet/SC testing to assure device interoperability
• Early license to use reference implementation or create derivatives for use in products

"We realize most BAS manufacturers will have a steep learning curve with BACnet/SC and will face pressure from the industry to adopt it," stated Andy McMillan, president and managing director of BACnet International. "This program follows BACnet International's core purpose of supporting the adoption of the BACnet protocol and assisting the community through education and testing services to make that process easier. We're excited to see the impact BACnet/SC will have on the industry and how it will accelerate the recognition of BACnet as a secure platform for Building IoT (BIoT)."

The BACnet Secure Connect Interoperability Acceleration Program will be managed by BACnet International and applications are now available. It is designed for BACnet product suppliers but is also open to educational institutions with expertise in the BACnet protocol. BACnet International corporate members will receive a discounted program rate.

To register, or for more information on the program, contact David Nardone, BACnet International regional operations, at david@bacnetinternational.org.

 For more information, please visit https://www.bacnetinternational.org.