Philips Lighting today launched a wireless lighting-as-a-service initiative for commercial offices, hoping to convince building managers to implement smart Internet-connected lighting schemes that Philips has addressed to date with more expensive wired offerings based on Power over Ethernet (PoE) that appeals to a narrower audience.

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　　The new cloud-linked Philips InterAct Office system embeds sensors and ZigBee communication chips inside LED ceiling lights and luminaires, and reduces energy consumption by controlling lights more intelligently. Sensors such as motion detectors turn lights on, off, up, and down as needed, and users can wirelessly pre-program — or “commission” — groups of lights to respond in certain ways at certain times. They can also directly control lights wirelessly using ZigBee from phones or tablets.

　　The smart lighting system allows remote, central management of floors or groups of buildings. Operators can view lighting schemes, energy consumption, room occupancy, and the like on a dashboard supported by Amazon's cloud, and then decide whether and how to alter lighting schemes or even reassign building space. Information travels between the lights and the cloud server through a combination of wireless and wired Internet hops.

　　"Energy savings are just the tip of the iceberg,” said Emmanuel Sabonnadiere, CEO of Philips Lighting's Professional business group, which targets commercial and outdoor environments. “Our 'Light as a Service' model frees customers to focus on their business, while information from sensors in the luminaires gives them unique insights into the use of energy and office space to enhance operational efficiencies."