IS-2007-80: Custom Mobile Advertising
Custom Mobile Advertising was a CABA Internet Home Alliance Research Council study that estimated the size of the maximum total addressable market for specific advertising concepts that could be offered via in-vehicle technology, mobile phone technology, and across both platforms. The goal of the study was to gauge interest in specific types of advertising content and advertising delivery mechanisms (such as voice and text). The study examined numerous consumer preferences for various features, including: connectivity options (wireless vs. wired); user interface (voice, text, on-screen menus); media and advertising storage and transfer options (mobile phone, PC, in-vehicle device, other); and user profile controls (computer, phone, in-vehicle).

IS-2007-79: ZigBee and Wireless Radio Frequency Coexistence
This paper by ZigBee Alliance explains how ZigBee and other unlicensed wireless technologies can co-exist without interference. ZigBee operates in 2.4-GHz band worldwide, in the 900-MHz band in North America and Australia, and in the 800-MHz band in Europe. Possible interference sources are WiFi, Bluetooth, portable telephones and microphones, WiMax, and microwave ovens. ZigBee avoids interfering by employing a frequency division multiple access (FDMA) communications protocol. Methods to avoid message collisions and to achieve successful reception are described. The benefit of a ZigBee mesh network is explained. Various tests supporting and criticizing ZigBee performance are presented.

IS-2007-78: ZigBee: The Choice for Energy Management and Efficiency
This report by ZigBee Alliance explains the benefits of using wireless communications for implementing energy management. ZigBee is proposed as the wireless technology for the "last foot" connection. Energy management initiatives worldwide are described. Applications of Zigbee for time-varying energy pricing and peak consumption management are explained.

IS-2007-77: Green Specs/LEED Specs
This report by Kalin Associates Inc. provides guidance to building specifiers on how to evaluate product claims about green attributes for incorporation into building designs. "By our definition, green products are those which maintain or improve the human environment while diminishing the impact of their use on the natural environment-in other words, sustainable." Characteristics of green products include green manufacturing, recycled contents, recyclable, low toxicity, and biodegradable. Who selects green products (owners, architects, engineers, and contractors) and when in the design/construction timeframe are they selected are discussed. A detailed checklist is included.

IS-2007-76: Cost of Green Revisited
According to a study of 221 buildings, green buildings cost about the same as conventional buildings. Eighty-three of these buildings were designed with the intent of being sustainable. Some green features were present in the non-green buildings. A majority of the green buildings did not cost more because of the green features. Detailed costing methods are included. This study recommends that green should be included in building planning, not as an added requirement.

IS-2007-75: Commercial Buildings - Eco-Efficiency
The Sustainable Development Technology Canada foundation was formed by the Canadian government to develop and demonstrate clean technologies. These technologies apply in energy exploration and production, power generation, energy utilization, transportation, agriculture, forestry and wood products, and waste management. Recommendations are provided in the form of business cases. The methodology for determining where investments are warranted is explained. A case study of energy, water, and sold waste production for commercial office buildings in Canada (380,000 buildings in 2004) is presented. A goal for 2030 is to reduce the energy used in these buildings by 50 percent , the water by 65 per cent, and the solid waste by 85 per cent.

IS-2007-74: LEED In Healthcare
This paper explains how hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics can implement energy conservation and achieve LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) even though LEED was developed for office buildings. Methods for water savings are presented, emphasizing substitutes for potable water in laboratory and cooling applications. Some LEED standards such as indoor-air-quality and temperature control are generally in-place in healthcare facilities. The U.S. Green Building council is preparing "The LEED Application Guide for Healthcare."

IS-2007-73: FTTH/FTTP Update
According to a market research study by RVA LLC, fiber optics for distribution of home services passed almost 10 million homes as of September 2007, is being marketed to about 8 million, and has been adopted by two million. About one million households receive video by fiber optics and 2 per cent of households get Internet access via fiber optics. The technology for fiber optics distribution varies by company. About 25 per cent of consumers who are offered fiber optics services adopt some. Customers with Internet access via fiber optics are more satisfied than those receiving Internet via cable or DSL (telephone lines). About half of fiber optics Internet access is at 5-10 Mbps for download and 1-2 Mbps for upload. The dominant supplier is Verizon. The writers claim that subscription to fiber optics services stimulates the purchase of various consumer electronics, increases home values, saves energy, and reduced pollution.

IS-2007-72: Digital Content Unleashed: The Slow but Inevitable Race Toward a Friction-Free Media World
This consumer survey from ABI Research reports on how consumers access audio and video (A/V) through retail purchases and downloads, and predicts access modalities in 2012. Impediment to the adoption of new A/V distribution and playback methods are difficulty in set-up, lack of content, and interoperability problems, all creating "friction" in A/V distribution. About 12 per cent of those surveyed bought on-line video in 2007 compared to less than 5 per cent in 2006. Now, most A/V is stored on CDs and DVDs. Over time, physical storage will migrate to network storage. This will facilitate place-shifting (alternate viewing locations) and time-shifting. Eventually, A/V will be stored on a home service and/or and Internet-based server. "Friction-free" access to A/V will benefit device manufacturers, software makers, content owners, and network operators.

IS-2007-71: High-Speed Services for Internet Access: Status as of December 31, 2006
The U.S. Congress has mandated that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) encourage the deployment of advanced telecommunications. Therefore, the FCC reports annually on the adoption of Internet service access nationwide. This report for 2006 notes a 61 per cent increase in high-speed access from 51.2 million subscribers to 65.0 million. High-speed access is provided by cable modems for 38.9 per cent of customers and by ADSL for 30.8 per cent. Other high-speed access modes include fiber optics, satellite, broadband over power line (BPL), and terrestrial mobile. High speed is defined as faster than 200 kbps in at least one direction. 59.5 millions lines were faster than 200 kbps in both directions, of which 53.6 per cent were cable and 39.1 per cent were ADSL.

IS-2007-70: Small and Medium Business IT Market Evolution: An Opportunity and a Challenge for Channel Partners
CompTIA investigates the IT costs for small and medium-sized businesses. Growth partners show companies moving from personal computers to Internet access and networks to virtual private networks and wide area network. Many of these companies depend on IT support from outside vendors and value-added resellers. Many companies are starting to make purchase decisions based on the total cost of ownership. They are seeking IT solutions that can scale as the company grows. Therefore, IT vendors should help companies evaluate the long-term benefits of various IT solutions.

IS-2007-69: Innovative Approaches to Win the US Bundled Pricing Game
This paper from Accenture discusses pricing strategies for bundled services including Internet, TV, and wired/wireless telephone. Accenture maintains that bundled prices are eroding due to competition even while customer retention is growing. They propose that cable and telephone companies price by "customer value segment" rather than uniformly. For example, packages tailored for families or young professionals or baby-boomers might be offered with higher prices because of the perceived value.

IS-2007-68: Towards a High-Bandwidth, Low-Carbon Future
This paper from Climate Risk Pty Ltd in Australia was commissioned by Telstra, a communications provider in Australia, to investigate the benefits of telecommunications in reducing carbon usage and the deleterious effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Examples of savings are described, such as telecommunications to control appliance energy usage in standby mode or when a user is not present. Telecommuting or commuting to a nearby regional office is another savings opportunity, as is teleconferencing. An overview of global warming is included. It was noted that telecommunications equipment contributes to greenhouse gasses by using power for operations and for cooling. On balance, telecommunications could reduce 4.9 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia.

IS-2007-67: State of California: Energy Action Plan II
This paper summarizes policy decisions by the State of California regarding energy. The goal is for energy in California to be "adequate, affordable, technologically advanced, and environmentally-sound." Policies are outlined, including plans for dynamic pricing of power and demand response to managing loads. The States plan to generate 20 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2010 and 33 per cent by 2020. The rate-setting process for the investor-owned utilities will be made more transparent. Alternative fuels for transportation will be investigated. California is seeking to reduce greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 per cent below these levels by 2050.

IS-2007-66: Building the Green Way
According to this article, an emphasis on evaluating whether a building is "green" and sustainable has been developing since 2000. Some green buildings have achieved 40 per cent energy reduction and 30 per cent water reduction over similar non-green buildings. Some green building employees are more productive because out-gassing from building materials is reduced. A green building is estimated to increase costs by 0.8 per cent. Green concepts must be integrated in building design for the greatest savings. For example, building orientation can reduce lighting needs and the cooling needed to remove heat generate by these lights. Older buildings need to be upgraded to be green in order not to lose value.

IS-2007-65: Value Proposition for Enterprise Interoperability
The European Commission reports on a strategic investigation of enterprise interoperability (EI): how businesses can benefit from exchange of information and communications technology (ICT) to create new product and services and to operate more efficiently. ICT and EI can help companies deal with change and value creation. The report concludes, "[t]he potential created by new offerings and new business models together reflects radically new opportunities to generate value with EI."

IS-2007-64: ANSI/ASHRAE Addendum e to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135 -2004
The purpose of this addendum is to revise ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135-2004. The modifications in this addendum are the result of change proposals made pursuant to the ASHRAE continuous maintenance procedures and of deliberations within Standing Standard Project Committee 135. The addendum focuses on BACnet: a data communication protocol for building automation and control networks.

IS-2007-63: Service Providers Affirm the Strategic Value of Policy Management
The Yankee Group surveyed service providers for planned expenditures on the management of policies for network access and bandwidth management. Such policies can affect revenue, subscriber access, quality-of-service, network security from threats, and operational efficiency and costs. Bandwidth allocation will become important as subscribers access IPTV, video-on-demand, and enhanced video services. Policy management includes the placement of advertising adjacent and relevant to video-on-demand programming. Also, customers will be able to upgrade services automatically.

IS-2007-62: When Should I Use a Managed Ethernet Switch?
This white paper from Contemporary Controls describes the functions of an Ethernet switch. First the differences between a hub and an unmanaged switch are explained. Then the functions possible in a managed switch are listed. A managed switch can control the data rate delivered to each port. Also, diagnostic tools are available using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).

IS-2007-61: The Market Survey of the Energy Industry 2004
The Association of Energy Engineers surveyed 456 association members on the state of the energy market to help determine a national energy policy and the benefits of energy management. Energy efficiency and management was judged most important. New generation sources are needed, global warming must addressed, and investment tax credits are beneficial. A slim majority thinks that mergers will hurt the energy industry. The best incentive for utilities to encourage energy management is through rebates. This survey is based on 49 questions. Detailed answers are provided.

IS-2007-60: Technology Contracting: Designing Systems for Efficiency and Interoperability
Johnson Controls reports on the benefits of centralizing responsibility for the management of building automation systems through technology contracting. Instead of subcontracting HVAC, lighting, security, IT networking, etc. to separate companies with separate responsibilities, an overall manager is assigned. This is particularly useful when the building systems are integrated. This approach saves time, reduces risk and blame, cuts capital costs, reduces construction costs, cuts operating costs, and enables system interoperability. The process for technology contracting is described with a few examples.

IS-2007-59: Wireless Consumer and Business User Profiles
ABI Research conducted a survey among 1,223 cell phone users across the U.S. Results of the survey are reported in the following categories: cell phone brands, monthly usage, cell phone features including multimedia, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi access. Business users of cell phone voice services spend 19 per cent more on voice and 80 per cent more on data than consumers. Twenty-four per cent would like Internet access on their cell phones. Femtocells extend cell phone service via a broadband connection into buildings and homes where service might have been poor. Seventy-two per cent were not interested in this service. About one-third of business users would add a cellular modem to their laptop for Internet access via cell phone service.

IS-2007-58: National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency
The US Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency organized a study on improving energy efficiency in homes, buildings, schools, governments, and industry. Recommendations were developed for utilities, regulators, and partner organizations. Demand for energy is expected to increase 30 to 40 per cent for electricity by 2030. Energy efficiency programs could eliminate the need for 40 new 500-MW plants over the next 10 to 12 years. Among the recommendations in this extensive report are policy changes through rate designs to move utilities towards energy efficiency.

IS-2007-57: The Cost-Effectiveness of Commercial-Buildings Commissioning
This research report issued by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory describes a process of building commissioning to detect and remedy problems. Such problems include design flaws, construction defects, equipment problems, and needed maintenance. A methodology was developed based on analyzing 224 buildings. HVAC presented the most problems. New buildings have three times the defects of existing buildings. System-level interactions were tested. Problems were found in valves, filters, controls, etc. Non-energy benefits include improved equipment lifetime, productivity, and indoor-air quality. Detailed data and charts are included.

IS-2007-56: Advanced Controls and Communications for Demand Response and Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings
The impact of commercial buildings on the peak demand for energy is investigated by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy in this report. According to the report, US commercial buildings account for a significant portion of the summer peak demand. Methods of demand response are explained, including pricing incentives and load shedding. Communications methods for the utility to reach the building controls include a gateway and an Internet relay. Trials in California and New York are presented.

IS-2007-55: Energy Use in Canada
This paper by the Government of Canada addresses methods for government agencies to meet the need for energy in Canada through 2020 as population grows 11 per cent and GDP by 43 per cent. Methods and tools to improve energy efficiency and conservation are discussed. It was noted that large-appliance energy consumption has dropped, but consumers bought more small appliances where conservation is not regulated. On-site energy generation is discussed. . Energy efficiency methods are included for buildings, industry, and transportation.

IS-2007-54: Fluorescent Lamp and Ballast Options
This paper, by Natural Resources Canada, constitutes a review of fluorescent lighting technology. The benefits of electronic ballasts in place of electromagnetic ballasts are discussed. The ballast is required to generate a high-voltage start-up surge. The advantage of the T-8 lamp over older models is summarized. Potential savings in an office building are included.

IS-2007-53: Monitoring and Targeting Techniques in Buildings
This paper, by Natural Resources Canada, presents a technique adopted from industry for managing energy consumption in buildings. It consists of data gathering, data analysis, and a resulting action plan. Specific factors that affect building energy consumption, such as occupancy, are measured. A regression analysis determines the relationship between the energy consumption and these factors. Examples are presented.

IS-2007-52: Businesses Worldwide Plan to Increase Spending on Network Security Next Year by as Much as 20 Percent
This Cisco Systems press release describes a study of IT security for mobile communications. A study of 700 IT personnel found that almost half expect IT security expenditures to increase 10 per cent, while almost 10 per cent think that there will be a 20 per cent increase. These outlays are motivated by regulatory compliance, increased mobility, and a growing labor force. Only nine per cent worldwide said security spending was because of loss or theft. However, 26 per cent in the U.S. said this is a motivation.

IS-2007-51: Study Reveals Insight, Opportunity for IT to Protect Mobile Wireless Users
This is a press release for a Cisco Systems study of methods to improve IT security for users of mobile communications. The study was conducted in North America, Europe, and Asia among 700 users. Most users did not pay attention to IT security. Recommended actions include educating and protecting employees' mobile communications practices. Some specific suggestions are included.

IS-2007-50: A Global Analysis of Mobile Wireless Security: Behavioral Challenges & IT Opportunities
Cisco Systems surveyed 100 users of mobile service and 100 IT persons worldwide about security issues. Forty per cent of users do not following company security policies. More than 25 per cent are not concerned about security. Twenty per cent never protect data, mostly because they do not know how. IT persons say that viruses are the biggest threat. One-third of respondents back-up their data. Sixty per cent of companies encrypt transmitted and stored data. Spending on security is expected to grow 20 per cent next year because of lost mobile devices and new hires.

IS-2007-49: Hiding in Plain Sight: Service Innovation, A New Priority for Chief Executives
This paper from IBM describes opportunities to improve customer relations and generate revenue from providing after-sales service. IBM recommends focusing on service-innovation model, operations, and growth. Service may expand beyond traditional product support to advisory and financial services. Examples of successful service offerings are the Best Buy Geek Squad and General Motors OnStar. Companies should devote as much discipline and rigor in creating service offerings as they do in creating new products.

IS-2007-48: M2M Remote Device Management in Business: A Study of Current Users
Harbor Research surveyed manufacturers about investments in remote access to products in the field. Half of the respondents are already equipping products for remote maintenance and support. The links to the products include wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular, and satellite. The basic reason is to manage the cost of providing service. Nine vertical markets amenable to remote access were identified: buildings, consumer & home, industrial, healthcare & life sciences, energy, retail, transportation, public safety & defense, and IT networks. Remote access can also be used to optimize performance and upgrade products. Some companies charge separately for remote product management. Examples from various companies are presented.

IS-2007-47: Workforce Demographics: Addressing an Aging Workforce in the Natural Gas Distribution Sector
This paper by the Canadian Gas Association addresses challenges to finding labor in the Canadian natural gas industry as the general population ages. The industry supports increased immigration and employment of Canadian Aboriginal peoples. Information transfers between retirees and new labor is encouraged.

IS-2007-46: Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy
The US Federal Trade Commission held a workshop in February 2007 to solicit information from advocates and experts about broadband Internet access and net neutrality (uniform treatment of all data packets). The impact of enforcing net neutrality on consumer welfare is investigated. A key debate is about prioritizing Internet traffic and possibly blocking some content based on prior business arrangements. There is debate on just how competitive is the Internet market. Some claim it is a duopoly between the cable operators and the telephone companies. The applicability of anti-trust laws is considered. Also discussed is the impact on consumer privacy of Internet packet content examination.

IS-2007-45: The Internet's Capacity To Handle Fast-Rising Demand for Bandwidth
This article by the US Internet Industry Association explores business models that will support increasing demands for Internet bandwidth. The number of subscribers is not growing as fast as the increasing demands for bandwidth by the existing subscribers. Internet subscribers have reached 70 per cent of the population in many developed countries. Various schemes for charging for bandwidth are discussed. Examples of bandwidth-intensive applications include IPTV, peer-to-peer file sharing, and collaborative gaming.

IS-2007-44: Telecom Predictions: TMT Trend 2007
The Deloitte ToucheTohmatsu Technology, Media & Telecommunications Industry Group predicts trends based on internal and external interviews. Key among these is the possibility that the Internet is reaching capacity because of video data. The need for Internet appliances other than the PC, such as specialized products for e-mail, music, or streaming radio, is discussed as a method to gain additional customers for Internet Service Providers. The added revenue would pay for expanding the capacity of the Internet. Mobile operators should not focus on TV, but on video capture and improved in-home and in-building reception by linking with wireless LANs. Also, the mobile phone could become the control element for home automation. IPTV should not be a clone of traditional TV. Some ISPs and telecommunications companies want to charge content providers for carrying the content.

IS-2007-43: Internet Service Providers in the 21st Century
According to this US Internet Industry Association report, the business environment for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) is changing with the advent of broadband. A dial-up Internet business required much less capital than a broadband business. The paper presents four business models for an ISP. The ISP provides customers with a link between transport methods (telephone, wireless, power line, etc.) and content. Guidelines for running a successful ISP are presented.

IS-2007-42: MasterFormat 2004 Edition 2007 Implementation Assessment
This paper, published by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) provides a candid, real-world assessment of conversion penetration to the MasterFormat 2004 Edition. The 2004 edition marked a significant change in the construction industry as a new 50-division organizational structure replaced the familiar 16-division MasterFormat structure that dated back to 1964.

IS-2007-41: e-Health and America's Broadband Network
This paper, originally published by the US Internet Industry Association, is an examination of how broadband services enhance health care in America. The paper argues that the emergence of "eHealth" has been shown to reduce the cost of healthcare and increase efficiency through better retention and retrieval of records, better management of chronic diseases, shared health professional staffing, reduced travel times, and fewer or shorter hospital stays. More directly, broadband helps to address three of the most critical complaints about the US health care system - high administrative costs, discrepancies in geographic coverage, and the high cost of delivery of services.

IS-2007-40: Monetizing Triple-Play and Value-Added Services: The Role of the Customer Experience
This white paper, by Parks Associates, provides context for the customer service and technical support issues that service providers must address as they increase the sophistication of services to the home and requisite hardware and associated software inside the home.

IS-2007-39: Digital Photo Frames: A 2006 Home Run
This white paper, by Parks Associates, notes that 2006 was a watershed year for the digital photo frame market. Sales in the first half of 2006 inherited the normal growth curve that most vendors saw over the previous two years: steady increase of 30 to 35 per cent on a year-over-year basis. But during the second half of 2006, especially the fourth quarter of 2006, sales skyrocketed to a record level, with most vendors reporting 200 to 300 per cent unit growth on a semi-annual basis.

IS-2007-38: Home Controls: Trends and Opportunities
This white paper, by Parks Associates, projects that the market for home control hardware and software will reach $3.5 billion in 2007 and grow to six billion by 2012. Intelligent controls (excluding security controllers) will grow from just less than $600 million in 2007 to $1.5 billion by 2012 led by rapid growth of advanced entertainment controllers. Universal remote controls are a billion-dollar market in the U.S., and will continue to grow in popularity, creating a nearly $2 billion market by 2012.

IS-2007-37: Digital Kitchen
The Digital Kitchen was a CABA Internet Home Alliance Research Council study that investigated consumer electronics and appliances in use in North American kitchens to determine which new products and services homeowners would like to see added to their kitchens in the future. The study examined how technology is connected and integrated into people's lives through intuitive interfaces and culminated in a display at the 2007 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show (K/BIS). Whirlpool Corporation, Bell Canada, Cisco Systems, Inc., Direct Energy, HP, HomeCrest Cabinetry, Intel Corporation, Microsoft, The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) led, funded and participated in this research.

IS-2007-36: Interactive Television & Advertising Study
The Interactive Television & Advertising Study, conducted by CABA's Internet Home Alliance Research Council in early 2007, investigated the effectiveness of interactive TV advertising and product purchasing. The aim of the market study was to: learn about potential business models for using advanced television programming; explore new advertising potential and interactive capabilities for message delivery; and create parallel experiences to live and recorded programming and interactive capabilities. AT&T, Cisco Systems, Campbell Ewald, Digitas and Tandberg TV led, funded and participated in this research.

IS-2007-35: Microbusiness & Small Business Managed Services Needs Assessment Study
The Microbusiness & Small Business Managed Services Needs Assessment Study, conducted by CABA's Internet Home Alliance Research Council in early 2007, was designed to assess the current state of the managed services market and to identify any potential areas for further development within the micro- and small business markets (where the former is defined as companies with fewer than 10 employees and the latter is defined as companies with between 11 and 100 employees). The key objectives were to profile target companies; assess the level of in-house IT/telco support; identify current and/or future managed services needs; and evaluate the incidence of current IT/telco change initiatives. AT&T, Cisco Systems, Costco Wholesale, Hewlett-Packard, Level Platforms and SupportSoft led, funded and participated in this research.

IS-2007-34: The Forgotten Environment; Realities of Green Buildings
This short paper, by S.D. Snyder and Assoc., poses the problem of indoor air pollution and proposes a solution. Indoor air pollution is aggravated by attempts to conserve energy in buildings by making builders tighter to prevent the escape of conditioned air. This traps pollutants including carbon dioxide generated by human breathing. The opposite extreme of mandating periodic air exchanges wastes energy. The writer argues for the deployment of indoor landscaping with plants to absorb the carbon dioxide. He recommends installing automated irrigation systems.

IS-2007-33: Not Business as Usual: Changing Channels in Consumer Electronics
This paper by IBM offers manufacturers strategies for improving margins in the consumer electronics sector by being more active in managing the sales channel and dealing with retailers. Manufacturers are advised to focus on customer-relations management. Also, they should improve the supply chain to large retailers. Other recommendations include global integration, managing small retailers, and enhanced branding.

IS-2007-32: Custom Mobile Advertising Study
Mobile communications technology now promises advertisers the ability to deliver targeted commercial messages to consumers when their behavior can be immediately influenced and converted into a sale. The question is: How open are consumers to receiving these messages- either on their cell phone, or on a device installed in their car? That is the central question addressed by the Custom Mobile Advertising Study, conducted in May 2007 by Zanthus, an independent research consulting firm for CABA's Internet Home Alliance Research Council. AT&T, Cisco Systems and General Motors led, funded and participated in this research.

IS-2007-31: 2007 Energy Efficiency Indicator Report
Johnson Controls decided to conduct research within the North American business community to look at the impact of rising energy prices on organizations. For the first time, this survey of 1,250 executives examined what companies were doing in response to rising energy costs, what sort of payback they expected on investments in energy efficiency, to what extent they were motivated by concerns about the environment vs. purely economics, etc. Johnson Controls plans to repeat this survey annually.

IS-2007-30: Senior Living Research Study
CABA's Internet Home Alliance Research Council has conducted a study which identifies the solutions consumers over the age of 50 want most in a home to keep them safe, comfortable and living independently in their own homes as they grow older. The study was designed to help consumer product and service companies better understand - and develop products and services for - the mature market. Whirlpool Corporation, Aqua Glass Corporation, American Shower & Bath Corporation, AT&T, Delta Faucet Company, Echelon Corporation, KraftMaid Cabinetry, Merillat Industries, Milgard Windows & Doors and the National Association of Homebuilders led, funded and participated in this research.

IS-2007-29: Boomer Tech White Paper
Baby Boomers, like all generations, have come to view the PC and Internet as an essential tool in their daily lives. This white paper, commissioned by CABA's Internet Home Alliance Research Council in June 2007, notes that Baby Boomer households own desktops, laptops, and printers at the same rate as younger U.S. households.

IS-2007-28: Laundry Time Research Pilot
The Laundry Time Research Pilot, conducted by CABA's Internet Home Alliance Research Council in late 2006, examined how effective an "intelligent" laundry solution was at simplifying and saving time on laundry tasks while also uncovering consumer attitudes about remote access and control of laundry appliances. Whirlpool Corporation, HP, Microsoft, Panasonic, and Procter & Gamble led, funded and participated in this research.

IS-2007-27: Migrating to MPLS-based networks: Avoiding the mistakes your peers have made
This paper by Fluke Networks addresses problems that might arise as companies combine legacy data networks based on point-to-point communications into a private IP (Internet Protocol)-based network. An IP network carries packets over varying routes through a mesh network thereby making troubleshooting difficult. A methodology is provided for analyzing network performance and for setting application priorities.

IS-2007-26: Migrating to an MPLS-based/Private IP Network: Are You Ready?
This paper by Fluke Networks describes how to transform a data network within a business into a private IP (Internet Protocol) network using MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching). The underlying networks may switch-based. An IP backbone interconnects the existing legacy networks (such as frame-relay and ATM). In a private network, priorities can be defined for various classes of service. Also, redundancies can be incorporated, a mesh network can be created, and bandwidth allocations can be optimized.

IS-2007-25: Building an ROI: Application and Network Performance Management
As businesses upgrade data networks to IP (Internet Protocol)-based networks, this paper by Fluke Networks argues that they need to determine qualitative and quantitative benefits. This upgrade can impact applications, operational costs, problem resolution, and bandwidth allocations. Examples are provided. Calculations of payback and return-on-investments are demonstrated.

IS-2007-24: Pipe Dreams? Prospects for Next Generation Broadband Deployment in the UK
This paper, by the Broadband Stakeholder Group, examines the potential impact of broadband Internet access on business in the United Kingdom. Business models to support increased bandwidth are uncertain. Therefore, public policy for high-speed access is considered, although immediate intervention is not recommended. The upper end of the market will demand 23 Mbps downstream and 14 Mbps upstream by 2012, requiring fiber optics. One study showed that broadband penetration to 90 per cent of the public could increase GDP by 1.6 per cent.

IS-2007-23: Natural Gas Markets Post-Heating Season Update
This paper, by the Canadian Gas Association, explains how the price for natural gas fluctuates. It describes the factors that influence gas prices by showing projections for Spring 2007 made in the Fall of 2006. Some of the factors include raw materials costs, weather, amount already in storage, and levels of exploration.

IS-2007-22: Simon Malls: the Largest Energy Management Deployment in North America
The paper, by Richard-Zeta Building Intelligence, Inc., describes a method for improving energy management in retail shopping malls. Energy management is achieved through remote meter reading, load shedding, and participation in demand response programs. The meters and energy management systems are integrated into a Meter Data Management System via a gateway. The meters use the Modbus protocol, while the Energy Management Systems use BACnet. The gateway is based on the Richard-Zeta Mediator Multi-Protocol Exchange platform. Meter data are encoded in XML.

IS-2007-21: Impact of ICT on Real Estate to Create a Total Branded Experience; Introduction to Community 2.0
According to a paper by Cisco Systems, new communities will combine residences and businesses to facilitate economic development. This integration uses IP-based services to create a "total branded experience" called Community 2.0. Communities and buildings need to adapt to humans.

IS-2007-20: CABA Intelligent Buildings Roadmap Executive Summary
The CABA Intelligent Buildings Roadmap is a collaborative industry-funded research project that explores the opportunities offered by emerging intelligent building technologies. The full report examines the challenges facing intelligent building implementation within North America and identifies the market developments and industry initiatives needed to support the wider adoption of these technologies.

IS-2007-19: Mastering the Metadata Menace
In this paper, published by The Diffusion Group, the functions and implementation methods for cable TV set-top boxes are explained. The set-top box stores the on-screen TV guide, manages video-on-demand (VOD), and may run a built-in personal video recorder (PVR). All these functions put stress on the data storage and processing requirements of the set-top box. Inconsistent implementation technologies and the variety of set-top boxes in the field are limiting growth in set-top applications, which is the future of the cable TV business.

IS-2007-18: FTTH in Asia: Japan Leads but China is a Sleeping Giant
According to this report, published by The Diffusion Group, the leading nations for FTTH are Japan and Korea, with China and India growing. Penetration was five million at the end of 2005 and is expected to reach 40 million by 2010. Korea has 80 per cent broadband penetration. China is surpassing the US in broadband users. The demand for broadband is fueled by IPTV and gaming. FTTH is more aggressively priced in Japan than in the US.

IS-2007-17: China's Path to Digital Multimedia - The Path Less Traveled
According to this report, published by The Diffusion Group, the Chinese are willing to spend more on cell phones and broadband than on IPTV (TV via the Internet). China will introduce digital TV as a hybrid of terrestrial broadcast, mobile, and broadband delivery methods.

IS-2007-16: Understanding the Shifting Demand for Home Networks
This paper, published by The Diffusion Group, maintains that the demand for home networking is declining. The market growth for broadband and home networking is "about to be exhausted." This market will be sustained by push campaigns.

IS-2007-15: The IPG Goes New Media: Trans-Platform Personal Entertainment Guides
According to this report, published by The Diffusion Group, the on-screen program guide, called the Interactive Program Guide, is evolving into a Personal Entertainment Guide (PEG). Such a guide must know the viewer, be available on multiple viewing media, and simplify entertainment viewing. The PEG is geared to individual viewers, not to households.

IS-2007-14: The Distribution of Profits in the Networked Digital Home
This paper, published by The Diffusion Group, claims that the market for integrated home systems will not become a mass market for five to 10 years. Products in the home are divided into four clusters: entertainment, productivity and data communications, voice communications, and home management. These clusters will be independent, centrally controlled, or distributed. The key issue is who will profit from owning the control points.

IS-2007-13: The Medium is the Message - New Media and Its Impact on Media Consumption
This paper, published by The Diffusion Group, wrestles with defining new media. It characterizes new media as computer-based and likely to use the Internet with digital imaging and a graphical user interface. Academic sources are cited.

IS-2007-12: Multimedia Phones as a Portable Game Console Replacement?
The paper, published by The Diffusion Group, argues that the cell phone is not and will not become a substitute for a portable gaming console. Most prefer to use cell phones for talking, playing music, and playing video (in that order). Cell phone makers would need to get established in the portable gaming console market for their cell phones to be used widely for gaming. Alternatively, a cell phone company might partner with a gaming company.

IS-2007-11: Mastering Content in the Mobile Video Market
This paper, published by The Diffusion Group, questions the market size for portable video players such as the iPOD Video. Will consumers pay for the video programming? The author maintains that a multimedia cell phone is better suited for video. About one-third of cell phone users who were surveyed have an interest in video on cell phones and 14 per cent would pay for it. The favorite contents are news and sports. Likely content preferences by demographic segments are described.

IS-2007-10: The Emergence of Broadband Television
This paper, published by The Diffusion Group, introduces Internet-based TV (IPTV), applications ranging from short video presentations up to movies, and likely market developments. The delivery mechanism is broadband with an adapter to present the video on a television. About 160 million TVs will use or include such adapters by 2011.

IS-2007-09: IPTV's Impact on the Business of Television and the Emergence of "Internet 3.0"
According to this report, published by The Diffusion Group, IPTV is driven by the proliferation of broadband and the need for telephone operators to gain income from TV distribution. There will be competition from satellite companies, cable companies, broadcasters, and telephone companies. Hotel operators may benefit from IPTV. IPTV will succeed based on the programming offered. The author calls IPTV "Internet 3.0."

IS-2007-08: Business Models for Managing the Digital Home
This paper, prepared by Parks Associates, summarizes a survey of households with Internet access in the US and Canada on their willingness to pay for maintenance services. Such services might deal with security (viruses, spyware, spam), home networks, and software/hardware failures. Other potential services include on-line storage, installation and configuration management, and remote or on-site technical support.

IS-2007-07: Digital Home Health - A Primer
This paper, prepared by Parks Associates, examines what motivates the healthcare industry and consumers to adopt technology for supplementing care delivered by medical professionals. It notes consumers will take the lead with self-monitoring provided there is appropriate equipment, cooperation of caregivers, and insurance reimbursement. Geriatric monitoring of routine daily activities may be included. Long-term studies are needed to convince insurers to pay for these services. The market for home health technology was $461 million in 2005 with an expected growth rate of 74 per cent per year through 2010.

IS-2007-06: Media Servers in the Digital Home
This paper, prepared by Parks Associates, examines storage systems for homes, and categorizes them as network attached storage, multimedia PCs, set-top box media servers, and high-end media servers. Manufacturers of hard disks are drivers for this market. Some consumers are increasing multi-media storage capacities by 50 per cent per year. Media server shipments will total about 50 million in all categories by 2010.

IS-2007-05: Broadband Europe: A Tale of Many Markets
This paper, prepared by Parks Associates, examines broadband markets in Europe. It finds as of February 2007, the highest penetration of broadband in Europe is in Scandinavia. 82 per cent of broadband customers use DSL. Those countries encouraging competition have greater broadband penetration. This report includes a survey of services offered by incumbents and new competitors.

IS-2007-04: Digital Youth Study
The Digital Youth study, developed by the CABA Internet Home Alliance Research Council and released Feb. 15, 2007, examined youth influence on consumer technology purchase. It found that youth age 8-18 have influence on the purchase of products/services that are primarily used by youth and not by parents. They exert little influence on the purchase of: desktops, laptops, Media Center PCs, external hard drives, printers (color laser, all-in-one inkjet, standard inkjet, snapshot photo), broadband, digital cameras, satellite radio, HDTV, and DVRs. Cisco Systems and AT&T led, funded and participated in this research.

IS-2007-03: Home Networking Study
The Home Networking Study, developed by the CABA Internet Home Alliance Research Council and released Feb. 15, 2007, provides an up-to-date, comprehensive understanding of opportunities and barriers to home networking as they occur throughout the adoption cycle: from purchase through installation, use and maintenance. Of particular interest to project sponsors are factors affecting consumer interest in advanced network applications in areas such as entertainment and home control. Cisco Systems, AT&T, SupportSoft, and Whirlpool Corporation led, funded and participated in this research.

IS-2007-02: Russian Market for Building Automation Systems
This report is an executive summary of a market survey of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment installed in Russia, published by the Russian Association for Building Automation and "BIG-RU" Association BACnet Interest Group Russia. The methodology for gathering and costing the data is explained. HVAC equipment is categorized as control and control/monitoring systems. Controllers are divided into those with interfaces to sensors and valves, and network controllers without such connections.

IS-2007-01: Ceramifying Polymers for Advanced Fire Protection Coatings
This paper, published by the Co-operative Research Centre for Polymers at Monash University, describes a new fire retardant. It consists of ceramic polymer that can coat thermoplastics. The basis for the ceramifying polymer is a PVC material and a non-halogen ethylene-propylene diene rubber (EPDM). The fire retardant characteristic is due to a cellular structure that also provides a support structure. Tests are reported that demonstrate the fire retardant features.