We’ve talked about the five families of home automation and touched on some of the standards to be aware of. This week, we’re diving into the various forms of cloud interactivity in home automation — and where not to be standing if the Cloud evaporates.

Part Three – How Cloudy Should It Be?

Cloud

A Brief History of Home Automation Connectivity

Back in 1995, everything was on-premise. We’d drive to site, build every client file on a laptop, and store them on office servers at the end of the day. There was no off-site control for clients, no remote programming for technicians – just a lot of driving.

By 2005, clients had clunky but functional remote access to their homes, and our techs could program systems remotely. Files were still crafted by hand on laptops, but some remote interaction was possible. Let’s call this period Site Interactive.

Fast forward to 2010 and the rise of Cloud Interactive systems – early examples like Nest (Revolv) and SmartThings introduced cloud-connected automation to the mainstream.

Then came Cloud Dependent systems like Wink and Insteon around 2011 – cheaper, aimed at mass-market buyers, but with serious downsides.

So, What’s the Right Amount of Cloud?

It depends on your priorities:

  • 🏦 On-Premise: Ideal for maximum security – think banking or government setups. A person with an ID badge physically on site still beats the cloud every time.
  • 🏠 Site Interactive: Great for security-conscious homeowners. Combine on-prem control with a site-to-site VPN and you’ll get solid remote access while keeping control in your hands.
  • ☁️ Cloud Interactive: Perfect if you’re willing to trade a little security for convenience — richer off-site control, seamless updates, and less travel time for service.
  • ⚠️ Cloud Dependent: The danger zone. When the internet drops – or worse, when the provider folds – your smart home stops being smart and you need to buy a torch to find your way to bed.

If you are trying to decide which system to get, give us a call for some free advice – happy to share with you what we have learned over our 30 years’ in home automation.

When Insteon shut down suddenly in 2022, thousands of homeowners lost control of their systems overnight – lights, switches, sensors, all gone. Here’s what happened.

The Cloud’s a great place for storage – not for your entire home to live. Keep the convenience, ditch the dependence. So if the Cloud fades, your smart home keeps working – and you stay in control.

Lights on

Simplify Life.