WANs and Webs: Remote Monitoring by Any Other Name

The use of computer networks as a resource--and tool--for energy management is growing by leaps and bounds. Every day more resources are announced for monitoring energy trends and exchanging data, goods, and services.

A great challenge for energy managers considering the use of on-line energy management is separating fact from hype. To make informed decisions on cost-effective strategies for using networked computing resources, end users must have a good understanding of both the underlying technologies and viable energy applications.

Three trends--two mature and one emerging--currently characterize on-line energy management:

* The use of on-line data resources and the Internet for information on energy and building products.

* Electronic commerce and funds transfer for energy and equipment procurement. …