ABI Research reports home automation is moving into the mainstream-- predicting 90 million homes worldwide will employ home automation by 2017.
The chief driver for such growth? Managed automation services, as telecom, cable, security, and utility providers team up with smart device vendors, managed software providers and local installation specialists in order to expand their offerings.
The analyst predicts the WW managed automation market will grow with CAGR of 60% over 2012-2017, higher than the forecast 31% CAGR for the total automation market (comprising luxury, mainstream and DIY deployments) over the same period.
Managed automation makes sense for customers-- monthly subscription payments (often bundled with existing services) replace large up-front installation and equipment purchases.
N. America leads the way in automation, with service providers such as ADT, Comcast, Verizon and Lowe's launching additional energy management and security monitoring services, providing a model for Europe to follow.
Go Home Automation, Security and Monitoring Report (ABI Research)