BEMServer vs Carrier i-Vu

BEMServer is an open-source platform for deploying a modular building energy management system. It gathers information from building management systems and sensors alongside weather, occupant feedback, building descriptions, and contextual data. The platform connects building hardware with data-oriented services, storing building models, time series, and events for access through documented REST APIs. Its data model follows IFC and Haystack standards. Processing modules interpret collected information to identify issues or inefficient operation and support recommendations and decisions. Listed modules cover fault detection and diagnosis, renewable energy simulation, energy management, load forecasting, indoor environmental quality, and visualization. The software is licensed under AGPL-3.0, and sellers using a modified version must publish their modifications under that license. There is no software license fee, although installation, configuration, maintenance, and selected modules may be paid services. The maker recommends help from someone with Python and Docker knowledge and says installation was tested on Debian 9. BEMServer currently supports building monitoring; other uses require extending its functionality.

Carrier i-Vu is building automation software for central monitoring, control, and optimization of HVAC and integrated building systems. i-Vu Pro presents system data, schedules, alarms, and trends in a browser-based interface accessible from web-enabled devices. It also includes dashboards, reports, trend visualization, insight sharing, security updates, and live system backups; Carrier describes it as built on open BACnet standards. The on-premises version is licensed for use in a customer's own infrastructure, while i-Vu Cloud is hosted on AWS and includes server maintenance, monitoring, database redundancy, backups, and software upgrades. Carrier says the cloud service uses BACnet Secure Connect. i-Vu Express supports integration with third-party systems such as lighting and metering. A Life Sciences offering provides change records, digitally signed reports, and audit-ready documentation aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations. Pricing is on request, and license or subscription scope and usage limits may apply. The cloud BAS service does not provide alarm monitoring, alarm response, or dispatch.