BEMServer vs Distech Controls EC-Net Facilities (formerly EC-Net 4)

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.

Distech Controls EC-Net Facilities, formerly EC-Net 4, is a server-class platform for enterprise building management. It networks Niagara-based EC-BOS controllers and other IP devices, including Eclypse Connected IP and Wi-Fi products, and serves real-time graphical information to browser clients. Server functions include centralized data logging and trending, external database archiving, alarms, system navigation, master scheduling, and database management. A graphical engineering toolset supports application development. The platform operates with the EC-Net web-based building management system powered by the Niagara Framework, and can also run EC-Net Access for access control. Listed integrations span HVAC, lighting, energy, fire and smoke, physical access, video, and industrial or processing control. Its XML interface uses the oBIX standard. Adaptive HTML5 views support desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers. Listed security controls include role-based permissions, password requirements, login lockouts, single sign-on, Google two-factor authentication, TLS encryption, certificates, and electronic signatures. Operating system requirements include Windows 11 or 10 Pro x64, Windows Server 2022 or 2019, and Linux x64 with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.7 or Ubuntu 22.04. No software price is displayed; buyers are directed to a local agent.