Distech Controls EC-Net Facilities (formerly EC-Net 4) vs Tridium Niagara Framework

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.

Tridium Niagara Framework is software infrastructure connecting devices and operational data with people and systems managing workflows in buildings, data centers, industrial processes, and smart cities. Built-in tools cover control logic, data management, user presentation, histories, schedules, and alarms, including HVAC, lighting, environmental monitoring, and access integration. Niagara Supervisor provides browser access to alarms, logs, graphics, schedules, and configuration data. It includes multiple open-protocol IP drivers; other drivers may be purchased separately. Security features include hashed passwords, TLS communications, certificate-based authentication, and a Security Dashboard. Niagara Cloud Suite adds remote access, station-data recovery, and API access to semantically enriched data stored with Microsoft Azure. It requires a supported framework version and an active Software Maintenance Agreement. Initial Supervisor licensing also requires an SMA, which is needed for the latest Niagara version. Tridium reports more than one million instances across hundreds of thousands of projects. Pricing is on request.