Siemens, Microsoft Ally to Streamline IoT Data in Buildings

Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Microsoft launch a strategic collaboration to optimize the accessibility and processing of Internet of Things (IoT) data within building environments. This alliance will enable interoperability between Siemens' Building X platform and Microsoft Azure IoT Operations, projected to reduce integration efforts significantly while impacting operational efficiency and sustainability.

"This collaboration reflects our shared vision to enable customers to leverage the full potential of the IoT through open standards and interoperability. Enhanced data access will provide portfolio managers with detailed visibility into critical metrics such as energy efficiency and consumption," says Susanne Seitz, CEO, Siemens Smart Infrastructure Buildings, in a press release. Seitz adds that IoT data is often siloed, which is why the agreement represents a paradigm shift for an industry striving to optimize building operations and meet sustainability objectives.

This collaboration stems from the numerous complexities involved in the management of data generated by IoT devices in commercial buildings, data centers, and higher education institutions. Historically, information from sensors and operational systems, for example, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, valves, and actuators, has remained isolated within proprietary ecosystems. This isolation limits its analytical potential and its application for process optimization. 

The integration of Building X with Azure IoT Operations, enabled by Azure Arc, addresses this situation by providing a unified infrastructure for data ingestion, monitoring, and analysis. Azure IoT Operations, as a component of Microsoft's adaptive cloud strategy, facilitates the connection of edge devices and integrates data, empowering organizations to optimize their operations and fully leverage their IoT environments. 

“This technological synergy aims not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to provide the foundation for developing customized use cases, such as energy monitoring and space utilization optimization, thereby promoting sustainability,” reads Siemens press release.

The implementation of this solution is projected to result in an up to 80% reduction in data integration efforts, says the company. This translates directly into more efficient building operations and progress toward sustainability goals. The capability to onboard devices to the cloud with one click and the efficient exchange of data are expected to provide customers with greater autonomy in designing their IoT architecture.

A core aspect of this collaboration is the utilization of established industry standards, including World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web of Things (WoT) descriptions for metadata and hardware and software interfaces. It will also allow for the use of Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) for data communication to the cloud. The active participation of Siemens and Microsoft in the W3C and the OPC Foundation ensures alignment with guidelines for building an industry based on accessibility, interoperability, privacy, and security. 

“Siemens shares Microsoft's approach to IoT interoperability and open standards. This collaboration is an important step toward making IoT data more useful and actionable," says Erich Barnstedt, Senior Director and Architect of the Corporate Standards Group, Microsoft. Interoperability between Siemens' Building X and Azure IoT Operations is scheduled for the second half of 2025. Building X, a Siemens digital platform for buildings, is part of Siemens Xcelerator, an open business digital platform designed to accelerate customers' digital transformation.