The status quo in the automated building industry is dissolving, and its traditional roles are rapidly becoming detached in the major restructuring. Open protocols and internet/intranet extensions are leading us to less "in control" relationships that may only exist for the term of a project or the term of supplied services. These relationships will become more complex, but more fluid, in the automation projects of the future.

Companies' ability to forge "velcro relationships" that can attach and detach from project to project as needed will become cardinal for their survival. As the "glue" rapidly dissolves, parties must reinvent themselves to gain control of newly expanded (but greatly fragmented) markets. The industry must reformat quickly to keep up with changes in technology, business opportunities, and customer expectations.