Smartworld, a joint venture between UAE's top telecom services operator Etisalat and Dubai South (the rebranded Dubai World Central) has deployed the Cisco Digital Ceiling framework to create a smart, highly secure and connected indoor space at its new headquarters in Dubai.

The implementation brings together Cisco’s secure IT network with an advanced LED (light-emitting diode) connected lighting system from Philips Lighting to enable Smartworld to deliver a more connected, comfortable and intelligent working environment for both employees and guests, said a statement from Cisco.

Smartworld’s headquarters will be the showcase model of the company’s digital transformation and intelligent building capabilities for future developments in Dubai South, the UAE, and the broader region, it stated.

The Cisco Digital Ceiling deployment in Smartworld’s new headquarters will serve people’s dynamic needs in real-time, while also supporting the organisation’s drive for sustainable growth.

By connecting Smartworld’s building services onto a single converged IP network, the Cisco Digital Ceiling delivers multiple benefits that include human-centric environments, optimised workspaces, streamlined maintenance, and reduced energy consumption and operating expenses.

Smartworld CEO Abdulqader Obaid Ali said: "We are proud to be one of the first in the region to deploy the Cisco Digital Ceiling framework. Its potential goes beyond optimising building systems and creates a platform for a new ecosystem of building applications and services."

"It gives us new opportunities for transformational applications, analytics and business intelligence, and delivers the essential capabilities needed to make cost savings a reality. Our office building will act as a proof-of-concept for developers and organisations looking to build smart and intelligent buildings in Dubai South and the UAE," he added.

Cisco’s Digital Ceiling framework and solution sets accelerate digital transformation and extends the benefits of the IoT throughout Smartworld’s facilities, delivering a smart and highly connected environment that maximises efficiencies and optimises space utilization.

The energy-efficient Philips LED light fixtures are equipped with sensors that are connected to the Cisco Power over Ethernet (PoE) network. Real-time information provided by the lighting system, such as energy use and room occupancy data, help building managers to make informed business decisions, while workers can use their smartphones to adjust light levels and climate control.

"We are excited to see Digital Ceiling come to life in our region with Smartworld. Its early adoption by a forward-looking organisation sets a precedent for more deployments by demonstrating tangible business value and realising the incredible potential the solution presents," remarked Frida Kleimert, the head of channel and commercial sales, Cisco UAE.

"The result is a building that is not only smart but also seamlessly connected and highly secure. Smartworld will improve efficiency and sustainability at its headquarters while delivering highly personalised user experiences that improve productivity, safety and comfort of building occupants," stated Kleimert.

Cisco said it is working with industry leaders in lighting, building automation control, enablers and independent software vendors (ISVs) to deliver a rich set of solutions and a new information exchange powered by the network with its Digital Ceiling framework.

The Smartworld implementation includes Siemon’s ConvergeIT cabling infrastructure and Philips’ connected LED office lighting luminaires that use PoE and feature integrated sensors and smartphone applications for personal preference.

Paolo Cervini, market leader (MET) at Philips Lighting, said: "By combining our PoE LED connected lighting technologies with Cisco’s network innovations, Smartworld employees are able to personalise their working environment with a swipe of their finger. At the same time, building managers are armed with a wealth of data on energy use and occupancy to optimise their workspace, reduce operational costs and create a more sustainable and pleasant environment."

"On top of this, the lighting system is expected to improve energy efficiency by up to 80 per cent, compared to conventional office lighting," said Cervini.

Steven Foster, the managing director of Siemon, said structured cabling was critical to building strong IT infrastructures that form the foundation of IP-based networks vital to the success of businesses.

"By working closely with Cisco, Siemon provided Smartworld with high-performance intelligent building cabling solutions to best support Smartworld’s long-term digital strategy," he added.

A strategic Cisco Gold Partner in the emirates, Smartworld plans to work with Cisco’s expanding Digital Ceiling partner community to help other customers both in the UAE and Middle East move to a Digital Ceiling using the most efficient connected IoT endpoints from proven innovators in lighting and other building control systems.-TradeArabia News Service