Contact:
Bill Frank 
Savoy Automation 
508-366-1144
bfrank@savoysoft.com

Michael DiLorenzo
Schwartz Communications
781-684-0770
dilo@schwartz-pr.com

SAVOY AUTOMATION CYBERHOUSE 3.0 EXTENDS AND SIMPLIFIES HOME AUTOMATION, MONITORING AND CONTROL

Software integrates information and infrastructure to form Household Web; enables remote management over the Internet

WESTBOROUGH, Mass.November 9, 1998 Homeowners can now combine the processing power of the personal computer with the flexibility of the Internet to control appliances, home theatre products, heating and ventilation, lighting and security systems with today’s introduction of Savoy/CyberHouse 3.0 from Savoy Automation, a leading provider of Windows-based software for integrating home infrastructure with information system networks. Savoy/CyberHouse 3.0 is a software package that establishes a Household Web using the standard Internet protocol, TCP/IP. The TCP/IP protocol enables homeowners to monitor and control their home systems either on site or remotely over the Internet.

The Savoy/CyberHouse Home Automation System is a software package that runs on a Microsoft Windows PC platform. It manages many of the existing security, entertainment and automation devices on the market today, combining previously proprietary systems to form a single home automation networkthe Household Web.

“We needed a system that enabled us to work with just one software product instead of conforming to the multiple proprietary protocols found in home subsystems,” said Doug Blattner, CTO at Community Vision, Inc., which develops and deploys community Internet and Intranetworking systems. Savoy’s application programming interfaces (APIs) enabled us to easily integrate Savoy/CyberHouse 3.0 with our patent-pending SynapServer™ in record time. Without Savoy/CyberHouse 3.0, the job would not have been possible.”

“Savoy/CyberHouse is a leap forward in the management of home networks,” said David L. Nelson, chairman and CEO of Savoy Automation. “Savoy/CyberHouse is the only product on the market that enables end users full and remote dynamic control of the information and infrastructure of their homes. By providing such a powerful and integrated system that can be managed from either a PC or the Internet, Savoy/CyberHouse delivers unprecedented levels of security, comfort, convenience and economy.”

“The security, entertainment and automation industries continually introduce new products to help us manage our personal environments,” said John Pemble, president and COO of Savoy Automation. “Savoy Automation has designed Savoy/CyberHouse to be open and readily extensible so it can respond quickly to new security and automation products, as well as software applications. To that end, Savoy/CyberHouse 3.0 features well-defined, documented application programming interfaces (APIs) that allow third party developers to write additional Domain Managers, extending Savoy/CyberHouse support to new applications and device types.”

About Savoy Software
Savoy software acts as a “backplane” that integrates subsystems and PC applications.  Each real world subsystem or PC application “snaps” into the backplane with the aid of a “gateway” software component. The gateway translates each subsystem’s protocol to a standard that can be understood by all the subsystems and PC applications connected to the system.

Savoy’s client-server architecture enables remote and mobile users to dial into their home PCs either directly or via the Internet. Once connected, a user can check the status and control all subsystems and devices on their Household Web. Savoy/CyberHouse enables users to coordinate the activities of his or her home automation network with services offered on the PC, such as e-mail, voice mail, paging services, the Internet and faxing.

A key innovation of Savoy software is its rules-based architecture. This architecture offers users an intuitive interface to choose from established commands that select and define what preferences they have for various appliances, environmental applications and home security. Instructions to various elements of the home network are sent as pre-written messages, enabling users to easily establish and change the configuration of their network without reprogramming. Savoy software never needs to “go offline” to manipulate. Users can add or remove subsystems and applications, add or delete devices or operating “rules” while the system continues to run. This is particularly important in commercial installations that require 24/7 operation. Savoy/CyberHouse 3.0 offers APIs that allow third party developers to integrate new subsystems, PC applications and, in fact, build custom user interfaces.

Technical Support
Savoy/CyberHouse comes with an extensive online Help system. The Savoy/CyberHouse Guide and the online Help system provide the user with instructions and tips for installing and managing the system as features are explored. Technical support is available to customers via e-mail: support@savoysoft.com, the Internet: www.savoyautomation.com, telephone: 508-366-1144 and fax: 508-366-7845.

System Requirements
The server portion of Savoy/CyberHouse runs on Windows95, Windows98 and Windows NT (in beta) and requires 166 MHz and 16 MB.

Pricing & Availability
The Savoy/CyberHouse software suite starts at $399. The product is available immediately by contacting Savoy Automation at 508-366-1144 or it’s strategic partners and OEMs including IBM, Radionics, Elk Products, Cutler-Hammer and Genlyte.

About Savoy Automation
Savoy Automation develops, sells and supports software products that dramatically simplify building and deploying automation, monitoring and control applications across local area networks and the Internet. Founded in 1994 by Dr. David Nelson and headquartered in Westborough, Mass., the privately held company offers a family of compatible and interoperable products under the brand name Savoy. These products include Savoy/CyberHouse, its popular home networking and control product, which provides increased levels of convenience, comfort, reduced energy costs and safety. The Home Automation Association selected Savoy/CyberHouse for its 1996 Mark of Excellence Award for user friendly software. Savoy Automation can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.savoysoft.com.