Home Techology Integration

by John Vanston, Henry Elliott, Michael Bettersworth, and Wayne Caswell

Dec 01, 2006 Print Article

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A growing number of homeowners and homebuilders are integrating digital technology into residences because the cost of these systems is decreasing. System integrators (employers) indicate a lack of available expertise in the home technology integration (HTI) sector capable of designing, installing and supporting these home subsystems. HTI includes audio, video, networking, control systems, air conditioning, security and computer technology. As the entry cost of HTI solutions and services decreases, the market is expanding beyond large, custom-built homes and into the broader mass housing market.

The analysis and information resources provided in this report will aid colleges in developing HTI programs and certificates. This publication includes an overview of HTI technology, analysis of existing HTI curriculum, descriptions of relevant industry certifications, the nature of HTI jobs and skills, a directory of over 100 Texas HTI companies, and market drivers and constraints impacting the HTI industry and employment.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	v
Preface	vii
Executive Summary	ix
1 Observations, Methodology and Recommendations	1
Observations	1
Methodology	2
Recommendations for CTC Academic Decision Makers	2
2 Background	7
Defi nition	7
HTI Applications	8
Future of HTI	14
3 HTI as a Career	25
Demand	25
Estimated Salary Levels	29
Job Responsibilities	30
Size and Location of Markets	35
4 Initiating an HTI Program	37
Current Programs	37
Faculty and Facility Requirements	42
Industry and Education Partnership to be Leveraged	43
Anticipated Timing of Curriculum	44
5 Conclusions	45

Forecasts

About the authors

Dr. John Vanston is an internationally-renowned consultant, educator, and author in the fields of technology forecasting, emerging trends, technology/market integration, and technology management in uncertain environments. He founded Technology Futures, Inc. (TFI) in 1978, and served as its president for 14 years, building the Austin, Texas-based company into a leader in the technology forecasting, planning, and management fields.

Dr. Vanston has conducted research, consulting, and education projects for a wide range of commercial, government, and academic organizations, including, among many others, Chevron Chemical, Kodak, Boeing, Nortel, National Security Agency, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, and the Texas State Technical College System.

Prior to establishing TFI, Dr. Vanston served as a professor of nuclear engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He also served as deputy director of the University's Center for Energy Studies, an interdisciplinary organization that he helped establish in 1974. Earlier, Dr. Vanston served as a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army.

Henry Elliott

Henry Elliott is a research consultant at Autin-based Technology Futures Inc. where he has worked on projects involving the valuation of IT solutions companies, analysis of emerging technology paradigms, sustainable economic development, and the study of emerging industry and technology trends.

Prior to joining TFI, Mr. Elliott was a co-founder of Nanotechnologies Inc., an Austin-based startup nanomaterials company where he did strategic market analysis and established relationships with strategic partners. Mr. Elliott is a member of the Materials Research Society and the International Microelectronics and Packaging Society. Mr. Elliott received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

Michael Bettersworth

Michael Bettersworth is the associate vice chancellor for technology advancement at Texas State Technical College and founding director of TSTC Forecasting since its launch in 2002. TSTC Forecasting identifies new competencies needed by employers so that college curriculum can be updated to enhance the employability of college graduates and ensure a superiorly skilled workforce for Texas employers. This work has led to the development of new technology courses, certificates, and degree programs offered at colleges throughout the State of Texas and funding for talent pipeline development through new capacity building and student scholarship grant funds.

Wayne Caswell

Wayne Caswell is the founder of CAZITech Consulting which helps organizations find and exploit new opportunities in broadband, wireless and home networking markets and offers service including strategic planning, market & competitive analysis, and market development. Before CAZITech, Wayne’s 30-year IBM career progressed from punch card and computer operator through programming and systems engineering, and into marketing and market strategy. He introduced the company to the emerging Home Systems industry, promoted a unified Home Systems strategy, influenced OS/2® & HomeDirector™ product development, helped pioneer the Residential Gateway concept and RG standards, and served as the Marketing Chairman of the HomeRF™ Working Group, an initiative that converged voice, data and entertainment networks.

Wayne has a BS degree in Technology Management from American University, lives in Austin, and is a member of the Austin Wireless Alliance, CABA (Continental Automated Buildings Association), and the World Future Society.