Software frameworks provide a platform to allow businesses to more easily build their end-product offerings. Tridium’s patented Niagara Framework® is targeted at solving the challenges associated with managing diverse smart devices, unifying their data, and connecting them to enterprise applications. Examples of smart devices include: monitoring and control systems, sensors, metering systems, and embedded controls on packaged equipment systems.

framework, n. something composed of parts fitted together and united; a structural frame; a basic structure (as of ideas); in object-oriented programming, a reusable basic design structure, consisting of abstract and concrete classes, that assists in building applications.

Niagara Framework, n. a universal software infrastructure that allows companies to build custom, web-enabled applications for accessing, automating, and controlling smart devices in real time over the Internet.

NiagaraAX is the third generation of Tridium's Niagara Framework. This Java–based software framework provides an infrastructure to enable systems integrators and developers to build device–to–enterprise solutions, and Internet–enabled control and monitoring products. The Framework integrates diverse systems and devices (regardless of manufacturer or communication protocol) into a unified platform that can be easily managed in real time over the Internet (or intranet) using a standard web browser. The Framework also includes a comprehensive toolset that enables non-programmers to build rich applications in a drag-and-drop environment.

NiagaraAX is fully scalable, meaning that it can be run on platforms spanning the range from small, embedded devices to enterprise class servers. Niagara is being successfully applied in energy–services, building–automation, industrial–automation and M2M applications today.