FM newsroom – facility operation, smart buildings. In a bold step toward smarter, greener buildings, Siemens and Microsoft have partnered to make it easier than ever to connect building systems to the cloud, utilising open standards and a streamlined approach that reduces complexity by up to 80%.
A Smarter Way to Connect Buildings
Siemens’ Building X platform will now work seamlessly with Microsoft Azure IoT Operations, providing building operators with a fast and flexible way to connect everything from HVAC systems to air quality sensors—all in the cloud, according to the official announcement.
What’s new? The system utilises open standards, such as W3C Thing Descriptions and OPC UA PubSub, making it compatible with a wide range of devices and significantly reducing setup time.
“This collaboration with Microsoft reflects our shared vision of enabling customers to harness the full potential of IoT through open standards and interoperability,” said Susanne Seitz, CEO, Siemens Smart Infrastructure Buildings. “The improved data access will provide portfolio managers with granular visibility into critical metrics such as energy efficiency and consumption. With IoT data often being siloed, this level of transparency is a game-changer for an industry seeking to optimize building operations and meet sustainability targets.”
Less Effort, More Insight
The integration allows facility managers to connect their systems with just one click—no deep technical expertise required. Once connected, they gain real-time data on temperature, energy usage, occupancy, and more, all of which are viewable in the Azure cloud.
This opens the door to smarter decision-making, whether you’re trying to optimise energy use, improve air quality, or get more out of your space.
“Siemens shares Microsoft’s focus on interoperability and open IoT standards. This collaboration is a significant step forward in making IoT data more actionable,” said Erich Barnstedt, Senior Director & Architect, Corporate Standards Group, Microsoft. “Microsoft’s strategy underscores our commitment to partnering with industry leaders to empower customers with greater choice and control over their IoT solutions.”
Coming Later This Year
The solution is expected to roll out in the second half of 2025, starting with offices, campuses, and data centres. Siemens and Microsoft say more industries will be supported soon after.
With rising energy costs and increasingly stringent sustainability targets, buildings must become smarter. This Siemens–Microsoft partnership offers a clear path forward: open, scalable, and ready to help businesses hit their environmental and operational goals.