Turn Down The Heat Via The Web

Compiled ByDeborah Austin Carrier Corp. and IBM Corp. are launching a new Web-enabled air conditioner that will let owners control temperatures and on/off switches wirelessly using a secure Web site -- and send fault codes and other diagnostic alerts to mobile phones, e-mail, or fax. The wireless remote-monitoring/control service, called "Myappliance.com," will be built on an e-infrastructure supported by IBM services, software, and hardware -- communicating in real time with other devices such as mobile phones and PCs. Carrier dealers, installers, and engineers will have individual unit control and access to key customer data. Over time, performance and maintenance information can be used to anticipate potential problems. Carrier plans to launch the service from WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) phones this summer to several hundred commercial and residential customers in Europe. Carrier Corp. is a manufacturer of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems and equipment -- and a subsidiary of Hartford, Conn.-based $26.6 billion United Technologies Corp. The $88.4 billion IBM is based in Armonk, N.Y.