When it comes to big players in the World Wide Web, Jim Clark should require little introduction. But the 73-year-old billionaire doesn’t make the same kinds of headlines as the likes of Internet and technology giants Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg.
In 1981, Clark co-founded Silicon Graphics, a high-performance computing hardware and software manufacturer that later on became a crucial component in the production of visual effects and 3D imaging in the movie industry. After leaving Silicon Graphics in the early 90s, Clark went on to found Netscape—the famous early web browser; Healthscape, which later became WebMD; and Shutterfly, an online image publishing service known for its photo books.
And once again Clark is starting a new venture, a building management app called CommandScape.
CommandScape’s platform offers management controls for physical security, video surveillance, lighting, shade control, and motion detection for automation and alerts. All of which will be underpinned by “an entirely new cyber-secure platform.” The app has only been available for a month, and the company has plans to introduce support for climate control, network monitoring, energy monitoring, access control, home entertainment, and multimedia in the future.
“There has been limited building management innovation over the last several years and in turn, there remains a need for a highly secure and integrated control system suitable for commercial properties and large homes,” Clark, who serves as CommandScape’s chairman and sole founder, told VentureBeat. “CommandScape solves that problem with the next generation of security and control that allows users to connect and manage their property though an intuitive application anywhere and anytime.”
A key component of CommandScape’s offering is its mobile-first visual interface. Property owners and managers can see a floor plan of their building(s) through the app and can zoom in and interact with specific features, like lighting and blinds, or take a look at a live video feed of a room.
Through the CommandScape app, users can also manage multiple properties from around the world, which may come in particularly handy for businesses that have properties in multiple countries, like hotels. And the platform allows owners and managers to authorize individuals with remote access to specific properties, granting different degrees of permission depending on the building or other requirements of a given space.
CommandScape isn’t just a software company that leans on third-party hardware. The company’s own physical products cover custom lighting, shades, and fan control. The company also manufactures security products, including specially designed motion detectors. However, CommandScape does rely on partner hardware companies for some things, including video cameras and various other system components.
For now, CommandScape has the financial backing of Clark himself and a count of 25 employees, but Clark and his employees have high hopes for where it can go.
“CommandScape is the culmination of Jim Clark’s prior business ventures, and together we’re determined to bring a compelling experience for customers and integrators alike,” Don Boerema, former chief corporate development officer of ADT Security Services and current president and CEO of CommandScape, told VentureBeat. “CommandScape provides property owners a secure and integrated experience that offers flexibility, customization, and peace of mind through a sophisticated and secure combination of hardware and software. We built this solution with very clear customer needs in mind and are fully committed to delivering secure solutions that delight our customers with every aspect of our system.”
CommandScape’s origins can actually be traced back more than a decade. In 2005 Clark planned to begin marketing software that he had developed himself to automate his personal yachts and Florida mansion. “I don’t have in mind a massive consumer play here,” Clark said at the time. “There is a potential to build a nice, tidy little business.”
The original software was designed to meet Clark’s personal needs, and although he had previously acknowledged its commercial potential, it wasn’t until 2015 that he decided to kick off the business venture. And now 12 years later that potential is a reality.
To learn more about CommandScape, visit commandscape.com.
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