As building systems get smarter, the line between IT and operations keeps getting blurrier. Heating and cooling, lighting, access control, and energy management—all the systems that used to “just work”—now depend on complex networks, data, and automation software.
This evolution has delivered efficiency and insight, but it’s also introduced new friction. Building managers who once focused on equipment and comfort now find themselves navigating firewalls, cybersecurity protocols, and network permissions. The result: a growing tension between two critical teams—operations and IT.
When Two Worlds Collide
Traditionally, IT managed business systems and digital networks, while building operations teams kept the physical environment running safely and efficiently. Each side operated in its own lane, and that worked fine—until the rise of connected buildings and IoT.
As building automation systems (BAS) began running on business networks, those clear boundaries dissolved. IT inherited systems they didn’t design or fully understand, while building managers suddenly had to adapt to IT standards and policies that weren’t built for operational technology (OT).
That overlap often leads to:
- Network restrictions that limit BAS performance or vendor access.
- Delayed upgrades due to cybersecurity reviews or approval processes.
- Duplicate vendor management and confusion over who owns what.
- Increased exposure to ransomware and cyber threats when legacy systems connect to IT infrastructure.
According to a report by Honeywell, 71% of surveyed facility/building managers say OT cybersecurity is a concern. Additionally, only 44% had a cybersecurity solution in place for their OT systems. And 27% of those surveyed reported having experienced a cyber breach of their OT systems in the past 12 months. It’s clear the convergence of IT and OT has created both opportunity—and risk.
Why “Separate but Connected” Works Best
The goal isn’t to divide IT and building operations, but to allow both to thrive in their areas of strength. Increasingly, forward-thinking organizations are doing this by moving building systems off business networks and into dedicated private cloud environments.
A private cloud is not the same as the public clouds used for email or collaboration. Instead, it’s a secure, single-tenant environment built specifically for operational technology. It gives building systems a modern, connected infrastructure—without entangling them in corporate IT networks.
Here’s how this approach benefits building teams:
- Fewer Bottlenecks: When BAS and OT systems operate in a private cloud, building professionals can manage equipment and data directly—without waiting for IT to open ports, set up VPNs, or approve configuration changes.
- Stronger Cybersecurity: Private cloud environments isolate OT from IT, reducing exposure to ransomware and unauthorized access. They also allow customized security protocols tailored to building systems, not office networks.
- Easier Upgrades: Unlike on-premise servers that get replaced every 15 to 20 years, private cloud environments enable regular software updates and patching without downtime or capital expense.
- Centralized Oversight: Building managers can monitor multiple properties or systems from one web-based dashboard to view performance, alarms, and analytics in real time.
- Room to Grow: Private cloud infrastructure scales easily as building portfolios expand, supporting additional locations and systems without costly hardware installations or IT intervention.
Is It Time to Rethink Your Setup?
If your BAS or OT systems still rely on aging on-site servers—or if your IT department has flagged cybersecurity concerns—it may be time to explore alternatives. Consider whether:
- Your existing automation servers are nearing end-of-life or no longer supported.
- IT policies are slowing down maintenance or updates.
- You manage multiple buildings that need consistent oversight.
- You’re planning a major BAS or energy management upgrade.
- Recent audits exposed vulnerabilities tied to building systems.
If the answer is “yes” to one or more of these, moving to a private cloud architecture could simplify operations and reduce risk.
The Bottom Line
Smart buildings run on both physical and digital systems—and both need the freedom to operate efficiently. By separating building automation and control systems from corporate IT infrastructure, building managers can reduce complexity, improve cybersecurity, and gain the flexibility to manage systems their way.
In the end, the goal isn’t to separate people—it’s to separate responsibilities. When IT and building operations each have the tools and autonomy they need, buildings perform better, systems stay secure, and everyone’s job gets a little easier.
