Why Aero
Built for the people who install, own and run buildings.
Building automation shouldn't come with a meter attached. Aero is designed so integrators can sell systems instead of licenses, and owners can keep what they buy.
- 01
You own it.
AeroNode and AeroServer have no device or point tiers, no license files and no annual SMA. Expanding a system means adding hardware and labor, not negotiating a license upgrade.
- 02
It's secure by design.
Nodes only dial out over authenticated, encrypted connections, so no inbound ports are exposed. Firmware is signed and verified, and recovers automatically if an update fails.
- 03
It fits what's already there.
BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP and Metasys N2 on the field side, and a BACnet server that lets an existing front end see Aero points during a phased migration.
- 04
It's modern to engineer.
Discovery, point managers, drag-and-wire program sheets and reusable macros, all in a browser. Nothing to install on a laptop, and no engineering-seat licenses.
- 05
It's backed locally.
Every system is sold, installed and supported by an authorized dealer in your territory, with factory support from HBT behind them.
Side by side
Aero compared with typical capacity-licensed platforms.
The differences aren't about processor speed. They're about who controls the cost of the building over the next fifteen years.
| Typical capacity-licensed platform | Aero | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity licensing | Device or point tiers; expansion requires a license upgrade | None. Add devices and points freely |
| Annual maintenance | Software maintenance agreement required to stay on current releases | Updates included. No SMA |
| License files | Bound to hardware; transfers can carry fees | No license files at all |
| Engineering tools | Desktop tools, often licensed per seat | Browser-based AeroView on every node |
| Remote access | VPN appliances, jump boxes or port forwarding | Outbound-only AeroConnect (optional service) |
| Firewall exposure | Supervisors typically connect in to controllers | Controllers dial out. No inbound ports |
| Firmware integrity | Varies by platform | Signed bundles, hash-verified, automatic rollback |
| Serial trunks per controller | Commonly 1–2 onboard, more with expansion modules | 4 serial channels on every AeroNode |
Describes common industry practices; specific terms vary by manufacturer, product and agreement.
For dealers
- Sell systems, not license tiers
- Protected territories
- Dealer pricing and online ordering
- Factory technical support
For owners
- No annual SMA to keep current
- No license files to lose or transfer
- Secure, outbound-only architecture
- Local support from your dealer
For operators
- One interface in any browser
- Clear alarms with acknowledgement tracking
- Schedules and overrides without guesswork
- Dashboards and equipment graphics
Put Aero on your next project.
Authorized dealers design, install and support every Aero system. Find the dealer for your territory, or talk to us about becoming one.