A. O. Smith, manufacturer of hot water systems for homes and businesses, has launched the new iCOMM Connectivity Platform, breaking down old barriers surrounding remote monitoring and placing control firmly in the hands of commercial plumbing contractors and facility managers.

The new iCOMM Connectivity Platform is available via the A. O. Smith app on iOS- and Android-ready mobile devices. All Cyclone MXi models now come standard with onboard Wi-Fi, which makes remotely connecting and interacting with Cyclone water heaters easy and free.

Another benefit of the iCOMM Connectivity Platform is flexibility. According to David Chisolm, vice president of marketing for A. O. Smith, commercial water heater customers ranging from small businesses to chain operations could benefit from the system’s real-time data and alerts.

“With complete integration on mobile devices and wireless connectivity, this latest iCOMM innovation sets a new standard for monitoring and maintaining commercial hot water systems,” Chisolm said. “This app is designed to empower commercial contractors who want to provide superior service and facility managers who value the peace of mind that comes with knowing their business is running smoothly because it has the hot water it needs.”

Installers will find the latest iCOMM system easy to set up. Connecting and registering an iCOMM-compatible Cyclone water heater involves updating or installing the A. O. Smith app, connecting to the building’s Wi-Fi network and completing the step-by-step app sign-up process. Once connected, users can interact with one or multiple heaters on the app, adjusting temperature and differential, viewing status and fault history, and setting custom alerts.

A. O. Smith was the first to market with water heater connectivity in 2009. The system operated through a desktop application that monitored a water heater hardwired to the Internet, said Matt Schulz, the product manager leading the new iCOMM roll-out.

“A. O. Smith pioneered water heater connectivity, and this new iCOMM platform once again pushes connectivity into new territory by facilitating convenient, mobile two-way communication between our customers and their hot water systems. These services come all at no cost for hardware, subscriptions or any other fees,” Schulz said. “For commercial applications, such as institutions, multi-family housing, restaurants and hospitality, the new iCOMM service provides remote control, convenience and the peace of mind these businesses need.”