Side by side
BEMServer vs OpenBMS
Both stand on building management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
BEMServer offers a modular, open-source foundation for building monitoring, with data collection, processing, and a REST API. Plan for deployment expertise and possible service costs, and note that uses beyond building monitoring require extensions.
Visit BEMServerConsider OpenBMS if you want an open-source, on-premise building management system for BACnet- or MQTT-speaking devices, with control logic configured through a visual interface. Look elsewhere if you need real BACnet device discovery now or require semantic modeling, BuildingMOTIF validation, the AI copilot, or G36 demand limiting before those capabilities are available.
Visit OpenBMSThe facts
| BEMServer | OpenBMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web | Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | bemserver.org | openbms.io |
| On building management software | #1 of 26 | #4 of 26 |
BEMServer: what it does well
- Open-source software with no license fee
- Stores building models, time series, and events
- Provides a documented REST API
- Includes forecasting and fault-detection modules
What to know first
- Currently supports building monitoring only
- Deployment may require Python and Docker knowledge
- Installation was tested on Debian 9
- Services and selected modules may incur charges
OpenBMS: what it does well
- Open source under the AGPL-3.0 license.
- No licensing fees, per-point charges, or annual contracts.
- Designed for BACnet- and MQTT-speaking devices from multiple manufacturers.
- Offers a visual no-code/low-code interface for control logic.
- Supports virtual sequence testing through FMU export.
What to know first
- The project is marked Pre-Release.
- Real BACnet device discovery and integration are planned for Phase 7.
- Several described features are marked Coming Soon.
- The available platform is web, with on-premise deployment.
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