Unified SHaaS solutions can be more affordable than a bunch of connected devices. A SHaaS ecosystem can eliminate the overall number of sensors required, reducing redundancy and maintenance. A single sensor could be used for a variety of applications. For instance, a motion sensor could be used in a security system, for controlling lighting, for managing home environment, for controlling entertainment options, for family lifestyle, and maybe even for feeding the family pet.

Finally, in the battle going on with large technology companies regarding who will own the smart home and the Internet of Things, it makes it quite difficult for a consumer to decide which communication technology to use in their home. In addition to the commonly used and easily understood choice of WiFi, Bluetooth and ZigBee, now the industry behemoths are introducing their own varieties of incompatible and competing smart home communication technologies. Not only does this make it overly complex for end-users, it is a challenge for the companies who actually develop and market the various hardware and software components destined for the smart home ecosystem.

If they guess wrong, and roll out a line of products based on an emerging standard that does not catch on, they could be wasting millions of dollars of development costs and years of development time.