What about the risk of deploying OT technologies in their relatively recent building automation applications?

For HVAC contractors, having a separate OT network brings control of IP devices back into your hands. If all IP devices are left to IT to deploy, manage and troubleshoot, you as the HVAC contractor will be working on IT’s timeline and within their skill set, as opposed to your own. If the HVAC contractor is able to deploy their own OT network then that brings the risk of IP-enabled devices down, and leaves out the variables that arise when working through the IT department. One other thing to consider, on new building commissions, HVAC may be installed well before an IT department is brought into the building, which can cause delays for the HVAC contractor who needs the IP-enabled controllers to be networked.