OpticWise – Transforming Commercial Real Estate into Intelligent, Connected, and Profitable Assets with Cutting-Edge Data & Digital Infrastructure Solutions

The commercial real estate (CRE) landscape is evolving, and with it, the very definition of asset value. Location alone is no longer the differentiator—data & digital infrastructure are. Owners who command their building’s data, connectivity, and technology don’t just enhance operations; they create new revenue streams, strengthen financial positioning, and drive net operating income (NOI) to new heights. In an industry where efficiency, security, and tenant experience dictate success, the ability to control digital assets is now a business imperative.

This is where OpticWise delivers a decisive edge. As a leader in CRE technology and data intelligence, OpticWise empowers property owners with seamless connectivity, advanced analytics, and managed digital infrastructure—ensuring every square foot works smarter and performs better. From robust network architecture and managed WiFi to AI-driven insights, OpticWise transforms buildings into intelligent, revenue-generating assets.

Bill Douglas, the visionary CEO of OpticWise, spoke exclusively to CIO Bulletin about how his company has become a go-to expert in commercial real estate technology, empowering property owners to transform buildings into smart, connected, and highly profitable investments.

Interview Highlights

OpticWise champions the concept of Building Intelligence in commercial real estate. What inspired this vision, and how has it evolved since the company’s inception?

From the start, OpticWise was built on the vision that commercial buildings should be more than just structures—they should be intelligent ecosystems that optimize data and operations, enhance tenant experiences, and drive new revenue opportunities. We saw a major gap in the industry: buildings were struggling with outdated digital infrastructures, leaving owners at a disadvantage in an increasingly connected world.

This led to the development of Building Intelligence—a holistic approach that transforms properties into data-driven, fully connected environments. Through our world-class BoT^®, the IoT solution designed specifically for buildings, we provide real-time insights, predictive maintenance, and automated optimizations that improve efficiency and sustainability.

As technology advances, our mission remains the same: to empower property owners with intelligent, future-ready solutions that redefine the commercial real estate experience.

"If you don’t own your data & digital infrastructure, you don’t really own your building." This is a powerful statement. Can you elaborate on how this philosophy drives OpticWise’s mission?

At OpticWise, we believe that a building’s true value isn’t just in its physical space and amenities—it’s also in the data and digital infrastructure that power it. If property owners don’t control these elements, they’re at the mercy of third-party providers, limiting their ability to optimize operations, enhance tenant experiences, and unlock new revenue streams.

Our mission is to put that control back in the hands of building owners. We create fully managed, secure digital environments that provide real-time insights, automation, and scalability. This approach ensures that owners aren’t just leasing space—they’re delivering a seamless, data-driven experience that keeps their properties competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

In an industry where digital transformation is still catching up, what are some of the biggest challenges property owners face in managing their digital infrastructure, and how does OpticWise solve them?

When it comes to digital transformation, many property owners still rely on legacy infrastructure, fragmented networks, and third-party providers—limiting control, increasing operational inefficiencies, and leaving tenants frustrated with unreliable technology services.

OpticWise solves these issues by eliminating complexity while integrating secure, high-performance connectivity, real-time monitoring, and AI-driven insights into a single platform. This not only enhances tenant satisfaction but also reduces costs, improves energy efficiency, and creates new revenue opportunities—allowing property owners to future-proof their assets with confidence. We design and operate fully managed data and digital infrastructure solutions architected for CRE.

Your 5S^® Managed Wi-Fi solutions offer seamless mobility, security, stability, speed, and service. How does this proprietary approach set OpticWise apart from traditional connectivity providers?

Traditional connectivity providers focus on delivering internet access, but they don’t address the full scope of what property owners and tenants need—seamless mobility, security, privacy, and network reliability. OpticWise’s proprietary 5S^® Managed Wi-Fi goes beyond basic connectivity by creating a fully integrated, high-performance digital infrastructure designed specifically for commercial real estate.

Our 5S^® framework ensures uninterrupted connectivity across an entire property, with enterprise-grade security, network optimization, and proactive management. Unlike traditional providers, we don’t just install a network; we actively manage and optimize it, and we’re accountable for its performance and user support. This ensures tenants always have a frictionless experience, while property owners maintain complete control over their data and their digital environment.

From energy efficiency to real-time occupancy insights, data-driven operations are redefining commercial real estate. How does OpticWise’s platform enable property owners to make smarter, cost-effective decisions?

Imagine a commercial building where every system—connectivity, energy management, security, etc.—works in harmony, automatically adapting to real-time needs. Property owners often struggle with outdated, fragmented infrastructure that leads to wasted energy, network disruptions, and tenant dissatisfaction. Without real-time visibility, they miss opportunities to optimize operations and reduce costs.

OpticWise changes that by providing a seamless digital infrastructure that captures and analyzes data across an entire property. Owners can proactively adjust HVAC systems to lower energy waste, allocate resources based on occupancy trends, and prevent network downtime before it impacts tenants. Actionable intelligence ensures buildings operate efficiently, enhancing tenant satisfaction while reducing operational expenses. With OpticWise, property owners gain complete control over their data and digital assets, making their buildings more resilient, sustainable, and profitable.

Data security and privacy are major concerns in CRE. How does OpticWise safeguard sensitive building data while ensuring its effective utilization?

OpticWise eliminates this risk by ensuring that all data remains in the owner’s control, along with the digital infrastructure. Our platform is designed with end-to-end encryption, strict access controls, and proactive threat detection to safeguard sensitive information. We don’t just secure data—we make it work for property owners, enabling them to leverage insights for operational efficiency without compromising privacy. With OpticWise, owners can confidently optimize their buildings while maintaining complete security and compliance.

With the rapid rise of IoT and smart building technologies, how does OpticWise ensure CRE owners remain ahead of the curve without the risk of outdated infrastructure?

Our solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with emerging IoT advancements, allowing property owners to leverage the latest tools without worrying about obsolescence. We call this our Building of Things^® (BoT^®) strategies.

We future-proof CRE assets by creating flexible, modular platforms that can easily accommodate new technologies and innovations. Instead of major overhauls, we ensure properties can scale and update in a way that’s cost-effective and sustainable so that property owners remain at the forefront of innovation without the risk of being left behind.

Leadership | OpticWise

Drew Hall is the Founder and Chief Architect of OpticWise, bringing simplicity to the highly technical world of smart building solutions. With a strong background in network technology and innovation, Drew focuses on security, reliability, scalability, and long-term viability to ensure that OpticWise remains a trusted partner for property-owning clients.

Bill Douglas is the CEO of OpticWise, leading the company with a commitment to innovation and excellence in the smart building and IoT space. With his deep experience in technology-driven solutions, Bill has been pivotal in steering OpticWise’s growth and success. Under his leadership, OpticWise has developed a suite of cutting-edge digital solutions that help commercial real estate owners optimize building operations, enhance tenant satisfaction, and boost profitability.

Bill Douglas and Drew Hall have authored a book, ‘Peak Property Performance – Game-Changing AI & Digital Strategies for Commercial Real Estate’ published by FastCompany Press in June 2025. It outlines five strategic moves that provide far-reaching financial and competitive advantages for commercial real estate businesses. With real-world examples, compelling sports analogies, and practical tools, Douglas and Hall guide readers toward establishing data-driven, AI-enabled commercial real estate powerhouses.

“Our proprietary 5S^® Managed Wi-Fi goes beyond connectivity, creating a fully integrated, high-performance digital infrastructure with enterprise-grade security, AI-driven optimization, and proactive management designed specifically for commercial real estate.”