OpticWise: Empowering Smarter Properties Through Intelligent Digital Infrastructure

We focus on delivering solutions that are both future-proof and cost-effective by designing scalable data & digital infrastructures to evolve with technology.”

In today’s world, seamless digital connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a fundamental requirement. OpticWise is transforming the commercial real estate (CRE) industry with intelligent, future-ready infrastructure solutions. Founded by network design expert Drew Hall, OpticWise was born from the recognition of a persistent gap in CRE: outdated, unreliable connectivity that no longer meets the needs of modern tenants and businesses.

Today’s occupants expect far more than basic internet access—they demand secure, high-speed, and resilient digital environments that support smart building technologies and evolving workstyles. Unfortunately, many CRE assets lack the foundational infrastructure required to meet these expectations. The result? Frustrated tenants, reduced property values, and missed monetization opportunities for owners.

OpticWise addresses this challenge by reimagining and rebuilding digital infrastructure from the ground up. The company designs and manages fully integrated, secure environments that improve tenant experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and future-proof assets. Under the leadership of CEO Bill Douglas, OpticWise is redefining how CRE stakeholders view connectivity—not as a cost center, but as a strategic advantage.

In Conversation with Bill Douglas, CEO of OpticWise

You were recognized among the “5 Best CRE SaaS Solution Providers.” What sets OpticWise apart, and what does this recognition mean to your team?

It’s an incredible honor for us at OpticWise—it validates the mission we’ve been driving toward: transforming digital infrastructure in commercial real estate to deliver real, measurable value to both property owners and tenants.

What differentiates us is our holistic approach. Many vendors stop at connectivity—we go beyond that. We don’t just deliver internet; we build fully managed digital ecosystems designed for performance, privacy, and scalability. At the heart of our solution is the 5S^® User Experience, which addresses critical pillars like speed, security, and seamless service. This recognition motivates us to keep innovating and pushing boundaries in CRE tech.

What does “Building Intelligence” mean to OpticWise, and how do your solutions go beyond traditional methods?

To us, Building Intelligence is about embedding smart, secure data & digital infrastructures into every layer of a property. While traditional setups involve a patchwork of disconnected networks, we take a unified approach—integrating all digital components into a single, fully managed environment.

Our SaaS platform enables real-time control, privacy-first data access, and predictive analytics that drive proactive decision-making. Owners can reduce downtime, enhance energy efficiency, and unlock new tenant services. We’re helping clients move from reactive building management to intelligent, data-driven operations—and in doing so, redefining what a modern commercial property can be.

How do your solutions help CRE owners improve operations, boost tenant satisfaction, and generate new revenue streams?

It starts with control and visibility. Our fully managed data & digital infrastructure services give property owners actionable insights into building performance, allowing them to streamline operations and reduce downtime. Security is engineered into the network architecture, eliminating vulnerabilities and improving reliability across all systems.

Beyond that, we help unlock new monetization avenues—whether through premium tenant connectivity packages, smart system integrations, or digital concierge offerings. With OpticWise, owners aren’t just providing Wi-Fi—they’re delivering a differentiated digital experience that drives NOI and retention.

Your 5S^® managed Wi-Fi solutions are highly regarded. What challenges do they solve for CRE owners and tenants?

CRE properties often face network issues ranging from inconsistent coverage to inadequate security. Our 5S^® managed Wi-Fi is engineered specifically for these environments. It delivers seamless, building-wide connectivity that’s private, fast, and resilient.

What makes our solution stand out is proactive network management. We monitor, optimize, and secure the digital infrastructure across the CRE property in real time, removing the burden from property teams. For tenants, it means uninterrupted productivity—whether they’re streaming, conferencing, or running cloud-based operations. It’s a game-changer for tenant satisfaction and retention.

How do you ensure that your solutions remain both future-proof and cost-effective, especially across retrofits and new construction?

We design infrastructure with adaptability in mind. Whether upgrading legacy systems or starting from scratch, we deploy scalable technologies that evolve alongside the building’s needs. That means fewer costly upgrades and the flexibility to support future technologies—whatever they may be.

Our goal is long-term efficiency: lower capital and maintenance costs, fewer system failures, and the ability to accommodate growth without reengineering the network. This approach delivers a strong ROI and supports our clients’ strategic planning.

What role does sustainability play in your platform, particularly in energy optimization and waste reduction?

Sustainability is embedded in everything we do. Our intelligent systems reduce energy waste by optimizing performance and enabling dynamic control of building operations. Through IoT integrations, via our BoT^® strategies, we help manage lighting, HVAC, and other systems to minimize consumption and lower utility costs.

Can you share anything new that OpticWise is developing to elevate Building Intelligence and tenant experience?

Our upcoming services will further enable CRE owners to look deeper into their properties and their portfolios. CRE owners and operators have told us what they want, which is guiding every release we plan to add to our menu of services.

We’re constantly innovating. Our upcoming features will give CRE owners even deeper visibility into both single properties and entire portfolios. These insights will support more informed asset management, tenant services, and predictive maintenance strategies.

What legacy does OpticWise aim to leave in the CRE space?

Our vision is to demystify technology for CRE. We want to make it easier for owners and operators to adopt digital tools that truly serve their assets and their tenants. That’s why Drew and I are co-authoring a book with Fast Company Press this year titled “Peak Property Performance – Game-Changing AI & Digital Strategies for Commercial Real Estate.” It’s a practical playbook to help CRE professionals embrace technology with confidence. Ultimately, we want OpticWise to be known as the partner that helped shape the next generation of intelligent, high-performing commercial properties.

“That’s what ‘Building Intelligence’ means to us—turning commercial spaces into smart, adaptable assets that work for both tenants and owners.”

Bill Douglas, CEO