New technology from Cyber-Rain enables commercial property managers to control landscape watering systems through any Internet connection, including smart phones.

Based in Encino, Calif., Cyber-Rain makes sprinkler control systems that adjust watering based on local weather information obtained from an Internet connection, reducing unnecessary watering during rain or cold temperatures.

With the company’s new product, XCI Cloud, residential and commercial property owners can control an unlimited number of landscape sprinklers from anywhere with an Internet connection. The system also enables users to remotely download data such as water consumption.

And yes, Cyber-Rain offers a free iPhone application that lets customers control their watering from hand-held devices.

“What we are providing is smart Irrigation in the palm of your hand,” says Cyber-Rain CEO Diana Schulz. "XCI Cloud gives property owners and managers a graphical tool that lets them manage watering from any Internet-connected computer in the world — and even through an iPhone app.”

Most sprinkler control systems rely on timers that must be manually adjusted, wasting water on days when watering is unnecessary. Cyber-Rain systems use weather data from the Internet to water only when it's necessary.

One of the biggest innovations of XCI Cloud is a comprehensive dashboard-based reporting capability that lets users know how much water and money they are saving. The system tracks usage by property and by zone, which allows property managers and owners to maximize their watering efficiency.

“We also provide users comprehensive reporting on everything from valve diagnostics to detailed logs of all irrigation activity,” says Shulz.

Privately held Cyber-Rain is backed by investors including DeWaay Investment Partners, Athenian Venture Partners, Momentum Venture Management and Funk Ventures.