A device automation system for providing automatic control of one or more devices in an environment includes a hub in communication with the one or more devices and with a data network where the hub is configured to issue commands to the devices and receive data from the devices; and a central server in communication with the hub through the data network where the central server is configured to install one or more automation applications in the hub or on the central server for handling events generated at the devices. Each of the automation applications responds to an event and issuing an action in response. The central server is configured to determine that a first set of the events is to be handled at the hub while a second set of events is to be handled at the central server.