A virtual gateway software application may comprise a graphical user interface, and be configured to receive immediate command instructions for local connected devices from each of: a user, via the graphical user interface and a remote server on the Internet; via a wireless LAN or a short-range communication protocol. The application may relay the immediate command instructions to one or more of the connected devices via the wireless LAN or the short-range communication protocol while the device on which the application resides is within the particular building environment. It may store delayed command instructions for the local connected devices from each of: the user, via the graphical user interface; and the remote server on the Internet; and relay one or more of the delayed command instructions from the mobile communication device to one or more of the connected devices via the wireless LAN or the short-range protocol.