Samsung, Dell and Intel Establish Internet of Things Alliance

The Open Interconnect Consortium looks to deliver a specification, an open source implementation, and a certification program for wirelessly connecting devices.

LOS ANGELES – Samsung, Dell and Intel this week introduced a home automation alliance called the Open Interconnect Consortium that creates an open-source standard for machine-to-machine communication.

Aiming to capitalize on the growing Internet of Things market, the standard competes with similar home automation standard groups such as the Qualcomm-led AllSeen Alliance, which counts LG and Microsoft among its 51 members, CRN.com reports.

The Open Interconnect Consortium’s goal is to create a seamless wireless platform for everything from thermostats, security cameras and lightbulbs to talk to each other, CRN.com reports. The consortium said it will be releasing specifications for developers to create streamlined data flow between devices regardless of OS, device type or wireless communication standard later this year.

Home automation system integrators say while too many standards is never a good thing for consumers, it’s a good sign for the home automation industry. “We are always excited to hear when large companies want to get into this market. It raises awareness among consumers and has the potential to drive new business for us,” said Tyler Lantzy, president of SaaviHome, a small home automation systems integrator and Connect4 partner based in Louisville, Colo.

Tech giants such as Apple, Google, Microsoft and now Samsung are pursuing home automation strategies even though the technology has not yet caught on with most consumers, Lantzy told CRN.com. “These companies are all entering the space based on where they expect the market to go, rather than where it is now,” he said.

Home automation is a subset of the IoT market, which research firm IDC forecasts will be worth $7.1 trillion by 2020. Major players are fiercely battling it out hoping to get a piece of that pie.

Google and Apple, however, are pursuing their home automation strategies alone, CRN.com reports.

Google in January spent $3.2 billion to buy Nest Labs, which makes energy-efficient thermostat and smoke/carbon dioxide alarms. Then in June, the company bolstered its home automation offerings by buying surveillance camera maker Dropcam for $555 million.

Apple debuted HomeKit for iOS 8 at its recent Worldwide Developers Conference. HomeKit products, which can be controlled with iOS 8 Apple devices, range from deadbolt locks to Philips Hue light bulbs to select Haier air conditioners.

The Open Interconnect Consortium members said open-source code will allow developers and device makers to create devices, wearables and sensors that communicate with one another regardless of OS or protocol. Open Interconnect Consortium standards will encompass wireless technologies including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee and near-field communication (NFC).

If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

Security Is Our Business, Too

For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.

A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.

Subscribe Today!

Get Our Newsletters