SIA Updates OSDP Protocol

Published: October 3, 2012

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an updated version of its Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) specification.

OSDP allows devices, such as card readers, control panels or other security management systems to work together and provides the industry with a solution that moves far beyond the widely used Wiegand standard, according to a statement. A two-way channel paves the way for advanced security applications such as the handling of smartcard technology, PKI, and mobile device access. OSDP version 2.1.5 builds on the RS-485 serial interface that has already been adopted by numerous manufacturers, according to SIA.

Originally developed by HID Global and Mercury Security Corp., with recent contributions from Codebench, the protocol is spearheaded by the Access Control & Identity Subcommittee, a SIA Standards Committee group. Composed of industry representatives, manufacturers, integrators and end users, the subcommittee reviewed the specification for the initial release and will assemble a working group that will ready the specification for ANSI standardization. The working group plans to expand the specification to support IP communications, furthering the usefulness of the protocol for next-generation applications.

“This is an important milestone,” SIA Standards Chairman Steve Van Till says. “OSDP fills a glaring need within the industry and this release demonstrates that SIA Standards is actively doing its part to enable secure and trusted identity solutions. The addition of IP support is the next crucial step.”

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Future versions of the specification will incorporate practitioner comments and noted best practices, according to SIA. In the near future, the subcommittee has plans to launch an online practitioner forum for the protocol.

 “OSDP has room to grow,” says Dave Adams, co-chair, Access Control & Identity Subcommittee. “We want to invite those that utilize the specification to provide feedback and custom extensions. Industry practitioner interactivity is what can make a great spec an excellent spec.”

SIA members can purchase OSDP v2.1.5 for $10 through the SIA Online Store. Nonmembers can purchase the specification for $20.

Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series