ABB, Bosch, Cisco and LG form a consortium working on a vendor neutral smart home software platform, signing a memorandum of understanding with the intention of developing "an open architecture for data exchange."
According to the memorandum the software platform will allow the interoperation of diverse devices and software together with application software distribution.
"This will allow appliances and devices made by different manufacturers to be part of home automation, security, healthcare, and entertainment services," the companies say. Currently nothing of the sort exists, making it difficult for diverse devices to play nice with each other in a standardised way.
The standard should allow compatible appliance to communicate over wireless (wifi, ZigBee) and wired (KNX) networks, with a central control unit taking care of device management and secure internet links. It will also allow control via mobile devices, an arguably crucial element for any modern automation system.
“Let’s take our homes into the internet!” Bosch board member Dr. Stefan Hartung says. “An open standard for data exchange is the basis for this. At the same time, our innovative and beneficial services can improve quality of life in the homes of the future, and allow us to use energy efficiently, safely, and comfortably, both in our homes and our cars.”
Of course, the success of such a platform depends on vendor adoption, even if the 4 companies appear to be casting their nets wide enough. The consortium gives no release timeframes as yet, but the plans require antitrust authority approval first.