IT Biggies Intel, Samsung, Dell Form New IoT Association
One way to tell for sure that the Internet of Things (IoT) has mainstreamed is the number of associations, groups and the like that IT heavyweights either are forming or joining. Let’s just say the number of consortiums is multiplying.
One way to tell for sure that the Internet of Things (IoT) has mainstreamed is the number of associations, groups and the like that IT heavyweights either are forming or joining. Let’s just say the number of such consortiums is multiplying.
The newest one brings together Dell, Intel (INTC) and Samsung in what the principals are calling the Open Interconnect Consortium (OIC), which, similar to its cousins the AllSeen Alliance and the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) seeks to establish standards for smart devices to work together and talk to one another.
Touchscreen chip builder Atmel, Broadcom and embedded software maker Wind River also are members in the new group, which expects additional recruits will come from appliance and device manufacturers, service and solution providers and chipset manufacturers in the next few months.
The OIC’s goal is to construct an industry standards-based common communications framework for wirelessly connecting objects and devices and managing the flow of information emanating from them—regardless of form factor, OS or service provider.
“The rise and ultimate success of the Internet of Things depends on the ability for devices and systems to securely and reliably interconnect and share information,” said Doug Fisher, Intel corporate vice president and Software and Services Group general manager. “This requires common frameworks, based on truly open, industry standards. Our goal in founding this new consortium is to solve the challenge of interoperable connectivity for the Internet of Things without tying the ecosystem to one company’s solution.”
Officials said OIC members will bring to the party software and engineering expertise to help develop protocol specifications, open source implementation and a certification program. The specs will span a variety of connectivity solutions and make use of current and emerging wireless standards along with OS interoperability.
The organization initially will target open source code for smart home and office solutions such as deploying smartphones, tablets or PCs to remotely control smart home appliances, save money and conserve energy. Specifications for automotive, health care and industrial also are in the works for future development.
“We invite other industry leaders, whatever their background and vertical specialism, to join us in defining and embracing a common communications framework for the Internet of Things,” said Jong-deok Choi, Samsung Software R&D Center executive vice president and deputy head.
