Big technology companies led by computer and server builder Dell Inc., semiconductor maker Intel Corp. and electronics conglomerate Samsung Electronics have banded together to development standards that will govern technologies for the so-called Internet of Things.
The Open Interconnect Consortium (OIC) is focused on developing a common communication framework for connecting and managing the flow of information among personal computing and other emerging IoT devices, “regardless of form factor, operating system or service provider,” according to a statement from the group.
Other members of the group include Wi-Fi solutions firm Atmel Corp., Broadcom Corp. and Wind River.
IoT is used to describe the concept of everyday physical objects such as computers, cars, machinery, sensors and even toasters connected to the Internet. This connection enables people to monitor and control the objects but also makes it possible for the objects to identify themselves and communicate with other Internet-connected objects. Some analysts foresee the IoT market growing into a US$2.7 trillion to US$6.2 trillion economy by 2025 as billions of devices become connected.
Members of the OIC will contribute software and engineering services to the development of a protocol specification, open source implementation and a certification program geared towards the advancement of IoT development. The OIC initiative encompasses connectivity solutions as well as wireless standards designed for compatibility with various operating systems.
The first OIC open source code will focus on specific requirements of smart phone and office solutions. For instance the specification can make it easier and simpler to remotely control through and receive notifications on secure smart phones, tablets and laptops from smart appliance and enterprises.
In December last year another group of companies created the AllSeen Alliance which is also working of developing IoT standards.
Among the members of AllSeen are Panasonic, LG, Qualcomm, Sharp, Technicolor and Microsoft Corp. which joined the consortium just last week.