Open Connectivity Foundation aims to standardize IoT devices

2017-02-17 | By Maker.io Staff

There is one thing that has become apparent over the last few years with IoT devices and that is seamless integration with one another is almost non-existent. Throughout CES 2017 there was an abundance of new innovative IoT devices however, every major manufacturer is locked down in their own software that they have designed specifically for their devices. We also live in world full of patents and intellectual property and every now and then some major companies come to blows about who has copied who (Apple Vs Samsung) etc. Why can’t we all just get a long in an open source world accelerating great innovation for the future generation?

The Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) based on the former Open Interconnect Consortium (OIC) is dedicated to providing this open interconnectivity element in the IoT industry, in silicon, software, platform and finished consumer goods. If you take a look at current devices, some can communicate with each other already using some third party device/application but there isn’t currently a standard language that exists.

Currently device makers have to make a choice to choose between a number of different frameworks, effectively having to choose which services they want to be a part of and this is a huge decision for any company to make. For the end users like myself, you are having to also choose whether the products I’m buying are compatible with the system I’m buying into, such as Samsung SmartThings or Android Things etc.

Currently there are a number of high profile companies that are leading the way for such a standard including Intel, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Samsung, LG and Sony. Prior to the OCF these companies were doing their own thing, pulling and pushing on all different direction of standardisations. They were either a part of the Open Interconnect Consortium or the AllSeen Alliance. Now those groups all have now formed under the OCF, working towards a single framework standard which not only support new devices but is also working for backwards compatibility with older devices. Putting that all in perspective, it is a huge step for the IoT industry.

During CES 2017, the OCF demonstrated how IoT products would work in conjunction with one another. At their booth was a home scenario, a living room with light bulbs, a TV, air conditioner and a robot vacuum cleaner. All these devices were able to be controlled using a single Windows 10 computer. This year the OCF stated that they are working towards a certification programme that end users can look for in IoT devices.

Although this is a big step forward for many companies joining the OCF, there are currently a number who do not wish to be a part of it, including the likes of Apple and Google who are some of the biggest tech companies in the world, and this may frustrate many manufactures as together they hold the majority of market share. So still the initial decision making process is still important and difficult.

So how does this effect the makers? Well, if you are a small start-up company creating IoT devices, becoming a part of the OCF will give you access to hundreds of device from high profile companies. The benefits of joining far out weight creating your own proprietary system. This is something to think about when creating your own IoT devices, even from a tinker level.