The Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF), sponsor of the IoTivity open source project, and AllSeen Alliance, which provides the AllJoyn open source Internet of Things (IoT) framework, have announced that the two organisations’ boards have approved a merger under the OCF name and bylaws.
The merger will advance interoperability between connected devices from both groups, the group statement notes, enabling the ‘full operating potential of IoT and representing a significant step towards a connected ecosystem’.
AllSeen Alliance chairperson Danny Lousberg commented: “By coming together as one group, we are able to make IoT a more seamless, secure experience for everyone involved, from developers to end users. The AllSeen Alliance and Open Connectivity Foundation have been working together closely to deliver a technologically comprehensive solution that makes sense for the industry and our members.”
The merger is designed to leverage the strengths of each organisation, with the AllSeen Alliance’s global membership, AllJoyn technology, and millions of AllJoyn-enabled products worldwide combining with the OCF’s membership, formal IoT standards and cloud-native architecture.
Open Connectivity Foundation executive director Mike Richmond said: “We’re incredibly excited about this unification as both groups have been working diligently to make this possible. As we forge onwards towards this shared goal, we are focused on building the most robust, open IoT software solution to achieve our vision – complete interoperability within the IoT.”
The announcement has been met with support from appliance manufacturer Electrolux.
Electrolux Group chief operations officer Jan Brockmann commented: “We believe this is a crucial move to unlock the vast potential of the Internet of Things for consumers around the world. Combining the best of these two organisations takes us one step closer to the vision of a home where our appliances can freely communicate with a wide range of other products and brands.
“Electrolux has worked actively within both AllSeen and the OCF to help shape the future of connected appliances by bringing about a common open IoT communications standard. We are now very well positioned in the marketplace as we continue developing smart, connected appliances that create best-in-class consumer experiences through great tasting food, care for your clothes and wellbeing in your home. This will be an important driver for profitable growth in the years to come.”
