Zigbee Alliance touts dotdot app layer as universal IoT language

zigbee dotdot

The Zigbee Alliance is busy promoting its plans for IoT interoperability at CES 2017 this week, which include not just Zigbee 3.0 products and development solutions, but also its new dotdot universal language for IoT devices, making it possible for smart objects to work together on any network.

Members of the Zigbee Alliance and Thread Group are showcasing the first demonstrations of dotdot devices running over Thread’s IP-based networks.

Most IoT devices don’t speak the same language even if they use the same wireless technology. The result is an Internet of Things that is often a patchwork of translations, adding complexity for developers and limiting users to single-vendor systems.

According to the Zigbee Alliance, the solution lies in a common language between all IoT devices on any network, giving developers a common platform to innovate on, and users the freedom to choose products that work for them. Zigbee devices already speak a common language – dotdot, the application layer at the heart of Zigbee technology – which can be applied across other IoT networks.

Others are addressing this challenge with new protocols still being drafted, or single-vendor solutions. By contrast, the alliance says, dotdot is an open, mature technology supported by the Zigbee Alliance’s 400+ global membership and a diverse supply chain, which offers developers flexibility and speed in building their products and business.

“The application layer that is the core language of Zigbee devices has driven significant growth in the IoT,” said alliance president and CEO Tobin Richardson. “Recognizing the opportunity to multiply that growth for members and the industry, market leaders within the alliance have come together to transform it into a universal language for the IoT, making it available to everyone, everywhere, across their network of choice.”

“Silicon Labs and our customers have succeeded in the IoT because of the scalability of Zigbee’s interoperability technology,” said Skip Ashton, VP of Software at Silicon Labs. “We’ve seen a significant increase in the adoption of Zigbee as developers recognize their investment in the established Zigbee market today will enable them to expand into new markets via dotdot.”

The Zigbee Alliance says it will be announcing more details about dotdot, including specifications, certification, and logo program, as 2017 progresses.

CES demo highlights include:

  • Zigbee IoT Interoperability Wall: This interactive in-booth IoT display will demonstrate how Zigbee is enabling a large interoperable ecosystem of products. Devices will be on display from: Bega, Bosch, Centralite, Danalock, Develco, DSR, Eastfield, Feibit, Heiman, Kroger, Kwikset, Ledvance, LEEDARSON, Legrand, Meazon, Megaman, Midea, Nortek, Oblo Living, Owon, OSRAM, Qorvo, Philips, QMotion, Schneider Electric, Silicon Labs, Systech, ubisys, UMEInfo, V-Mark, Wulian, Yifang and ZEN.
  • dotdot over Thread demo: Members of the Zigbee alliance and Thread Group will demonstrate from both organizations’ CES booths working prototypes of products that speak dotdot running on top of IP-based Thread networks. Member participants involved in this demo include: MMB Networks, Nortek, NXP® Semiconductors, Osram, P&G, Resolution Products, Schneider Electric, Silicon Labs, Yale and Zen Thermostat.

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