Control4 states that its very open policy regarding interoperability between products from different manufactures is not only what sets it apart from the competition, but also makes it “the first company to make whole-home automation a practical option”. The main networking technologies that it uses are Ethernet and ZigBee, a wireless RF standard.
The upcoming release of ZigBee Pro is very significant in opening up the platform, as Control4 says it will be able to integrate with a growing number of third-party products.
“This allows installers to offer more solutions to its customers, with a simple and cost effective Control4 system at the heart of the project,” says a spokesperson. “Furthermore, expandability and upgrades are very attractive propositions for both the installer and the home owner.”
By the end of the year, Control4 says it will have over one million ZigBee nodes in the market.
The Control4 Partners Program, unveiled earlier this year, is aimed at enabling third-party manufacturers to design products that easily integrate with the Control4 platform. Relationships have been struck with companies including LG Electronics, Black & Decker and Panasonic.
“Control4 is partnering with leading manufacturers of all of the components used in home systems,” said Will West, CEO of Control4. “The fact that we are licensing our core technology clearly demonstrates our level of commitment to providing high quality, affordable and easy-to-use home-automation technology to the broadest market possible.”
“Control4 is a leading company for home automation systems and we are excited about partnering with them to offer automated door locks for the broad market,” said Dave Albert, vice president of brand marketing and business development, Black & Decker hardware and home improvement group. “Through our association with Control4, we will reach the broad market for home automation.”
