Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF),
a leading Internet of Things (IoT) standards body, today announced the
completion of OCF Specification Release 2.2.0 and launch of the first
ever Cloud-to-Cloud Certification Program. Specification Release 2.2.0
includes the OCF Universal Cloud Interface (UCI), the industry's first
solution to unify the IoT ecosystem through cloud-to-cloud connectivity.
Standardizing Cloud-to-Cloud Connectivity
Today, IoT devices can be connected in three different ways:
- Directly by the controlling device through local connectivity (Device-to-Device)
- Via an IoT Cloud (Device-to-Cloud)
- Through multiple clouds (Cloud-to-Cloud) in which a cloud connects to devices
The
OCF UCI offers a standardized way for device manufacturers to connect
their clouds, making OCF technology a complete connectivity solution
along with the Device-to-Device and Device-to-Cloud standards previously
published by OCF.
Amongst
its many benefits, Cloud-to-Cloud interfaces enable immediate
connection between existing devices from different manufacturers with no
need for device modification or updates, while the OCF UCI enables
multi-vendor ecosystems to interoperate.
In
conjunction with the 2.2.0 specification, OCF is pleased to announce a
comprehensive certification program and the availability of an OCF
reference and open source implementation of OCF's UCI, available under
an Apache 2.0 license. This OCF reference and open source implementation
has passed all UCI certification test cases, allowing vendors
confidence to accelerate their development and certify Cloud-to-Cloud
connectivity using OCF. The UCI certification program will ensure
interoperability between devices on different clouds by communicating
via a Cloud-to-Cloud API. This certification program will certify two
types of clouds. A client-side cloud for mobile apps, TV apps, etc. and
device-side cloud for sensors, appliances, etc.
"The
OCF UCI not only simplifies collaboration between device manufacturers
but also simplifies the development process compared to proprietary
cloud APIs," said John Park, executive director, Open Connectivity
Foundation. "The OCF UCI Certification program is the industry's most
straightforward and effortless ways to enable device control and build
deeper integration within the IoT."
The OCF Specification Release 2.2.0 is now available for public download on the OCF Specification Page. An open source implementation of the OCF UCI is will be available this August.
In
addition to the OCF UCI, Release 2.2.0 now includes support for
low-power modes. This new feature enables the optimal use of sleepy end
devices/endpoints (SED/SEP) for use with IoT protocols such as Thread.
This support allows for battery-powered sensors and actuators and is
another major milestone in OCF's continued efforts to enable a more
cohesive home and building automation market.
Additional details on the OCF Specification Release 2.2.0 and Cloud-to-Cloud Certification Program are now available at OpenConnectivity.org.