Internet Home Alliance
Internet Home Alliance, Inc. is a non-profit association of leading companies working together to advance the home technology industry by developing the ecosystem needed to support the delivery of Internet Lifestyle solutions and educating consumers on the value of an Internet Lifestyle. An Internet Lifestyle infuses technology with daily living resulting in enhanced quality of life. Internet Home Alliance is an open alliance that encourages cross-industry participation. Currently, over 30 companies participate in the Alliance and the principal members include Best Buy Co., Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., General Motors, Invensys, The NewPower Company, Panasonic (Matsushita Electric Corporation of America), Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Sun Microsystems. The member companies share a mission to make the Internet and technology accessible and useful to families' lives.
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 Participating Internet Home Alliance Principal Sponsors
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Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, plays an important role in the development and deployment of what the company believes will be the next home utility: high-speed, always-on Internet connectivity. Cisco's Aironet access points and PCMCIA cards establish a residential area network that serves as the backbone to support a wide range of Internet-based wireless devices throughout the home. The freedom and flexibility of Cisco's wireless local-area networking systems further expands the reach of broadband access to new areas and locations. Aironet products offer speedy data rates of up to 11 megabits per second, which allow for the wireless transfer of even the largest data files and audio/video streams with reliability as robust as that of a wired network. Aironet products can also be equipped with an optional security mechanism to provide a level of data security that matches that of wired networks. Aironet products meet an industry standard for interoperability, which allows them to communicate with other manufacturers' products on the network.
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General Motors Corp.
General Motors' concept of the connected home extends beyond the four walls of the house and onto the road. GM's OnStar Virtual Advisor service delivers the Internet to a car or truck through a hands-free, voice-activated interface that allows drivers to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Virtual Advisor subscribers can access personalized Web-based information such as e-mail, stock quotes, news and sports updates, traffic reports, and weather conditions via a series of voice prompts. Through a partnership with General Magic and Etak, GM is offering subscribers an Internet-based real-time traffic service tailored to the driving experience. Rolling out to designated markets soon, the real-time service checks for traffic incidents within a 15-mile radius of a vehicle's location. Real-time traffic updates can include accidents, road congestion, travel delays, construction, weather-related road conditions and local events that affect traffic flow. Consumers in the U.S. spend 500 million hours a week traveling in their cars and GM wants to do its part to ensure that the driving experience is safe, enjoyable and productive.
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Hughes Network Systems
Hughes's DIRECWAY satellite antenna receives both broadband Internet access and DirecTV digital satellite service. With more than 400,000 one- andtwo-way systems installed in more than 85 countries, Hughes Network Systems is the world's leading provider of broadband satellite network solutions for businesses and consumers. Hughes Network Systems has shipped more than 6 million DirecTV set-top boxes. The DIRECWAY two-way satellite service is the
ideal high-speed Internet service for households with no access to Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or cable modem services. DIRECWAY connects PC users to the Internet at speeds up to 10 to 15 times faster than typical dial-up connections through the phone line. DirecTV receivers can pull in more than 225 television and music channels including local channels in many areas. Hughes also provides the Platinum HD DirecTV system, which receives high-definition TV in Dolby Digital surround sound.
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Panasonic
Panasonic carries a wide range of entertainment and home- and office-related products--and expects that someday virtually all of its consumer electronics will be part of a home network. As a pioneer in home networking, Panasonic is continually developing new products that consumers value in the connected home. For example, the company's security cameras operate over their own proprietary network, which enables homeowners not only to monitor up to four cameras from a Web browser but also to change the angle of each camera. Panasonic's public branch exchange (PBX) phone system brings the capability of a small office telephone system to the home. The system handles up to 8 lines and 16 extensions and can offer features including music on hold, call transfer, conference calling, intercom and call forwarding. The company's Toughbook PC has a ruggedized case for use inside or outside the home, and the stylish AVPC is an all-in-one space-saving PC with an integrated flat 15-inch LCD screen.
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Sears, Roebuck & Co.
Sears, Roebuck & Co. brings home automation to consumers nationwide, selling virtually every electronic product that can or will be found in a networked home, as well as installation services. During the February 2001 International Builders Show, homebuilders and homeowners got their first look at the connected home by Sears, Roebuck and Co. In a four-room showcase, Sears demonstrated a networked household in which a TV in the kitchen displayed video from Web cameras located throughout the house. Mobile Web pads from could also be used to surf the Internet or check e-mail from any room in the house. Meanwhile, a digital picture frame in the living room shuffled through photos from the Internet-connected family album, and kitchen appliances could be controlled by a wireless Web tablet on the refrigerator.
Participating Internet Home Alliance Associate Sponsors
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ADT Security Services
ADT Security Services is a unit of Tyco International Ltd., the largest single provider of total security solutions to residential, business and federal customers. ADT's latest security solution for the residential market, iCenter, expands the role of the security system in the networked home. The iCenter touchscreen is an icon-based controller that replaces the generic code-based security keypad with an easy-to-use graphics interface. In addition to simplifying control of the security system, iCenter delivers Web-based information such as traffic reports, weather and stock quotes on an automated schedule. Internet access gives ADT the ability to separate security and data signaling from a homeowner's phone line. It also allows for remote monitoring and control of a security system through a secure, encrypted network. ADT also supplies the motion and glass break sensors, contact closures and other hardware that are part of a security system. The company helps protect nearly 5 million customers in the U.S. against burglary, fire, intrusion and other emergencies through a nationwide network of sales and services offices and customer response centers.
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Home Director
Home Director hopes to pioneer a fundamental shift in the new-home construction industry toward the adoption of high-speed Internet access as the next home utility. The company is committed to bringing the digital lifestyle into the home by providing the structured wiring, software management and systems integration that bring all of a home's networked services and devices together. The Home Director Network Connection Center is the hub for integrated voice, video and data services throughout the home which enable entertainment, security, communications and home control solutions. A broadband Internet connection--whether delivered by phone line, cable or satellite--is a key driver for Home Director products including residential gateway products and digital music distribution systems. Home Director dealers including Digital Interiors and others custom design and engineer the home network according to the unique needs of homeowners and provide subscription services, installation and ongoing customer support. New Internet-based services such as digital music and movies, online banking and education and centralized family calendars and messaging systems are all part of Home Director's vision for the "Internet Everywhere" lifestyle. Home Director customers can control their home's devices and access information from anywhere in the world.
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Honeywell
Honeywell International Inc.'s Comfort, Energy and Health Solutions Business Unit, based in Golden Valley, Minn., provides global, progressive, and innovative solutions enriched by a heritage of delivering home comfort, energy management, security and convenience solutions for more than 115 years. From product development to distribution to installation and delivery, Honeywell provides fully integrated Web-enabled solutions with its Home and Away System. The system controls heating and cooling, lights, security, appliances, closed circuit TV, structured wiring and more. In addition, Honeywell provides consumers and business partners with easy-to-use and easy-to-install integrated home systems. Ultimately, the company’s history of successful solutions, backed by its strong brand that consumers recognize and trust, will help Honeywell accelerate the Internet Lifestyle.
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Additional Internet Home Alliance Principal Members
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Best Buy
Best Buy is the market leader for consumer electronics nationwide. As a "smart friend," Best Buy informs consumers about the benefits of connected technology and plans to offer installation, network solutions, and structured wiring. Best Buy Co. Inc.: www.bestbuy.com
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Invensys Home Control Systems
Invensys Home Control Systems are everywhere from garage doors to water tanks, thermostat controls, humidity sensors, and fan motors. Now Invensys wants intelligence in every control, with embedded controls for remote sensing, monitoring, and response. Invensys Home Control Systems: www.invensys.com
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NewPower
NewPower, the first nationwide energy provider, is bringing energy management to consumers via the Internet. Managing energy consumption remotely is expected to save consumers from 15 to 20 percent on their utility bills. The NewPower Co.: www.newpower.com
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Sun Microsystems
Sun Microsystems, proprietor of Java technology, is looking to complement their technological advances. Co-founders of Open Service Gateway Initiative (OSGI), Sun Microsystems is working on residential gateways and the development of a common platform for content and service delivery to the home. Sun Microsystems Inc.: www.sun.com
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Additional Internet Home Alliance Associate Members
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Autco Distributing
Autco brings electronics expertise backed by labor, inventory, and sales management to the home integration market. Autco provides advanced wiring and Internet strategies to homebuilders and direct consumers entering the home integration market. Autco Distributing Inc.: www.autco.com
AVAD
AVAD provides a channel to the custom installation market for manufacturers looking to enter the custom audio/video and communications marketplace. Same-day inventory, customer service, training and technical support help AVAD build and sustain an orderly marketplace. AVAD LLC: www.avad.com
Coactive Networks
Coactive Networks connects home and business devices to the Internet via connectors, routers, and advanced telemetry services. Coactive Networks also supports the remote energy pilot to increase consumer control over home automation and energy use via Internet access. Coactive Networks Inc.: www.coactive.com
CompUSA
CompUSA adds to its electronics retail base by providing in-home integration, installation, and service to consumers and home builders seeking connected home technology. CompUSA offers energy management, lighting control, whole-home automation, and PC networking. CompUSA Inc.: www.compusa.com
Connected Lifestyles
Connected Lifestyles offers online design and integration services to its network of home system providers. Connected Lifestyles customizes the connected home environment for providers enabling home theaters, lighting, security, networking, videoconferencing, and total home automation. Connected Lifestyles Inc.: www.connectedlifestyles.net
Echelon
Echelon has developed LonWorks hardware and software to transform common appliances into “smart” ones, allowing communication and interconnectivity across the Internet and throughout the home. LonWorks increases convenience while lowering costs and improving service to homeowners. Echelon Corp.: www.echelon.com
EmWare
EmWare software builds network communication between automated devices, increasing efficiency, resource management, and comfort for homeowners, utilities, and industry. EmWare’s Emit software manages energy loads, promotes efficiency, and helps avoid brownouts, blackouts, and increased energy costs. EmWare Inc.: www.emware.com
Gatespace
Gatespace works with the Open Service Gateway Initiative (OSGI) to build a bridge between local networks and the Internet and provide full interoperability between service providers, network operators, and consumers of connected home technology. Gatespace: www.gatespace.com
Honeywell International
Honeywell International provides fully integrated Web-enabled solutions for heating, cooling, lights, security, appliances, closed circuit television, and structured wiring. Honeywell brings consumers total home connection through their easy-to-use and install Home and Away system. www.honeywell.com/yourhome/
Info-linc Ltd.
Info-linc's partners in manufacturing, service, and technology make them leaders in home networking services. Info-linc can supply and install anything from multi-room audio to remote closed circuit television via adamantine connections and seamless home network technology. Info-linc Ltd.: www.info-linc.com
Metering Technology
Metering Technology Corp. (MTC) builds meters to measure, communicate, monitor, and analyze energy usage for providers and customers. Internet monitoring coupled with connected home technology helps MTC encourage smart usage and energy conservation. Metering Technology Corp.: www.metertech.com
N.E.W. Customer Service Companies
N.E.W. Customer Service Companies is the largest provider of extended service contracts, buyer protection, and product information services nationwide. NEW is targeting smart home appliances and technology as their next major market. N.E.W. Customer Service Companies Inc.: www.newcorp.com
Reliant Energy
Reliant Resources provides electricity and energy services to commercial customers in the U.S. and Europe. Reliant has helped develop online energy marketplaces and plans to bring Internet-based energy management solutions to businesses. Reliant Energy Inc.: www.reliant.com
Sage Systems
Sage Systems' software enhances existing wired products and home gateway devices. Through Aladn, thermostats, electrical outlets, light switches. locks, and appliances can be controlled and accessed via Aladn Internet Gateway. Sage Systems Inc.: www.sagesys.com.
Sempra Energy Connections
Sempra Energy Connections brings home automation, household management, repair services, and energy-savings strategies to homeowners and small businesses via the Internet. Sempra Energy Connections: www.sempraconnections.com
Ucentric Systems
Ucentric software systems bridge the analog and IP worlds to improve home networking capabilities. Ucentric's standards-based technology brings broadband services like centralized video, voice, e-mail, and personal recording to all home televisions. Ucentric Systems LLC: www.ucentric.com
Visteon
Visteon Corp. brings consumer-driven technology like automated controls, security, and communications to automobiles. Nearly 100 years of experience support Visteon's enhanced electronics, telematics, MP3 music systems, and Navigation Radio for cars and vehicles. Visteon Corp.: www.visteon.com
Western Digital
Western Digital, a leading digital storage provider, is actively developing new encoding and storage solutions for personal and entertainment data. Already a leader in PC hard drives, Western will soon offer cable- and satellite-based data storage options. Western Digital Corp.: www.westerndigital.com
Internet Home Alliance Marketing Partner
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EH Publishing
EH Publishing is the information leader and resource for the $15 billion connected home industry. Through its print and on-line publications, expositions, and conferences, EH reaches both connected home professionals and consumers worldwide. EH Publishing and Internet Home Alliance have collaborated to produce The Advantage, a 36-page magazine which features and overview, member profiles, and initiatives of the Alliance. EH Publishing: www.electronichouse.com
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