LonMark targets end-users

The association, whose members include manufacturers, integrators and end-users, was originally formed to promote open, multi-vendor control systems based on LonWorks, the protocol created by the Echelon Corporation which will become a sponsor member of the new, non-profit organisation.

"One of the key benefits of becoming a non-profit organisation is that we can independently and aggressively expand membership through new innovative programmes and initiatives," says Barry Haaser, executive director of LonMark International. "Our goal is that LonMark International will embrace the rapidly growing demand for open systems by driving expansion in the markets where we are already very strong and taking a leadership position in the markets where we see emerging opportunities."Currently around 50% of its total membership is based in the US, with 30% in Europe and the remainder in Asia.

LonMark International will increasingly be looking to target end-users directly, as well as develop its range of functional profiles thereby easing the specification process and enhancing interoperability. The organisation is also in the process of developing a self-certification tool, allowing manufactures to significantly reduce the time taken to certify products as LonMark compatible.

Current members of the LonMark Interoperability Association will retain their membership status in the new organisation, however this will most likely be through a regional affiliate which will provide local membership services to members.

LonMark International is also expanding its scope to encompass whole systems in addition to individual devices. This development simplifies the process of defining open systems by combining guidelines that detail the various tools and functionality that comprise an open system. The system definition also addresses the technique for communicating via the internet. This allows data to be reviewed in a standard fashion using web services such as xml. When defined and and finalised, the LonWorks web services schema will reside within the Open building information exchange (OBIX) initiative sponsored by the Continental Automated Building Association (CABA) (see BSj, 01 / 04).