The ZigBee Alliance, a non-profit association of companies creating, maintaining and delivering open, global standards for the low-power wireless Internet of Things (IoT), announced that SOMFY has joined the ZigBee Alliance at the Promoter level and accepted a seat on its Board of Directors. This addition demonstrates the Alliance’s continuing global impact and value as another significant frontrunner in home and commercial building automation commits to the organization’s wireless stance.

A world leader in the home and commercial automation market, SOMFY develops, manufactures and distributes products in 58 countries across five continents. From motorized window treatments for residential and commercial buildings to automated outdoor extensions, gates and garage doors, SOMFY provides a complete range of the latest motorized solutions, automatic systems and alarms designed to make daily life easier, safer and more pleasant. Comfort, security and energy savings are key attributes that allow a house to wake up, communicate and respond accordingly to the needs and wishes of its occupants.

“SOMFY’s ambition is to transform the living environment. Our goal is to develop new solutions that bring more safety, energy savings and comfort to the inhabitants of buildings and homes. We are entering a new era that will connect any object and will take advantage of interoperability within and across vertical domains. We are convinced that joining the ZigBee Alliance, an organization of strong brands and established standards, will help us to achieve this ambition,” said Jean Guillaume Despature, SOMFY, CEO. 

“SOMFY’S decision to join us – specifically at the Board level – is yet another endorsement of the ZigBee brand, movement and momentum that’s attracting electronics leaders from around the world to collaborate and achieve meaningful interoperability for the IoT,” said John E. Osborne II, chairman of the board for the ZigBee Alliance and general manager, The Kroger Co. R&D. 

“Motion control for the home and building is a significant category of opportunity to connect with IoT early adopters and the broader market,” said Tobin Richardson, ZigBee Alliance President and CEO. “SOMFY’S expertise will be paramount to guiding ZigBee Alliance initiatives as our technology continues to advance and bring simplicity and convenience to ‘smart’ wireless environments.”

SOMFY joins Comcast Cable, Itron Inc., The Kroger Co., Landis+Gyr, Legrand Group, Midea Group, NXP Semiconductors, Philips, Schneider Electric, Silicon Labs, SmartThings, Texas Instruments and Wulian on the ZigBee Alliance Board of Directors.

For more information about the ZigBee Alliance, its Board of Directors, general membership and benefits of joining the Alliance, visit here.