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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), today announced UL – a global safety science organization – is the newest independent authorized test service provider accredited to support ZigBee Alliance certification programs. UL will offer ZigBee testing at two of its labs: Fremont, California and Basingstoke, UK. The expansion to a fifth lab to provide ZigBee-specific testing validates the prevalence and significance of ZigBee-based products as hundreds of market-moving members design and develop IoT-focused devices for today’s connected world.
To date, authorized test service providers for the ZigBee Alliance have provided testing services leading to over 1600 certified products, with 75% of those earning certification in the past three years alone. Already in 2016, over 200 products have achieved certified product status – demonstrating the tremendous industry interest and trust in the ZigBee brand as the wireless technology of choice for the foundation of the IoT.
“As ZigBee Alliance membership continues to grow at an extraordinary pace, and member companies capitalize on the possibilities around the Internet of Things, we will continue to tap the world’s best testing organizations to provide our members with access to testing services that validate what they implement on a ZigBee-based platform translates into a meaningful and valuable product experience for the end user,” said Victor Berrios, Vice President of Technology, ZigBee Alliance.
“We are at a tipping point in the industry where the Internet of Things moves from an idea to real world application for consumers,” said Ghislain Devouge, Vice President, UL Consumer Technology Division. “Our experts already have been validating numerous technologies in support of the IoT, and we’re excited to bring the ZigBee Alliance programs into our testing and certification process as its members innovate to connect us all in new and better ways.”
The ZigBee Certified program verifies that every platform and product meets Alliance requirements and performs as expected – helping to ensure interoperable products are available to manufacturers and end users. This supports the critical next step in the market: enabling consumers to buy with confidence. The certification program is a substantial benefit of ZigBee Alliance membership, and contributes to the Alliance’s leading market position as a proven and trusted technology for smart wireless development.
“We’re on pace in 2016 to have our biggest year yet as an industry alliance,” said Tobin Richardson, ZigBee Alliance President and CEO. “Partnering with UL to accommodate the current demand for ZigBee-based, low-power wireless product certification is a logical step as the industry progresses. We expect this surge in IoT design, development and testing will continue as our members collaborate and work toward required interoperability and market-relevant solutions involving connected devices.”
In addition to UL, ZigBee Alliance authorized test service providers include:
· Chinese Electronics Standardization Institute (CESI)
· Element Materials Technology
· National Technical Systems, Inc. (NTS)
· TÜV Rheinland Group
For more information about the ZigBee Alliance, the ZigBee Certification process, general membership and the benefits of joining the Alliance, visit here.
