Microsoft Founds, Influences IoT Standards Organization

Microsoft Dynamics users operate in many of the verticals where the Internet of Things (IoT) is needed like automotive, defense, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Microsoft announced on its Windows blog that it is "pleased to join other industry leaders" to create the Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF), which is committed to furthering IoT industry standards. Microsoft hasn't just signed on: it is a founding member with several months of work behind it, alongside founders ARRIS, Cisco, Intel, Qualcomm, Samsung, CableLabs, Electrolux and GE Digital. Microsoft is one of just a few "Diamond Members," ensuring greater name recognition (important) and influence upon the standards (much more important).

Microsoft's founding and Diamond-level participation underscores its push for Windows 10 to be the ideal OS platform for Things, and the Azure IoT platform to be the best cloud companion for Things, "and for both of them to interoperate with all Things." So wrote Terry Myerson, Microsoft's EVP of the Windows and Devices Group, on the company's Windows blog.

OCF's solution will cover interoperability across numerous vertical markets. Thus far the Foundation cites high participation from verticals heavily invested in IoT, including those aforementioned verticals (auto, consumer electronics, healthcare, manufacturing/industrial).

OCF is at present focused on developing use cases for smart home and office solutions - broad categories that could include a range of applications like ...