The ZigBee Alliance has announced that YunOS from Alibaba Group, an e-commerce company, has joined the ZigBee Alliance at the Participant level. YunOS is a business division of Alibaba responsible for developing the cloud-based, data and service-oriented operating system for the IoT.
Harnessing big data and cloud service to connect cloud-based applications and hardware devices, YunOS has become a part of Alibaba’s technology infrastructure for IoT development since launching in 2011. YunOS works with various partners in the information industry, and powers a wide range of smart devices including smartphones, wearables, Internet cars, robots and smart household appliances. It aims to become the go to operating system for China’s smart industry.
“We are delighted to join the ZigBee Alliance and look forward to working closely with members to drive innovations and push the boundaries in the IoT area,” says Zhang Chunhui, president of YunOS. “With the support of the ZigBee Alliance, YunOS can be an enabler of break-throughs in technology.”
Shared by more than 400 member companies and other leading industry standards bodies, the ZigBee Alliance’s mission is to create, maintain and deliver performing specifications, standards and solutions for the wireless IoT. The availability of ZigBee-certified devices gives developers and users more flexibility to choose products they know will work with each other. The Alliance simplifies IoT product development and deployment, reduces industry confusion through the availability of a consolidated set of open application device definitions, and helps members bring the benefits and capabilities of connected IoT devices to a broader range of applications and markets.
“The ZigBee Alliance is committed to building strong partnerships with leading global companies, and Alibaba Group brings expertise in connecting with consumers and businesses,” says Tobin Richardson, president and CEO of the ZigBee Alliance. “We are the voice of organizations that are redefining the world in which we live, and we’re excited to welcome YunOS to this workforce of minds who are establishing an ecosystem to simplify IoT connections.”
Benefits of joining the Alliance include collaborating with thought leaders and other companies during ZigBee Alliance member meetings held throughout the year at various points on the globe. In addition, each month more than 80 ZigBee Alliance working group calls take place – gathering input from companies based in 37 countries to drive foundational development for the Internet of Things.