Icontrol Networks Launches OpenHome Labs to Accelerate Smart Home Innovation

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Icontrol Networks, a leader in connected home technology and innovation, today announced OpenHome Labs, a program that helps connected home start-ups succeed by accelerating their development and go-to-market process. OpenHome Labs provides technical assistance, direct market exposure to leading connected home service providers, and branded differentiation.

Icontrol is the most widely used connected home platform in the industry.  It currently manages more than 22 million sensors and devices as the software behind service provider and security company systems.

"This program is a great option for connected device companies who want to quickly plug into the growing demand for a connected home and through it a connected lifestyle," said Jim Johnson, executive vice president and general manager at Icontrol. "Companies that join the OpenHome Labs program have a major advantage – not only do they get mentorship and guidance from industry experts, their innovations will be immediately compatible with the expansive Icontrol ecosystem."

OpenHome Labs is part of the Icontrol OpenHome™ Developer Program, the first community for application and device makers to partner on a common platform, focused on certifying devices and apps to support the growing OpenHome ecosystem. OpenHome Labs adds a new level of mentorship and guidance for companies that apply and are accepted into the program. Icontrol does not plan to limit the number of companies accepted into the program, but will focus on its ability to help scale the product or service to the mass market as a main criteria for acceptance into the program.  Factors such as technical feasibility, market differentiation, innovative hardware design and overall impression of the company's management team will be evaluated as part of the application process. Applicants can apply at OpenHome.io/openhomelabs. 

Through OpenHome Labs, Icontrol and its partners offer assistance with the basics of development like RF design and API integration strategies, as well as business development mentoring focused on various distribution channels, such as large service providers and retail. OpenHome Labs companies will also become OpenHome Certified and instantly interoperable with this immense and growing distribution channel.

"OpenHome Labs is a win-win – it helps us drive innovation within the connected home ecosystem and brings consumers more choices to help them build a connected home that fits their specific needs," said Jason Domangue, Vice President of Ecosystem Development for Icontrol Networks. "We're looking for start-ups that can launch their company directly on top of our platform and truly leverage the tremendous distribution that we have in place today with our customers."

Also announced today, Icontrol has launched a partnership with Indiegogo, which allows OpenHome Labs companies to brand their campaign on the crowdfunding platform with their inclusion in OpenHome Labs. Indiegogo will also offer a discounted rate for all OpenHome Labs participants leveraging their services. As part of that partnership, three connected living companies – bttn, Reemo and Zen – kicked off their Indiegogo campaigns this week. To learn more about OpenHome Labs and its Indiegogo partnership, visit www.icontrol.com.

About Icontrol Networks
Icontrol Networks' vision is to provide a connected home solution for every household, so people worldwide spend less time managing their lives and more time living them. Icontrol is making the connected home a reality through its software platforms, which are deployed by home security companies, service providers, retailers, and the all-in-one Piper home security, video monitoring and automation device for consumers. Icontrol is further pioneering the next generation of connected living through its OpenHome™ Developer Program, the first community for application and device makers to partner on a common platform. Venture investors in Icontrol include Charles River Ventures, the Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers iFund, and Intel Capital, with strategic investments from a variety of service providers including ADT, Comcast Ventures, Comporium and Rogers Communications. For more information about Icontrol Networks and Piper visit www.icontrol.com and www.getpiper.com.

SOURCE Icontrol Networks