ASSA ABLOY Group, a global leader in access solutions, has joined the Zigbee Alliance board of directors. The hardware company is already an active member in the Connected Home over IP project within the Alliance, contributing experts to develop the new, royalty-free connectivity standard for increased compatibility among IoT devices.

ASSA ABLOY covers all products and services related to access control such as locks, doors and entrance automation solutions.

“As a major manufacturer of residential and commercial access solutions, our product lines depend on efficient, reliable and secure communications to operate effectively,” ASSA ABLOY head of smart residential Martin Huddart says.

“Connectivity based on open, global standards is what’s going to drive this next generation of smart home and building products, so it’s important we’re involved in initiatives like Project CHIP and that we collaborate with other domain experts as part of the Zigbee Alliance board of directors.”

Zigbee Alliance chief executive Tobin Richardson says that the new member to the board will enable a more open world, fuelled by physical and digital connections which align with the organisations directive.

“Having this trusted company join our promoter ranks will strengthen the quality and reach of the important work being done by Alliance members, especially in the critical categories involving security, safety and openness,” he says.