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| Volume 3 Issue 1 February 1998 |
Features
Interviews
Reviews |
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| HTINews
Interview - Jan98 - [HTI Home Page] |
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Interview Topic
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Question 1. What will Home Director Pro consist of in terms of hardware and software?
The system consists of 3 major elements: the "Central Appliance", the operating software, and various IBM-branded or OEM home subsystems. The "Central Appliance" is the heart of the system and contains the dedicated CPU, multiple system input and output ports for connecting subsystems and devices, and a home network hub. The software is more of a ‘home operating environment and will combine the home networking architectural foundation of Savoy Automation’s Cyberhouse with IBM's expertise in user interface and networking design. This will integrate seamlessly with the third element ... the various home systems and devices (i.e. lighting, HVAC, security, multiple PCs), some of which will be branded IBM Home Director and others which will manufactured and marketed by independent companies.
Question 2. Which systems and devices will the current version of HDPro support?
Initially, the system will support TCP/IP networking protocol, the Napco Gemini security system, several thermostat brands and a Home Director lighting controller (using X-10 protocol initially). Home theater systems will follow soon after, as will further support of other security, HVAC and lighting systems. Because the system architecture is open and is protocol independent, it’s expected that additional devices will be added rapidly as the market requires.
Question 3. HDPro will be presumably be installed and commissioned by professionals. How will the end user interface with the system and how much control over configuration will he/she have?
An IBM certified installer will make adjustments to the pre-configured lifestyle routines. The end user will be able to make adjustments (thermostat setpoints, lighting routine timing, etc.) to personalize the system via various interfaces including the television, PC, remote controls, touch screen displays, etc.
Question 4. The main argument for stand alone systems over PC based is the "System Crash" issue. How does HDPro overcome this problem?
The "Central Appliance" is a robust, bulletproof and expandable unit dedicated to its task. It will be installed and configured by professional installers, and unlike the household PC, the kids won't be loading the latest version of Doom or trying to set-up the new gaming device or modem.
Question 5. Will the HDPro support CEBus Home Plug and Play devices? How do the two fit together? Will a special interface be required and if so will IBM manufacture it?
For the past four years, IBM has been an active participant in the CEBus industry council, and we have assisted with and support the CEBus Plug and Play specification. In fact, I recently joined the CEBus Marketing subcommittee to assist with branding and positioning. Because of the open architectural design of the Home Director Professional home operating environment, a Home Director Professional CEBus device manager will be introduced as soon as devices are available. And it’s probable that this interface will carry the IBM brand.
Question 6. Why did IBM choose Savoy Software (CyberHouse) to work with on the HDPro system? What role do they play?
We did an industry study of available software in order to decide whether to partner with one or more software providers or to do base architectural development work ourselves. The results of this study indicated that the peer to peer household network architecture envisioned and developed by Dave Nelson, the founder of Savoy Automation, could be enhanced with IBM's user interface and PC networking expertise. In our view, this would provide the best home networking solution. Our partnership with Savoy Automation allows for Savoy to continue to innovate and introduce cutting edge technology. IBM will continue to add further technology innovations to the Savoy base as well as ensure that products are bulletproof and built to our high standards of quality prior to their introduction to the market.
Question 7. Look into your crystal ball and tell us what HDPro / Home Networks will be able to do for us by the year 2000 and beyond?
Over the last 25 years, the evolution of computer networking has been driven by the need for data communication between multiple locations and multiple computers – initially only data, but now voice and video as well. The digitization of information and services, along with the increasing availability of high bandwidth data networks and multiple computing devices in the home, are creating entirely new ways in which consumers behave – current analog consumer behavior is moving to digital consumer behavior. This change in consumer behavior is driving the creation of new electronic services that are rapidly being adopted. Companies that once used the Internet only to advertise products are now using the internet as the basis for new products & services. For example, AMAZON.COM is now the world’s largest bookstore, partly because it provides its readers with special services such as reader reviews and e-mail on new books relevant to the individual consumer. The emerging need for access to these new e-services, such as home banking and online shopping, are driving networking requirements for communication between consumers and their corporate networks, their communities, and the ever-increasing content and services of the internet.
Going forward, a home network will provide consumers with access to any information of interest, at any time, from any place - whether it’s information on one’s home or family, the financial markets or community information such as school assignments or local events. The home network, powered by IBM Home Director Professional, will enable consumer to have the ubiquitous access to information they require, as well as the convenience of remote Internet communication and control. As a logical extension, community networks are emerging as homes become connected with each other, and these networked homes become the ‘nodes’ which form greater networks – communities connected either as part of a planned development or as existing communities of interest evolve. The community network then becomes the communication linkage between homes in a community and the community schools, banks, businesses, libraries, hospitals and governments.
From a consumer perspective, fast data communications, new media content and electronic services, and digital devices with advanced interface technology, will provide significant advantages over today’s lifestyles. For example, advanced user interfaces such as voice recognition and proximity sensors will make network access simple and intuitive. IBM has recently demonstrated the Personal Area Network (PAN) user interface technology that allows systems to ‘sense’ the distinct electronic signature inherent in each of us. This signature can be used as a means for providing identification for system access and for customizing systems to specific individual needs – for a relatively small incremental cost.
Only one thing is certain: the future is going to be exciting…
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