Parks Associates forecasts Home Area Networks (HANs) to be in 57 million households by the end of 2014 (46% of all households in the U.S., 64% of households with broadband in the U.S.). Integrating widespread systems such as entertainment networks, appliances, security and healthcare monitoring, and web and mobile apps will rely on a standardization of technology. Standards help network devices exchange information about utility usage and pricing, as well as control and monitor appliances and loads.

While the ZigBee standard has long been dominant in the industry, other technologies and players exist. Will standards help accelerate the deployment of smart meters? Are standards critical to the widespread adoption of home energy management products and HANs? (i.e. Can standards help HANs appeal to consumers as inexpensive, easy to use, and seamlessly integrate with other wireless networks and devices?)

9:00am:    Networking Breakfast

9:30am:    Panel Discussion Begins

1.    Competitive Landscape

• What standards are in competition for home area network connectivity? How will the field shake out?
• What opportunities exist for proprietary home networking technologies?
• How can the role of open standards enable technology and business innovation for home area networks?
• There are over 60 home protocols available today. Is it possible for the industry to adopt a single standard for home area networks?
• What impact with Google have on the home automation and home energy marketplace?

2.    Interoperability and Integration

• What are the requirements when used with demand response programs or during peak power intervals?
• What is the role of interoperability testing and certification? Who is driving this?
• What are the current challenges for data sharing in connecting HANs to utility management systems?
• How will legacy home automation technologies (Wi-Fi, Z-Wave) coexist with HAN standards?
• How do we enable interoperability of a wide range of consumer products and technologies beyond energy?
• What role will smart phones and the growing developer community play in the use of integration of disparate home systems?
• Will industry movement toward IP improve our chances for interoperable systems?

3.    Looking Ahead

• Is energy management likely to become the killer app for mass market adoption of home automation and home area networks?
• Can we expect to see further consolidation as industry giants continue to acquire technology providers?
• How will the "Internet of Things" change the marketplace for home automation technologies?
• What role will service providers play in consumer adoption of home area networks and automation?

11:00am:    Audience Q&A

12:00pm:    Networking

12:00pm:    End of Meeting

Speakers:

Zigbee Alliance, Benno Ritter, VP Marketing and Business Development

Sigma Designs, Soren M. Lorentsen, Director Product Marketing, Z-Wave

GainSpan, Bernard Aboussouan, VP of Marketing

DASH7 Alliance, Pat Burns, President & Co-Founder

Moderator:

Lakeview Group, Barry Haaser, President

Download the Agenda

Location: The Westin Hotel @ 675 El Camino Real in Palo Alto, CA. Room: Siena/Carrara Room

Driving Directions: From 101 (North or South): Exit Embarcadero Rd/Oregon Expy, following signs for Embarcadero Road going west. Turn Right at W. El Camino Real and then Right at Wells Avenue. The hotel will be on the left. From 280 (North or South): Exit Sand Hill Road, head east. Turn Right at W. El Camino Real. Make a U-Turn. Take the first Right onto Wells Avenue. The hotel will be on the left.

Public Transit: Take Caltrain to the Palo Alto stop. Upon leaving the station, head southeast toward Urban Lane. Turn Left at Urban Lane and walk 0.2 miles. Turn right at Wells Ave. The hotel will be on your left.

Registration:

Log in to www.agrion.org or create a new profile.  Register directly in the section of the program.

Please contact derek.top@agrion.org for any further questions.