OnStar At Home Pilot Program
FOR RELEASE: January 8, 2002Internet Home Alliance Unveils OnStar At Home Pilot Program At The 2002 International Consumer Electronics Show
OnStar, General Motors, Invensys, Panasonic, Hewlett-Packard and ADT Security team up to test unprecedented, real-life electronic connection between home and vehicle
LAS VEGAS - Internet Home Alliance, a non-profit association of leading high-tech and consumer companies, today unveiled the OnStar at Home pilot program at the 2002 International CES in Las Vegas, Nev. The OnStar at Home pilot is a unique cross-industry collaboration focused on developing and testing a fully integrated home control and security system that can be controlled and accessed remotely or on-site through in-vehicle voice recognition, a standard Web browser, a WAP phone or a wireless PDA.
Alliance member companies involved in the pilot - OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, Invensys, Panasonic, Hewlett-Packard and ADT Security Services, Inc -- have been working together since May 2001 to incorporate their various technologies into a packaged solution that will be tested in about 100 homes. The combined technology of the pilot program will allow homeowners to remotely access and control a wide range of household functions, such as locking/unlocking doors; operating the security system, thermostats, lights and smart door bell; and using a webcam to view the home's interior.
"The families that participate in the OnStar at Home pilot will be able to take advantage of emerging technology solutions to solve everyday family problems. What's even more important is that we've created an environment that has brought diverse companies together to produce solutions for the consumer that the individual companies would not have created on their own," said Tony Barra, president of Internet Home Alliance. "The crux of this and future pilots is that we are getting the kind of consumer feedback, usage and adoption information that will be highly valuable to the companies participating in the Alliance membership."
The companies participating in the OnStar at Home pilot have created an end-to-end solution that integrates various technologies from each company. These include:
OnStar
OnStar provides all of the voice and data channels that allow pilot participants to check and control their in-home systems. Homeowners will use OnStar's hands-free, voice-recognition technology to connect to their home from their vehicle or from their cellular and standard telephones. They will also be able to connect to the OnStar at Home system from a PC, WAP phone or wireless PDA. Through any of these channels, homeowners will be able to access and control their door locks, security system, lighting, thermostat and smart doorbell. Through a private website, the homeowner will also be able to view the interior of their home.
Invensys
Invensys provides the in-home communication infrastructure for the OnStar at Home pilot. This infrastructure includes an Invensys server outside the home receiving OnStar commands. Invensys conveys these commands in device-understandable form to the Invensys gateway inside the home. The gateway enables communications between household systems such as security, HVAC and lighting. The Invensys Digital Slimline communicating thermostat allows functions normally performed at the display to be performed remotely.
Panasonic
Panasonic provides its advanced telephone system and network camera. The telephone system is the basis for the smart doorbell. When activated, the smart doorbell directs communications from the home's front door to a phone chosen by the homeowner. In addition, when at home, a homeowner can safely
talk to visitors at the front door through an intercom. The camera will capture still images of the home interior to add to the home security and monitoring functionality.
Hewlett-Packard Company
HP Consulting worked with OnStar to develop the application interfaces that the homeowner will use to access the home. HP is also providing 50 HP Jornada Wireless Pocket PCs that will give homeowners fast and efficient remote access to the home functions.
ADT Security Services
ADT Security's Safewatch iCenter is the cornerstone of the pilot program's security system. The Safewatch iCenter combines monitored security with the simplicity of a graphical touch screen. ADT will provide 24 hour a day, seven-day a week monitoring and rapid notification of potentially life-threatening conditions such as fire, and carbon monoxide levels in the home. ADT is also providing installation services for the pilot.
OnStar at Home Pilot Program Details
The OnStar at Home pilot begins with the selection of about 100 homeowners in southeast Michigan who will be asked for initial feedback to gauge consumer expectations of the service capabilities. After the equipment is installed in first quarter of 2002, the pilot participants will be asked to use the system often over the following four months. At the halfway point, they will be asked to evaluate the OnStar at Home concept and the service features, and make suggestions on changes. As the pilot winds down, participants will be asked once again to evaluate the service and the user interface. They'll also provide feedback on pricing and purchase channels. All pilot participant personal information obtained will remain confidential.
"Businesses need insight into what will make a new product or technology a success," said Chet Huber, president of OnStar. "With the OnStar at Home collaboration, the participating companies will be able to get the kind of consumer input they need to bring real solutions to market."
About OnStar
OnStar, the industry-leading in-vehicle safety, security and information service, began in mid 1995 as a collaboration between General Motors, EDS and Hughes Electronics Corp, and brought its first product to market just 11 months later on the 1997 Cadillac DeVille, Seville and Eldorado models. OnStar uses Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology and wireless communication to link the driver and vehicle to the OnStar Center, where advisors are available 24 hours a day to offer real-time help. OnStar services include automatic air bag notification, stolen vehicle location, roadside assistance, emergency services dispatch, remote door unlock, route support, remote engine diagnostics, location service and concierge. OnStar also offers hands-free, voice-activated Personal Calling and access to personalized, Web-based information through the OnStar Virtual Advisor. For more information please visit www.onstar.com
About Invensys
Invensys plc is a global leader in the Automation and Controls industry. With its head office in London, it operates in all regions of the world through four focused divisions - Software Systems, Automation Systems, Power Systems and Control Systems. With just over 75,000 employees, the company's products
and services range from advanced control systems and networks for automating industrial plants and
controlling the environments of buildings, to electronic devices and controls found in residential buildings and light commercial applications, plus complete power systems for the telecommunications and information technology industries. For more information on Invensys plc, please visit www.invensys.com.
About Panasonic
Matsushita Electronic Corporation of America (Panasonic) is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. , of Osaka, Japan. In North America, Panasonic, its subsidiaries and affiliates have 27,000 employees; another 4,000 are employed by Matsushita Electric subsidiaries and affiliates in Latin America, for a total of 31,000 Matsushita employees throughout the Americas. Additional information is available at www.panasonic.com.
About Hewlett-Packard
Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services -- is focused on making technology and its benefits accessible to all. HP had total revenue of $45.2 billion in its 2001 fiscal year. Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at www.hp.com
About ADT Security
Celebrating its 127th Anniversary, ADT Security Services, Inc., a unit of Tyco Fire and Security Services, is the largest single provider of electronic security services to nearly 5 million commercial, federal and residential customers throughout North America and Europe. ADT's total security solutions include intrusion, fire protection, closed circuit television, access control, critical condition monitoring and integrated systems.
Tyco International Ltd. is a diversified manufacturing and service company. Tyco is the world's largest manufacturer and servicer of electrical and electronic components; the world's largest designer, manufacturer, installer and servicer of undersea telecommunications systems; the world's largest manufacturer, installer and provider of fire protection systems and electronic security services; and the world's largest manufacturer of specialty valves. Tyco also holds strong leadership positions in disposable medical products, financing and leasing capital, plastics and adhesives. Tyco operates in more than 100 countries and had fiscal 2001 revenues in excess of $36 billion.
About Internet Home Alliance, Inc.
Internet Home Alliance, Inc. is a non-profit association of leading companies working together to advance the home technology industry by developing the ecosystem needed to support the delivery of Internet lifestyle solutions and educating consumers on the value of an Internet Lifestyle. Internet Home Alliance is an open alliance that encourages cross-industry participation. Currently, 32 companies participate in the Alliance. Principal members include Best Buy Co. Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., General Motors, Hewlett-Packard, Invensys, The New Power Company, Panasonic (Matsushita Electric Corporation of America), Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Sun Microsystems. For more information on Internet Home Alliance, visit www.internethomealliance.com.