IBM Unveils Home Networking Solution Targeted at New Home Construction Market
IBM Combines Powerful Networking Capability with Robust Home Automation and Control Technology to Deliver Intelligent Home Solution
Somers, N (January 16, 1998) – IBM* today introduced its Home Director* Professional solution, the next evolution of its award-winning Home Director product line, bringing the intelligent home to new home builders. A residence powered by IBM Home Director Professional provides consumers with an intelligent link between commonly available home systems, such as security, lighting and HVAC systems.
Home Director Professional’s open architecture can provide the foundation for future capabilities like distributed home entertainment, PC local area network connectivity and real-time energy management. IBM is currently working with select new home builders and certified installers for initial implementation of the Home Director Professional solution this spring. IBM plans to make this solution generally available by summer 1998.**
“Prior to Home Director Professional, consumers could spend over $25,000 for a custom-configured home automation solution,” said Rick Thompson, director, IBM Consumer Options and Solutions. “With Home Director Professional, IBM will offer new home builders a functional, easy-to-use, high-tech home of the future for a substantially lower cost.”
Home Director Professional represents a critical next step toward IBM realizing its vision of a networked home. Through the integration of a central appliance and structured wiring, a “network” of home entertainment appliances, PCs, security systems and lights can be created.
“IBM started talking about the possibilities of home networking several years ago,” said Jim Firestone, general manager, IBM Consumer Division. “Home Director Professional is our first evolutionary step in delivering this capability to consumers. By leveraging IBM’s networking heritage, we are better positioned than any other company to deliver a system that is functional, flexible and easy to use.”
Source: IBM