Not to do with voice but interesting:
Cisco Systems CEO John Chambers Extends Power of the Internet to
Ordinary Consumer Devices
REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 1998--Cisco Systems Inc.
[Nasdaq:CSCO - news] president and CEO John Chambers today extended the
power of the Internet to ordinary consumer devices in the home,
demonstrating how consumer products and appliances can be remotely accessed over
the Internet.
During his speech at the Microsoft Service Provider Event today,
Chambers demonstrated his vision for a single data, voice and video
network by featuring a wide array of Internet-connected consumer
devices, such as TVs, phones and high-speed data services, each sharing a single
connection to the home.
Chambers also demonstrated Internet-connected kidcare cams, security
systems, even lights and window blinds. Every product Chambers
demonstrated is available today and soon all consumers will be able to
access almost any household using a regular Web browser.
''The Internet really promises to connect everyone to everything,'' said
John Chambers, president and CEO of Cisco Systems Inc. ''Eventually all
data, voice and video services will be delivered over an open Internet
network, changing telecommunications forever.
''Like the Industrial Revolution 200 years ago, the Internet will
reshape the fortunes of companies, countries and people. Companies such
as Echelon are poised to help drive this change with Cisco and extend
the power of the Internet from business to the home, allowing people to
access almost any consumer device anytime, anywhere.''
''Echelon is known for networking intelligent devices in homes,
buildings, factories, trains and other environments. By linking the
Internet to control networks people and businesses gain access to
information that was previously unobtainable,'' said Ken Oshman,
president and CEO of Echelon Corp.
''Imagine a world where you can use an Internet browser to program the
VCR to record your favorite show; or receive an e-mail message notifying
you that your children arrived home from school; or deactivating your
security system to allow a workman access to your home.''
The Cisco demonstration shows how a common browser can be used to
interact with a number of off-the-shelf LonWorks enabled devices via the
Internet.
The control network allows common devices such as a wall switch, a wall
dimmer and a load controller from Leviton Manufacturing; a
multi-function sensor with integrated motion, temperature and light in a
single device from Hubbell Inc.; and an automated window blind from
Somfy to communicate with one another over two kinds of media -- a
common twisted pair network cable, and the existing home power mains
wiring.
The intelligent devices are able to communicate with one another based
on an action, e.g., the motion sensor can tell the lights to turn-on
when it detects presence. By connecting the control network to the
Internet it is possible to monitor the presence of someone in the room,
determine whether the house is too warm or too cold, or turn on the
light to mimic the presence of someone at home, all from the comfort of
your web browser from anywhere in the world.
Thousands of LonWorks control networks are already installed in
factories, buildings and homes worldwide. By extending the reach of the
Internet to these control networks, people and businesses can be
empowered to access any point within a control network via the Internet
from anywhere in the world.
People interested in experimenting with Internet connectivity to devices
can do so by browsing Echelon's web site at echelon.com.
About Echelon Corp.
Echelon Corp. (Nasdaq:ELON - news) is the developer of LonWorks
networks, recognized internationally as a standard for interoperable
control networks. With thousands of application developer and millions
of devices installed worldwide, LonWorks is a leading open, networked
control solution for building and home automation, industrial,
transportation, and public utility applications.
Echelon offers a full range of off-the-shelf hardware and software
products to support the development, installation and management of
intelligent, open and interoperable control networks.
Privately held, Echelon is based in Palo Alto, Calif. with international
offices in China, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Italy, The Netherlands,
Sweden, and the United Kingdom. News and information are available at
echelon.com
Note to Editors: Cisco, Cisco IOS, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems
logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and
certain other countries. Echelon, the Echelon logo and LonWorks are
registered trademarks of Echelon Corporation registered in the U.S. and
other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the
property of their respective owners.
This press release may contain statements relating to future plans,
events or performance. Such statements may involve risks and
uncertainties, including risks associated with uncertainties pertaining
to customer orders, demand for products and services, development of
markets for the Company's products and services and other risks
identified in the Company's SEC filings. Actual results, events and
performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as
of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to release
publicly the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements
that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date
hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
