DEVELOPING LONWORKS HOME CONTROL APPLICATIONS

There are two development tools available for the LonWorks platform, the LonBuilder and the NodeBuilder. The LonBuilder Developer's Workbench integrates a complete set of tools for developing LonWorks-based nodes and systems. These tools include an environment for developing and debugging applications at multiple nodes, a network manager to install and configure these nodes, and a protocol analyzer to examine network traffic to ensure adequate network capacity and to debug errors. The LonBuilder tool can be assembled in various configurations, with a range of essential and optional tools. The NodeBuilder Development Tool makes it easy and inexpensive for manufacturers to design and test individual nodes for LonWorks-based control networks. It uses a familiar Windows-based development environment with easy-to-use on-line help. For large development teams, the NodeBuilder tool can complement the development capabilities of the LonBuilder Developer's Workbench. Each engineer can use a NodeBuilder tool to develop individual nodes that are integrated and tested as a system using the LonBuilder tool.

LonMark Interoperability Association

Supported by a who's-who of controls companies, the LonMark Association counts among its members not only the manufacturers fuelling the home networking revolution but also the end users, equipment specifiers, and system integrators driving its implementation. The LonMark Association's mission is to enable the easy integration of multivendor systems based on LonWorks networks using standard tools and components. Today over 4,000 companies are using Echelon's LonWorks platform to provide systems and solutions for building, home, industrial, telecommunications, transportation, and other industries. There are over 6 million LonWorks-based appliances installed worldwide. The association provides an open forum for member companies to work together on marketing and technical programs to advance the LonMark standard for open interoperable solutions.

The association has three major functions:

• Promotion of LonMark products and systems as open interoperable control solutions

• Recommendation of design guidelines for interoperable devices based on LonWorks

• Verification of products that meet the LonMark guidelines for interoperability

The association develops and maintains technical design guidelines to help manufacturers build interoperable LonMark products based on Echelon's LonWorks platform. Products that have been verified to conform to LonMark interoperability guidelines are eligible to carry the LonMark logo.