Z-Wave is a WPAN protocol used for consumer and home automation primarily, and has about 2100 products using the technology. It has found its way into commercial and building segments in the areas of lighting and HVAC control. In terms of market share, Z-Wave is not at the market cap like Bluetooth or Zigbee. Z-Wave is another mesh technology in the 900 MHz band. Its first manifestation was in 2001 at Zensys, a Danish company developing light control systems. Zensys formed an alliance with Leviton Manufacturing, Danfoss, and Ingersoll-Rand in 2005, formally known as the Z-Wave Alliance. The alliance acquired Sigma Designs in 2008 and Sigma is now the sole provider of Z-Wave hardware modules. 

Z-Wave Alliance member companies now include SmartThings, Honeywell, Belkin, Bosch, Carrier, ADT, and LG.

Z-Wave is a closed protocol for the most part with limited hardware module manufacturers. The specification is starting to open up more in the public domain but a substantial amount of material is not disclosed.