About ControlNet™ International

Introduction to ControlNet International

ControlNet is an independent organization for users and vendors of ControlNet products. ControlNet International manages the ControlNet Specification and supports the worldwide growth of ControlNet by developing test software, providing independent compliance testing, publishing the ControlNet product catalog and sponsoring training in design and implementation of ControlNet. ControlNet International also supports continuing technology enhancement by organizing Special Interest Groups to develop Device Profiles for specific classes of products.

ControlNet International is an open organization whose members may be user companies, vendor companies or individuals who want to use, promote or enhance ControlNet.

ControlNet International Products and Services

ControlNet International publishes and distributes the ControlNet Specification, a 750+ page document that describes the ControlNet protocol and hardware, software and communication requirements for ControlNet products. Buyers who purchase the Specifications receive a royalty-free right to use the technology and manufacture products that conform to the Specifications.

ControlNet International will be publishing the ControlNet Product Catalog 2-3 times per year. The catalog will be available in print and electronic versions. The electronic version is part of ControlNet International's home page on the World Wide Web (http://www.controlnet.org).

SIGs - Special Interest Groups

ControlNet members can join ControlNet Special Interest Groups. These are groups of two or more vendors with a common interest in a product family. Their mission is to develop Device Profiles which are descriptions, definitions and tables of parameters of diagnostics describing required and optional features of devices. The goal is to have all of the vendors of a particular family of products agree on what features are standard and what features are vendor specific so that "like" devices are both interchangeable and interoperable with other devices. After their completed work is reviewed by peers, the Device Profiles are submitted to ControlNet International's Technical Review Board for approval, after which the Device Profile becomes a permanent part of the ControlNet Specification.

ControlNet Management & Organization

ControlNet International has two classes of voting membership - Sponsor and Regular - and one non-voting class -Associate. The ControlNet Board of Directors consists of the number of Sponsor Member firms plus two. Each Sponsor Member firm is entitled to a position on the Board of Directors and an appointment to the Technical Review Board. Regular Members elect two members to the Board. Associate Members have no voting privileges and may not serve as a Director or member of Technical Review Board.

The Board of Directors is a policy-making board that appoints officers, sets policy, reviews the budget and authorizes major initiatives.

The Technical Review Board authorizes SIGs, reviews and approves new Device Profiles which are incorporated into the ControlNet Specifications, manages the revision control and enhancement process of the ControlNet Specifications, and makes technical policy recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Regular versus Associate Membership

Regular (and Sponsor) members may advertise their products in the ControlNet catalogs (print and electronic) at a cost of $500 per page per year. Other marketing services included with regular ControlNet membership include trade show participation, discounts on reprints including large order quantities of the catalog, and all leads generated from our trade show and promotional activities from around the world. Regular member dues are $1,000 - $15,000 annually depending on the company's number of employees.

Associate Membership is $500 annually and entitles individuals or companies to attend ControlNet meetings and receive the organization newsletter, but they may not have their products in the ControlNet catalog. (Only regular members may have their products featured in the ControlNet catalog).

Regular Members have voting privileges and may participate in any or all of the SIGs. Associate Members may attend SIG meetings but have no voting privileges.