What is Open Source Automation?

Open Source Automation is a simple yet powerful automation platform that works to simplify the automation world.

This project has been created with the sole purpose to make commercial and home automation available to everyone. Currently there are many home automation programs on the market, but they are all very expensive. This makes it difficult for the average user to set up a professional home automation system without taking out a second mortgage. On top of the cost, these programs are very restrictive. Users are forced to use only the hardware that is supported and without an open extendable architecture they are at the mercy of the software company to develop new interfaces.

The Open Source Automation project overcomes these two major problems with the home automation software industry. First and foremost, OSA is free and open source. Anyone with an internet connection can download, install and get up and running without spending a dime. Even more exciting is the open extendability of OSA. Anyone can use the open source API included with OSA to develop new plug-ins and expand the functionality of the system. With the openness and community focused vision the development of new and exciting plug-ins is sure to push the limits of the imagination.

Open Source Automation also bridges the communication gap between many popular home automation technologies. It allows all these technologies to be able to communicate with each other where they normally would not. This makes it possible for once separate home automation projects like X10 motion sensors, Insteon lights, 1-Wire temperature sensors, bluetooth phones and many more interact seamlessly together. OSA is rooted in home automation, but it has many practical applications outside the home. Use it to monitor security at a business or track inventory via RFID in a warehouse. Even monitor animals and feeding systems on a farm. The possibilities are truly endless.

This project is still in its infancy, but is being developed at a feverish pace and there are many exciting things on the horizon. be sure to check back soon for more information on this exciting project.

Simple and Extendible

Not only is OSA simple to use, but it is easy to extend its functionality to suport an unlimited amount of automation hardware and software.

OSA makes it very easy for devlopers:

• Plugin architecture
• Easy to understand API
• Open source plugin examples