ConnectWare Tech Stack Overview
The ConnectWare Tech Stack is an open communication standard that empowers Manufactures and IoT Platforms with flexibility and the ability to differentiate their products.
WHAT IS THE ConnectWare TECH STACK?
A two-way Message Format for passing commands and data to and from an IoT device.
A Cross-Platform Software Library that implements an equipment’s specifications and provides hooks for device-specific commands.
A Network Interface for connecting an IoT device to a local or cloud server.
A Serial Protocol between the IoT device controller and the Network Interface.
An optional Data Dictionary for the manufacture to define how data from their device is interpreted by any IoT Cloud Platform.
Using ConnectWare you do not call device, Device calls YOU!
There is a one directional arrow from the ConnectWare Module to the server. For security, ConnectWare was designed with a pull based architecture. There are no APIs available and no open ports on ConnectWare enabled equipment. Instead, the ConnectWare Module calls APIs at preconfigured URLs or IP addresses, and receives instructions in the response. At least one ‘heartbeat’ call is made every minute.
Why use the ConnectWare Tech Stack?
The ConnectWare Tech Stack “future proofs” IoT development by having a single, open standard across enterprise customers, IoT Platforms, and manufacturers.
Flexibility for OEMs:
Multiple IoT Cloud Platforms can integrate your device without custom development.
Avoid writing and supporting custom device firmware for enterprise customers.
The message format does not dictate the data shape. Your device data can be as complex as you need within a message.
Flexibility for IoT providers:
A single version of device firmware can accommodate different equipment suppliers and models.
Data Security for Operators:
Device security and encryption is handled by ConnectWare's Network Interface.
WHAT SOURCE CODE IS PROVIDED?
The ConnectWare Library, a compact software library, that handles all communication and data formatting on the device and is suitable for both simple and complex devices. Written in C, it can be compiled for use on almost any operating system.
Virtual ConnectWare, a software implementation of the ConnectWare Network Interface for Linux that enables communication and authentication methods to be changed without requiring controller firmware modifications.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE FROM Powerhouse Dynamics?
ConnectWare Modules and Boards: Hardware devices that implement the Network Interface with an air gap for security.
Secure Access Point: A Wi-Fi Access Point that makes any IoT device using the ConnectWare Tech Stack plug and play for the Open Kitchen Cloud.
The Open Kitchen Cloud Platform: A cloud platform that works automatically for any device using the ConnectWare Tech Stack.