Why are we discussing Matter?
In today’s IoT world, a typical smart device user is confronted with difficult choices and decisions. What smart device to buy, will the configuration and day-to-day use be a nuisance?
Matter aims to solve the headaches that smart device users might encounter.
Matter. What is it?
Matter is a new standard that aims to change the smart home industry by allowing users to set up smart devices more simply and consistently. The benefits of this technology are that it solves connectivity and compatibility issues. The wide variety of companies that use Matter technology include Amazon, Google, Samsung and other members of the Connectivity Standards Alliance.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance is focused on building a portfolio of market-guided technology standards that provide what is needed to build and grow the IoT world market. Competing companies and partners work together to build better solutions and better technology for consumers and users.
The Alliance provides the structure and framework for consensus-driven standards so the developers can create more usable and accessible IoT products.
Matter Key Features
Simplicity – Easy to purchase and use, takes out the guesswork. Simplified and flexible set-up.
Interoperability – Devices from multiple brands work natively together. Customers can choose which devices and ecosystems to connect.
Reliability – Consistent and responsive local connectivity. Using an open-source SDK built and supported by our large community.
Security – Robust and streamlined for developers and users. Layered and agile, using security best practices.
In order to use Matter technology IP protocol on smart devices a certificate needs to be obtained.
The whole process will be described below.
What are the benefits of Matter for the developers?
A developer who chooses to certify will benefit from denoting compliance to a specification and showing interoperability in the respective program. This means the consumers will get the product faster and be able to choose from a broader range of brands ensuring a more connected, secure, and comfortable home.
What is more, Matter is a unifying, IP-based connectivity protocol built on reliable technologies. It allows developers to build innovative and secure IoT ecosystems.
What are the advantages of product certification?
As the https://csa-iot.org/ states:
‘In addition to the tangible acknowledgment of compliance to a Connectivity Standards Alliance specification, certification allows the use of Certified Product logos and listing of the product on the Alliance website for verification. Certification denotes compliance to a specification and shows interoperability in the respective program.’
Product certification gains:
- Clearly and independently indicates interoperability with products from the world’s leading brands
- Lowers barriers to market entry with access to a vast technology ecosystem
- Confirms compliance to Connectivity Standards Alliance specifications with testing from experienced professionals
- Allows for use of exclusive Connectivity Standards Alliance certified product logos and a product listing on the Connectivity Standards Alliance website
- Provides the opportunity for inclusion in demonstrations at industry events, demo walls, and videos
- Use of official Connectivity Standards Alliance Certificate validating certification
- Certain intellectual property licensing protections (see Alliance IPR Policy)
How to get certified?
The certification process consists of 8 steps
Step 1 Becoming a member
This first step answers the question asked in the title of this blog.
Here there are 4 membership options available
Associate Members
Adopter Members
Participant Members
Promoter Members
Promoter membership fees includes:
- $105,000 USD/yr plus a one-time initiation fee
- Develop, test, and certify products $2,000 USD per product
- Certify own derivative product $1,500 USD per product
- Implement a Certified Product via the Certification Transfer Program and use the Alliance Certification trademarks and logos $1,500 USD per product
Participant membership fees include:
- *$20,000 USD/yr plus a one-time initiation fee
- Develop, test, and certify products $2,000 USD per product
- Certify own derivative product $1,500 USD per product
- Implement a Certified Product via the Certification Transfer Program and use the Alliance Certification trademarks and logos $1,500 USD per product
Adopter membership fees include:
- $7,000 USD/yr
- Develop, test, and certify products $3,000 USD per product
- Certify own derivative product $2,500 USD per product
- Implement a Certified Product via the Certification Transfer Program and use the Alliance Certification trademarks and logos $2,500 USD per product
Associate membership fees include:
- $0 USD/yr
- White label or rebrand a Certified Product via the Certification Transfer Program and use the Alliance Certification trademarks $2,500 USD per product + $500 USD per year, per product (due annually on the anniversary date of the grant of certification)
Step 2 Request a Manufacturer ID / Vendor ID
Step 3 Select a Compliant Platform or Network Transport
Step 4 Choose a Testing Provider
Available testing providers can be found under this link:
https://csa-iot.org/certification/testing-providers/
The testing providers locations include US, UK, Germany, Spain, China, Japan, Korea
Step 5 Send Product to be Tested
After scheduling testing with the Test Provider, the facility of your choice will arrange for testing samples and documents called Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement (PICS) that will need to be submitted.
Testing costs will vary depending on the device type. Full Matter certification might cost a few thousand Euros.
Once testing is successfully completed the Test Provider will issue a final report to the Connectivity Standards Alliance.
Step 6 Submit Certification Application
Step 7 Application Pending
Step 8 Upon Approval
After the product certification is approved the Alliance will issue the formal certificate and allow the usage of Certified Product Logo. This means that the certified product will be a part of the standardised product family and the client will see it on the box or anywhere the product is available for purchase..
