Icontrol Networks Expands Asian Footprint with Connected Design Inc. Partnership

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Jan. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Icontrol Networks, the company behind the most widely-distributed interactive security and home automation platform in the industry, today announced that it is expanding its presence in Asia through a partnership with the newly-formed Connected Design Inc. in Japan. Formed on November 25, 2015, Connected Design Inc. is a joint venture between iTSCOM of the Tokyu Group, NIFTY of the Fujitsu Group, and the Tokyu Corporation – three of Japan's most prominent service providers. Icontrol Networks' Touchstone™ solution, which has powered iTSCOM's Intelligent HOME platform for more than a year, will also serve as the Internet of Things platform for Connected Design.

Connected Design is focused not only on expanding automation within the Japanese residential market, but into new markets including hospitality, elder care, retail and enterprise. These new deployments will mark Icontrol's first foray outside of the residential space and into the broader Internet of Things ecosystem.

"We designed our platform to be highly extensible, so service providers have the flexibility to expand their solutions to align with their business goals," said Bob Hagerty, CEO of Icontrol Networks. "In North America, our current customers are focused on the residential sector, but the range of these three Japanese companies allows us to expand our business in new ways abroad. It's a huge opportunity, and we look forward to seeing where this partnership will take us."

Connected Design will also leverage the streamlined integration process of Icontrol's cloud-based platform to develop compatible devices and sensors, bringing Japanese consumers one step closer to a fully-automated lifestyle.

"We chose Icontrol to power our initial deployment not only because it is trusted by the largest service providers in North America, but because our vision was broader than just smart home," said Yoichi Hiraoka, General Manager, iTSCOM Intelligent HOME. "The platform's flexibility allows us to expand into new markets and sectors, and create a truly connected living ecosystem, clear of any technological hurdles."

"The opportunity for the Internet of Things in Japan is great, and we will need to develop new devices and features to fit our expanding audiences, whether B2B or B2B2C," said Fumi Shingai, CEO of Connected Design Inc. "The cloud-based capabilities of Icontrol's platform lets us do this seamlessly."

According to Statistia, in 2015, Japan was the second-largest smart home market behind the United States, and has a projected annual revenue growth rate of 40.75%.

About Icontrol Networks 
Icontrol Networks' vision is to provide a connected home solution for every household, so people worldwide spend less time managing their lives and more time living them. Icontrol is making the connected home a reality through its software platforms which are deployed by service providers and home security companies of all sizes, and the all-in-one Piper smart home security system for consumers. Icontrol is further pioneering the next generation of connected living through its Icontrol Developer Program, the first community for application and device makers to partner on a common platform. Venture investors in Icontrol include Charles River Ventures, the Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers iFund, and Intel Capital, with strategic investments from a variety of service providers including ADT, Comcast Ventures, Comporium and Rogers Communications. For more information about Icontrol Networks, Icontrol One (for independent service providers) and Piper visit icontrol.com, icontrolone.com and getpiper.com. For the most recent Icontrol research on the smart home industry, visit www.stateofthesmarthome.com.

About Connected Design Inc.
Connected Design Inc. is a joint venture between iTSCOM of the Tokyu Group (56.6%), NIFTY of the Fujitsu Group (33.4%), and the Tokyu Corporation (10%), with the mission of making people's lives more convenient and smarter. For more information, visit http://connected-design.jp/.

Media Contact:
Finn Partners for Icontrol Networks
Amanda Moss
312.329.3905
[email protected]

SOURCE Icontrol Networks

Related Links

http://www.icontrol.com