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The AV industry is entering a new chapter - one that’s been a long time coming. Welcome to OpenAV.Cloud: a new nonprofit initiative built by and for the AV community to drive openness, collaboration, and better cloud-connected experiences across the industry.
For too long, the AV world has been dominated by closed, proprietary systems that lock customers into rigid platforms. Meanwhile, the broader tech universe - everything from SaaS to smart devices - has already embraced open standards and integration.
OpenAV Cloud brings that same spirit to AV. It’s about breaking down the walls that slow us down and building a future where devices and platforms from different brands simply work together. At the heart of it, it’s about giving customers more freedom, helping innovation move faster, and making sure our whole industry grows stronger in the cloud era.
Why Now?
Across every corner of the AV industry, customers are asking for the same things: more flexibility, better integration, and freedom from proprietary lock-in. They expect their platforms to work together - not live in isolation.
In other industries, this shift is already reality. Software providers like Microsoft, Salesforce, and ServiceNow have created open ecosystems where integrated products compete or collaborate - without barriers. What’s amazing is that this openness hasn’t weakened these companies. On the contrary, it’s fueled innovation, customer loyalty, and growth.
AV has been slower to move. We’ve been stuck in silos that frustrate our customers and impede progress. Together with our industry partners, we founded OpenAV.Cloud to change that.
What is OpenAV Cloud?
OpenAV Cloud is a nonprofit initiative founded by AV manufacturers, technology providers, and industry leaders who all believe in the same simple idea: the future of AV should be open, connected, and built around the needs of customers.
OpenAV Cloud is about making real interoperability possible — not just talking about it. Our members commit to building and maintaining open, cloud-based APIs that let their devices, platforms, and services work together smoothly and securely.
OpenAV Cloud is also about creating shared standards for things like secure data access, system telemetry, and cloud-to-cloud integration — so products can connect across ecosystems without running into proprietary walls. And once those barriers are out of the way, a whole new world of possibilities opens up: remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, smart automations, cross-platform analytics, and more — all built on secure, seamless connections.
By collaborating around open standards instead of locking customers into closed environments, OpenAV Cloud members are laying the technical foundation for a stronger, more flexible AV ecosystem.
Who’s Behind It?
OpenAV Cloud was founded by a coalition of companies. I’m proud that Xyte is one of the founding members, alongside industry leaders like Sony Electronics, Panasonic, Legrand, BrightSign, and Shure.
Having spent nearly 30 years in this industry, I’ve seen firsthand how much innovation is possible when companies work together - and how much is lost when we stay siloed. That’s why I’ve been personally committed to helping bring OpenAV Cloud to life.
A growing number of manufacturers, technology providers, and industry leaders have been joining forces with us to drive this change, and more members will be announced in the coming weeks ahead of and following Infocomm.
Our Commitments
As a founding member of OpenAV Cloud, Xyte believes that real change starts with real commitments - not just big ideas. We stand for:
- Customers first - Giving customers the freedom to choose, integrate, and innovate across brands and platforms.
- Open APIs - Developing and maintaining open, read-and-write cloud APIs that enable true cross-platform compatibility.
- Data access - Ensuring customers can access and export their own data without hidden barriers.
- Security and privacy - Protecting customer data through responsible, industry-standard security practices.
- Collaboration over exclusivity - Welcoming all AV stakeholders who share the same commitment to openness and interoperability.
These aren’t just ideals - they’re the foundation for a stronger AV industry, and the principles we’re proud to help build and champion.
Real-World Impact: What OpenAV Enables
OpenAV Cloud isn’t just about defining academic standards and frameworks. We’re committed to unlocking new possibilities for everyone in the AV ecosystem.
Imagine if a digital signage CMS could update content automatically based on real-time occupancy data. Or if a room booking system could reassign teams based on device health. Where AI agents can diagnose and even fix AV issues before anyone has to open a ticket.
These aren't distant ideas. The technologies are already being built by companies like Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, and OpenAI. The only thing standing in the way is fragmentation - the lack of open connections between systems.
By embracing openness now, we can speed up innovation, improve customer experiences, and build stronger, more flexible business models across the board. OpenAV Cloud helps turn those opportunities from "someday" into "soon."
Join Us - Be Part of the Future
OpenAV Cloud is just getting started - and there’s room at the table for every company that believes in a more open, connected AV industry.
Now that we’ve officially unveiled OpenAV Cloud, we’re inviting manufacturers, technology providers, and system integrators to join us in shaping this future together.
The more players we bring to the table, the faster we can build the tools, standards, and connections all of our customers need.
If you believe that openness drives innovation - and that collaboration makes us all stronger - we invite you to be part of this movement.
Let’s build what’s next, together.
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