Security Industry Association Releases SIA OSDP Protocol

Security Industry Association (SIA)

Protocol allows devices to work together

SILVER SPRING, MD – The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the release of version 2.1.5 of the SIA Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) specification.

The SIA OSDP is a communication protocol that allows devices, such as card readers, control panels or other security management systems to work together. It provides the industry with a solution that moves far beyond the widely used Wiegand standard and adds sophisticated, valuable features such as bi-directional communication. A two-way channel paves the way for advanced security applications such as the handling of Smartcard technology, PKI, and mobile device access.

Originally developed by HID Global and Mercury Security Corporation with some more recent contribution from Codebench, Inc., the rights to OSDP was assigned to SIA to ensure that the specification was made available for wide industry review and eventual standardization.

The Access Control & Identity Subcommittee, one of the groups of the SIA Standards Committee, has spearheaded this project. The Subcommittee, composed of industry representatives, manufacturers, integrators, and end-users reviewed the specification for this initial release and will convene a working group that will ready the specification for ANSI standardization, which includes a wider public review. Although V2.1.5 builds on the RS-485 serial interface that has already been adopted by numerous manufacturers, the working group plans to expand the specification to support IP communications, furthering the usefulness of the protocol for next-generation applications.

“This is an important milestone,” said Steve Van Till, SIA Standards Chairman and CEO of Brivo Systems. “OSDP fills a glaring need within the industry and this release demonstrates that SIA Standards is actively doing its part to enable secure and trusted identity solutions. The addition of IP support is the next crucial step.”

Future versions of the specification will incorporate practitioner comments and noted best practices, and the subcommittee has plans to launch an online practitioner forum for the protocol.

Dave Adams, Access Control & Identity Subcommittee Co-Chair and Senior Product Marketing Manager at HID Global, said, “OSDP has room to grow and we want to invite those that utilize the specification to provide feedback and custom extensions. Industry practitioner interactivity is what can make a great spec an excellent spec.”

The SIA OSDP V2.1.5 is available for purchase through the SIA Online Store for the introductory price of $10 for SIA members and $20 for non-members.


About the Security Industry Association (SIA)

The Security Industry Association (SIA) (www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities, and fostering collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Expos and Conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground Conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.