About the UIC

The UPnP Implementers Corporation (UIC) is the non-profit corporation that promotes the adoption of UPnP technology by manufacturers of hardware and software products. The UIC administers the UPnP device certification process and the UPnP mark licensing.

There are now more than 350 UPnP™ certified products. UPnP certification creates the foundation for interoperability and provides an easy way for retailers and consumers to recognize products that have been developed and tested to comply with the UPnP device standards. The UPnP certification program is required by the Digital Living Networking Alliance (DLNA) as a prerequisite to its certification program.

Incorporated in February 2001, the UIC:

• Develops and administers the UPnP™ testing and certification process
• Administers the UPnP™ logo licensing program
• Provides UPnP™ device certification information to UIC members and other interested parties
• The UIC also promotes and markets the UPnP™ Technologies.

The UPnP™ device certification process is open to any vendor who:

• Is a member of the UPnP™ Forum and the UIC
• Has UIC dues in current standing
• Has devices that support UPnP™ functionality

UIC Organizational Structure and Relationship to the UPnP™ Forum

The UIC Board of Directors (BOD) consists of representatives from the UPnP™ Forum Steering Committee companies. The BOD manages the UIC by:

• Directing policy making
• Creating and maintaining certification criteria and rules

When Forum issues arise that are outside the scope of UIC, the BOD relies on the Forum's Steering Committee, Working Committees, and Subcommittees. The Compliance Committee is a subset of the BOD and is involved with certification details. The Certification Management Consulting Firm and Independent Legal Counsel each support the BOD.

Board of Directors

• Intel: Scott Lofgren, Treasurer
• Microsoft: Toby Nixon
• Motorola: Chuck Powers
• Nokia: Panu Markkanen
  
• Panasonic: Julius Szakolczay, Secretary
• Philips: Thomas McGee, President
• Pioneer: Rich Annibaldi, Vice President
• Samsung: Alan Messer

What Does UPnP™ Device Certification Mean?

The UPnP™ certification process determines if a device complies with the applicable UPnP™ standard - that is, whether the device exhibits the behavior specified in the corresponding device standard and in accordance with the UDA. Compliance indicates that Independent of the vendor all devices that support the same device standard will be able to interoperate and work together on the home network. For example, a vendor can manufacture a control point for a UPnP™ certified printer and it will work with the any corresponding UPnP™ certified device independent of manufacturer.

Why Obtain a License to Use the Certification Mark?

Certification - and a license to use the certification mark - are important for several reasons:

• Certification ensures that devices meet a common standard and will interoperate with all other certified devices built to the same standard.
• A license to use the certification mark represents a recognized seal of compliance with the UPnP™ standard.

Devices that carry the certification mark attract the attention of:

• Device vendors that want to use the certification mark to reach a larger market for their devices.
• Channel suppliers that sell and install devices and want functionality of a known compatibility level.
• End customers who want different vendors' devices to work according to the same standard.