Section 1 - Introduction

What IrDA interoperability is all about

1.0Purpose of Document

The purpose of this document is to describe the interoperability requirements for IrDA capable products and provide guidance on how interoperability between IrDA capable products may be achieved.

It is expected that this document will be revised as regularly required in response to IrDA needs. The IrDA Test and Interop Committee (or its successor) will be responsible for the revision of this document.

1.1Goals of IrDA

In July 1993, Hewlett-Packard called a public meeting to discuss the need for an industrywide infrared data standard which was overwhelmingly attended by over 120 people from 79 companies. The Infrared Data Association was formed soon after that and became incorporated as an independent not-for-profit association of companies by the end of 1993. IrDA currently has over 160 member companies from all over the world representing almost every industry imaginable.

The mission of the Infrared Data Association is:

To establish and promote infrared standards that provide convenient cordless connectivity and foster application interoperability over a broad range of platforms and devices.

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