The Security Industry Association (SIA) has recently announced that the SIA Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) Transparent Mode configuration will now be accessible to all participants within the security sector.
This move enhances the reach of the OSDP in facilitating secure communication among access control devices.
Understanding OSDP
Developed by SIA, OSDP is an access control communications standard designed to enhance interoperability among various security and access control products. The Transparent Mode feature within OSDP allows secure data transmission channels while enabling device-specific data exchange.
This feature has historically required control due to numerous U.S. patents held by HID and other intellectual property considerations. Now, HID has affirmed that its patents associated with Transparent Mode will not hinder its implementation in OSDP-compliant solutions.
HID's Role in Open Standards
SIA OSDP became an international standard as IEC 60839-11-5 after IEC approvalSIA CEO Don Erickson emphasized the importance of open standards, stating, “Open standards drive innovation, interoperability and scalable deployment across the security industry, and Transparency Mode is integral to the secure, interoperable device communication framework of OSDP.”
He further commended HID's dedication to the development and adoption of OSDP and its support for the industry and open standards, which empower manufacturers, integrators, and end users to innovate confidently.
OSDP as an International Standard
In May 2020, SIA OSDP achieved international standard status when it was approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission and published as IEC 60839-11-5. The most recent version, SIA OSDP v2.2.2, was released in October 2024. SIA continues to refine the standard to maintain its relevance and utility.
Widespread adoption is encouraged, especially for installations that require high security, such as government applications that meet federal requirements like PKI for FICAM. The SIA EU Advisory Board is actively promoting OSDP's integration within the region.
The SIA OSDP Technical Subcommittee
The OSDP Technical Subcommittee, spearheaded by Constantine Tremouliaris, manager of alliances and standards at ASSA ABLOY, and Jon Uren, president and CEO of Cypress Integration Solutions, comprises manufacturers, integrators, and end users.
This subcommittee plays a crucial role in the ongoing development and refinement of the SIA OSDP standard.
The Security Industry Association (SIA) has confirmed that, going forward, the SIA Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) Transparent Mode configuration will be open to all within the security industry.
About OSDP
SIA OSDP is an access control communications standard developed by SIA to improve interoperability among access control and security products. Transparent Mode is a capability within the OSDP standard that allows secure communication channels to be used while passing application-specific data between devices.
This capability enables manufacturers to support advanced device functionality without sacrificing the interoperability and security benefits provided by the OSDP standard. Previously, the Transparent Mode mechanism was subject to a number of U.S. patents held by HID and other intellectual property rights.
HID has confirmed that its patents related to Transparent Mode functionality, as defined in the OSDP specification, will not restrict implementation within OSDP-compliant solutions.
Appreciating HID's commitment
“Open standards drive innovation, interoperability and scalable deployment across the security industry, and Transparency Mode is integral to the secure, interoperable device communication framework of OSDP,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson.
“SIA applauds HID for its commitment to the continued adoption and development of OSDP and its longstanding support for the industry and open standards—enabling manufacturers, integrators and end users to implement solutions with confidence.”
International standard
SIA OSDP was approved as an international standard by the International Electrotechnical Commission in May 2020 and has been published as IEC 60839-11-5. SIA OSDP v2.2.2 was released in October 2024. The standard is in constant refinement to retain its industry-leading position.
SIA encourages broad adoption of this standard—which is already in wide use by many leading manufacturers—and recommends specifying OSDP for any access control installations that require real security and/or will be used in government and other higher-security settings. A key element of the developing SIA EU Advisory Board will be to advocate for adoption of OSDP within the region.
SIA OSDP is particularly valuable for government applications because it meets federal access control requirements like PKI for FICAM.
OSDP technical subcommittee
The SIA OSDP Technical Subcommittee—under the leadership of chair Constantine Tremouliaris, manager of alliances and standards at ASSA ABLOY; and vice chair Jon Uren, president and CEO of Cypress Integration Solutions— is made up of access control manufacturers, integrators and end users developing and advancing the SIA Open Supervised Device Protocol.
This subcommittee serves as the primary editor of the OSDP standard.
