The Internet of Things is a [natural for open source](http://www.livemint.com/Specials/nNk7CSn85H2WFsKLZm931L/Why-open-source-matters-to-the-IoT-market.html). With open protocols and software that can be personalised by each company we will gain more useful hardware that can work together. Security issues will be found more quickly and fixes can be easily distributed. 

![IoT](https://steevc.keybase.pub/steemit/2016-09-07IoT.png)

Currently a lot of these devices are based on Linux, but manufacturers use their own software that may not get supported when the company crashes. It's all about keeping the cost down, but open source can help with that. If people can add devices from any manufacturer to their network then they won't be at as much risk of being stuck with redundant technology when a company stops trading. [Even Google](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/apr/05/revolv-devices-bricked-google-nest-smart-home) has been known to shut down a product. As a Nest owner I hope they don't repeat this.

I have an old home automation system based around a [Comfort](http://www.cytech.biz/) controller and [X10](http://www.uk-automation.co.uk/x10-home-automation/) switches. That is not at all internet connected, so I'm looking to replace it with [Home Assistant](https://home-assistant.io/) that can act as a hub for a huge range of devices. I've already experimented with it on a Raspberry Pi and had that turning lights on and off via X10. There are newer Comfort systems, but I'd like to do my own this time to get more flexibility.