SINA Collaborates With Ayla Networks, Brings New Generation of Connected Devices to Chinese Consumers

BEIJING--(Marketwired - Jun 5, 2013) - Ayla Networks, a leader in technology and cloud-based services for the Internet of Things, is proud to announce that it is collaborating with SINA to bring a new generation of connected devices and interactivity to consumers in China.

With more than 500 million registered users worldwide, SINA is the most recognized Internet brand name among Chinese communities globally. SINA's digital media network also includes Sina.com (web portal) Weibo.com (social networking) and Sina.cn (mobile).

The first device to come out of the collaboration is the SINA Wi-Fi Weather Station, which provides SINA customers with targeted, up-to-date weather information and forecasts for their home, office or any other place of interest where one of the devices is located. The key is the cloud: SINA's personal weather stations feed location-specific information about temperature and precipitation to a cloud-based service that SINA customers can access through smart phones and other devices. Ayla's cloud platform for the Internet of Things provides the technology and foundation to link the weather station to SINA's services seamlessly and securely.

Once things can be easily connected to rich cloud-based services, the possibilities for what comes next are many. Appliances, lighting, home controls and a broad array of other consumer electronics can all communicate together and through the cloud to provide a social network for things. Formerly mundane devices will offer a rich new way for users to interact with them.

"Sina Weibo provides a rich platform of applications through which hundreds of millions of consumers regularly interact, and we are excited about the opportunity to expand this relationship to the Internet of Things," said Gaofei Wang, senior vice-president of SINA and general manager of Weibo.com. "We chose Ayla as our partner because their platform offers the flexibility, security, and time to market we were seeking for this first product introduction, and we look forward to working with Ayla on developing new products that will change the way people interact with each other and the world around them."

Ayla Networks has developed a comprehensive end-to-end platform enabling fast, cost-effective and secure development of rich cloud-connected devices. Founded by a team with deep expertise solving the challenges of connectivity at companies such as Amazon/Lab126, Cisco Systems and ZeroG Wireless, Ayla combines its innovative software and networking technology with best-in-class solutions from companies such as STMicroelectronics to allow manufacturers to integrate remote, interactive intelligence into thermostats, HVAC systems, household water and irrigation systems, lights and other appliances.

Ayla's platform also provides ongoing hosting and management of these devices through the cloud. Not only will Ayla's technology permit manufacturers to introduce new product lines rapidly, the platform creates a foundation for an ongoing, direct relationship between consumers and manufacturers and service providers.

Sunnyvale, California-based Ayla announced its platform and $5 million Series A funding today as well. (see separate release).

"We are very proud to support a global leader like SINA," said David Friedman, CEO and a co-founder of Ayla. "We share their vision that the Internet and related services will transform how we interact with the things around us in our daily lives in interesting and unexpected ways."

About SINA

SINA is an online media company serving China and the global Chinese communities. Our digital media network of SINA.com (portal), SINA.cn (mobile portal) and Weibo.com (social media) enable Internet users to access professional media and user-generated content in multi-media formats from the web and mobile devices and share their interests to friends and acquaintances.

SINA.com offers distinct and targeted professional content and a range of complementary offerings on each of our region-specific websites. SINA.cn provides information and entertainment content from SINA portal customized for mobile (WAP) users. Based on an open platform architecture to host organically developed and third-party applications, Weibo.com is a form of social media, featuring microblogging services and social networking services that allow users to connect and share information on our platform anywhere, anytime and with anyone.

Through these properties and other product lines and businesses, SINA offers an array of online media and social networking services to our users to create a rich canvas for businesses and brand advertisers to connect and engage with their targeted audiences. SINA generates the majority of its revenues from online advertising, MVAS and fee-based services.

About Ayla

Ayla was founded to address the massive changes that are needed to connect "things" to the Internet. The company has developed an end-to-end platform that allows manufacturers and service providers turn home controls, HVAC, appliances, lighting and other everyday products into intelligent devices that can collect information, be managed remotely, or perform tasks automatically on behalf of consumers and businesses. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., the company has partnered with major electronics manufacturers, leading venture capital firms and investors who share this vision. For more information, contact Ayla Networks at www.aylanetworks.com.