page_title: HomeSeer
section_title: 1999-2004
hierarchical_section_title: HomeSeer / History / 1999-2004
caption_attribution_description: Original HomeSeer HS1 (v1.7) CD
context_page_description: HomeSeer Technologies LLC is a technology company based in Bedford, New Hampshire, in the United States. HomeSeer makes home automation controllers and software, designed to integrate lighting, HVAC, security, AV and other subsystems in most homes. Additionally, the company maintains an online store of compatible home automation products and a free online community forum for users and dealers.
context_section_description: HomeSeer was founded in 1999 by company president Richard Helmke. At the time, Helmke was employed as Software Project Leader for Cabletron (later becoming Enterasys) in Rochester, New Hampshire. Helmke developed an interest in home automation and set about to find a software program that would fit his needs. After trying several programs, Helmke elected to create his own program (initially named AutoHome), and launched that effort, as a part-time pursuit, under the company name "Keware". Shortly after release, Keware was renamed HomeSeer and AutoHome was renamed HomeSeer v1 or HS1 for short. At first, the software was compatible with X10 light switches, plug-in modules and controllers. Over time, support was added for additional products such as the ADI Ocelot, JDS Stargate controller and WGL W800 wireless receivers. An open API coupled with a freely available SDK was added to encourage 3rd party development of plug-in (drivers) for support of additional technologies and products. HS1 included support for remote internet access and voice control using Microsoft speech technology (SAPI). As sales of HS1 increased, a message board forum was implemented to provide community-based support for HS1 users.
  In 2002, Helmke left his position at Enterasys to focus solely on HomeSeer.
  In 2003, driver support was added to HS1 for Z-Wave, a wireless mesh network technology. At that time, the technology was in its infancy with only a handful of lighting products available from Advanced Control Technologies and Sylvania. As of 2015, the Z-Wave Alliance reported there were more than 1,400 Z-Wave certified products including light switches, thermostats, door locks, water valves, garage door controllers, sensors and other products.
  In 2004, HomeSeer released its first hardware product, the ZU0100-001 Z-Wave USB interface. This product functioned as a Z-Wave transceiver to allow HS1 software to communicate with wireless Z-Wave devices.
caption: HS1 v1.7 distribution CD from 2004.
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