The Global Certification Forum has created a new membership category for device makers, which it said will make its certification scheme “more accessible”.

GCF said that Associate Manufacturer Membership has been developed to assist manufacturing companies starting out on the development of wireless connected devices, or those that do not have “the depth of wireless technical expertise in house” to qualify as a full Manufacturer Member of the group.

It was noted that certification enables manufacturers to demonstrate that products meet an “internationally trusted benchmark of interoperability”, giving assurance of connectivity and operation on networks worldwide.

Any company developing a connected device that will be marketed under its own brand name and incorporates a GCF-certified wireless module can apply now to become an Associate Manufacture Member via the GCF website.