The Bluetooth Special Interest Group

As described above, Bluetooth wireless communication is embodied as a technology specification. This specification is a result of the cooperation of many companies within an organization called the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, or SIG. There is no "Bluetooth headquarters" nor is there any "Bluetooth corporation" nor any sort of legally incorporated entity. The SIG is governed by legal agreements among the member parties but it is not a company unto itself. The SIG should not be construed as a formal standards body; rather it is an organization chartered to define and promote the technology. In fulfilling this charter the SIG is dependent upon the contributions and participation of its member companies. Clearly a major task of the SIG has been to develop the specification, but other SIG activities include joint work with other consortia and standards and regulatory bodies, educational and promotional events such as developers conferences and the definition of a testing and certification process.

Technology and SIG Origins

Bluetooth wireless technology was conceived by engineers at Swedish telecommunications manufacturer Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (hereafter, Ericsson) who realized the potential of global short-range wireless communications. In 1994 Ericsson had begun a project to study the feasibility of a low-power and low-cost radio interface to eliminate cables between mobile phones and their accessories.