A product designed using the programmable XBee-PRO ZB can be updated remotely with new ZigBee profiles, feature updates or security enhancements. Digi is also developing downloadable sample applications for developing Smart Energy Load Controllers, Smart Energy Simple Meters, Smart Energy Thermostats, iDigi endpoints, U-SNAP endpoints and for Modbus support over Ethernet.

The programmable XBee-PRO ZB features an 8-bit Freescale SO8 microprocessor and offers an outdoor RF line-of-sight range of up to one mile. XBee products are easy to use and share a common hardware footprint. Available in a variety of protocols for different applications, one XBee can be substituted for another with minimal development time or risk.

"In other programmable modules, there is risk of upsetting radio firmware or certifications during customization because wireless code is comingled with core product code," said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of global sales and marketing, Digi International. "The programmable XBee-PRO ZB enables application development without risk because the wireless software is isolated. We make it easy to deliver customised ZigBee applications without wireless design expertise, and iDigi makes it easy for customers to integrate those applications into their business systems."

Programmable XBee-PRO ZB development kits will be available in April 2010 for $299. For more information about the programmable XBee-PRO ZB, visit www.digi.com/xbee.'For more information about iDigi, visit www.idigi.com.