Need for cloud access

Setup, Configuration and Use Beginners
1

I am thing about installing a home automation system in my home. The wife wants to place a bunch of lights on timers, and other things. I looked at the SmartThings hub, however it needs continuous access to the cloud in order to work.

Does openHAB need access to the cloud or is it stand alone? I have a HTPC running Windows 10 that is on all the time, so installing this software and having it run all the time is not a problem.

2

OH itself does not need access to the cloud. However, many of the APIs and technologies it can be used with do require access to the cloud as a cloud-based API is the only way to control those devices. For example Nest requires access to the Nest cloud-based API to work.