However, with all of our focus and media attention on the
Internet of Things, we are really
missing the fundamental technology revolutions that are re-shaping our
world. Radical advances in processing,
storage, wireless technologies and new ways of delivering technology are
reshaping our world - all at a much faster speed and drastically reduced
price.
In my view, the Internet
of Things is really a short-hand for the four technology pillars that are
shaping a revolutionary new, connected world.
1. Wireless
– High speed,
licensed and unlicensed, networks mean that people and devices no longer need
to be tethered by a wire. We can now
collect and transmit information from things that are moving (e.g.,
automobiles, trains); things that are remote (e.g., oil wells, agriculture), or
things that are too costly to wire up (e.g., city parking spots).
2. Big
Data – The billions
of applications, sensors and devices connected to the Internet will create
zettabytes of data (1021 bytes, or 1 billion terabytes). But, while the volume of data is just astounding,
what is truly revolutionary is the ability to put that data to work. Advanced data analytics is now capable of
managing vast amounts of disparate data to reveal amazing relationships and
insights, and drastically improve our predictive capabilities. As a result, machines will be able to
intelligently interact with machines, with limited, or no human intervention.
3.
Cloud – Not only does the cloud provide an
efficient and cost-effective means to process
and store all of the data created by the IoT, but it is essentially the “glue” that
holds the Internet of Things together.
Cloud computing allows all of the sensors to communicate with the
applications, and the control and monitor devices, across multiple networks, anytime
and anywhere.
4.
Devices (Things) – Of
course, the devices, or things, in the Internet of Things are important. Inexpensive devices and sensors that focus on
specific tasks (e.g., temperature, carbon monoxide levels, heart rate) can now
be made that are also economical on power consumption, or can tap into
alternative sources of power. And, they
are all connected – to a network, the cloud and each other. Through compelling and easy to use
applications, we can access and control these devices through powerful,
personal devices such as smartphones, tablets and PCs.
None of these
technologies can ever truly revolutionize the world without another key
technology – a fifth technology pillar:
5. Security
– The recent high
profile Internet security breaches and data thefts highlighted in the media reinforce
the importance of security and guaranteeing user online privacy. Security is paramount to the growth and
adoption of IoE. We have to be able to
assure users that their connected car and home will not be taken over by hackers. Or, that the extremely personal data
collected from medical devices is safe from prying eyes. Businesses and cities will need similar
assurances that the sensors that they have deployed and the data that they
generate are 100 percent secure.
So, next time
you see, or hear, the Internet of Things
don’t think of it in the literal sense.
Rather, think of it as a short-hand for the Four + One technology
pillars that are truly changing the world.
It is the radical innovation and combination of these five critical
technologies that are really delivering the promise of the Internet of Things – reshaping businesses, economies and the way
that we work, live, play, and learn.Read the blog on Cisco.com
