We examine a recent article in The Next Web that suggests our understanding of the Internet of Things is no longer accurate
We all understand the importance of the Internet and the respective devices that connect to the web, yet Wojciech Borowicz argues in The Next Web our current breadth of understanding is not deep or wide enough.
For those unsure, Internet of Things, IoT, simply refers to everyday objects that have the capability of connecting to the Internet, enabling them to transmit and receive data.
Throughout this article an interesting electricity metaphor is used to justify the shift in narrative required on IoT. Borowicz likens IoT to any electricity appliance, such as a lightbulb, highlighting that the Internet itself is the key enabler for IoT, much like electricity is the facilitator for the use of a lightbulb. Thus, it is important to recognise that IoT is entirely dependent on the Internet, whilst the ‘Things’ themselves are relatively easy to create and utilise. Barowicz reminds us “it’s not any single, particular device that played the role of the ‘killer app’ for bringing electric current into households and businesses. It was the electricity itself.”
The other two fundamental aspects key to IoT are data and access. Firstly, with data comes the content of information for IoT. Secondly access provides the ability to transmit the relevant demanded information to the world. Open Application Programming Interface’s, API’s, provide the ability for IoT to access many different scenarios, including sectors such as public healthcare and transport. Borowicz’ theory of the synergies required between IoT, data and access are well rationalised in this article.
The notion that IoT is a phenomenon of the future is another aspect Borowicz has effectively addressed. In his words “Internet of Things is not some crazy, futuristic idea that might or might not come true in the future. It is true. Right here. Right now.” IoT is not only a craze of 2014 following on from the year of ‘big data’ in 2013 but a phenomenon here to stay and spread across the world infiltrating emerging markets over the coming years as well.
Overall, Borowicz provides a compelling case proving the importance of effective collaboration and synergy between the Internet, data and accessibility for the sustainable growth of IoT.
Many thanks to the The Next Web and Wojciech Borowicz for opening our minds to the significance of Internet of Things in our interconnected modern world. Be sure to follow both of them for further insights to this fascinating topic, and let us know what you think, at Markets For Good on Twitter.