Internet of Things Information

History of the Internet of Things

We’ve been fascinated with devices that work at scale for decades (think spy-movie-type stuff), but it’s only in the last few years that we’ve seen the true potential of IoT. The concept evolved as the wireless Internet became more ubiquitous, embedded sensors grew in sophistication, and people began to understand that technology could be both a personal and a professional tool.

The term “Internet of Things” was coined in the late 1990s by businessman Kevin Ashton. Ashton, who is one of the founders of the Auto-ID Center at MIT, was part of a team that discovered how to link objects to the Internet through an RFID tag. He said he first used the phrase “Internet of Things” in a presentation he gave in 1999, and the term has stuck around ever since.

Why is the Internet of Things important?

You might be surprised to learn how many things are connected to the Internet and how much money we can make from analyzing the resulting data streams. Here are some examples of the impact IoT is having on industries:
• Intelligent transportation solutions speed traffic flows, reduce fuel consumption, prioritize vehicle repair programs and save lives.
• Smart grids connect renewable resources more efficiently, improve system reliability, and charge customers based on smaller usage increments.
• Machine monitoring sensors diagnose and predict pending maintenance issues, short-term parts stockouts, and even prioritize maintenance crew schedules for repair crews and regional needs.
• Data-driven systems are being incorporated into the infrastructure of “smart cities,” making it easier for municipalities to run waste management, law enforcement, and other programs more efficiently.

But also consider the IoT on a more personal level. Connected devices are making their way from business and industry to the mass market. Consider these possibilities:
• You have little milk. When she gets home from work, she gets an alert from her fridge reminding her to stop by the store.
• Your home security system, which already allows you to control your locks and thermostats remotely, can cool your home and open your windows, depending on your preferences.

Read the TDWI report to learn how the Internet of Things is changing how organizations work.

Who is using it?

The IoT is more than a convenience for consumers. It offers new data sources and business operating models that can drive productivity in a variety of industries.

Health care

Many people have already adopted wearable devices to help monitor exercise, sleep, and other health habits, and these items are only scratching the surface of how IoT affects healthcare. Patient monitoring devices, electronic records and other smart accessories can help save lives.

Manufacturing

This is one of the industries that benefits the most from IoT. Data collection sensors embedded in factory machinery or warehouse shelves can communicate issues or track resources in real time, making it easy to work more efficiently and keep costs down.

Retail sale

Both consumers and stores can benefit from IoT. Stores, for example, can use IoT for inventory tracking or security purposes. Consumers may end up with personalized shopping experiences through data collected by sensors or cameras.

telecommunications

The telecommunications industry will be significantly affected by the IoT as it will be responsible for maintaining all the data used by the IoT. Smartphones and other personal devices must be able to maintain a reliable connection to the Internet for IoT to work effectively.

Transportation

While the cars aren’t at the point of driving themselves, they are certainly more technologically advanced than ever. The IoT is also affecting transportation on a larger scale: delivery companies can track their fleet using GPS solutions. And roads can be monitored through sensors to keep them as safe as possible.

Utilities

Smart meters not only collect data automatically, but also enable analytics that can track and manage energy use. Similarly, sensors in devices like windmills can track data and use predictive models to schedule downtime for more efficient energy use.

Functional managers, IT professionals, data analysts, business analysts, postgraduates and graduates can attend a free workshop on IoT.

The objectives of the IoT workshop include:
• Provide basic knowledge about how IoT works.
• Provide information on how IoT can connect most physical objects effectively.
• Scope of employment opportunities with IoT