The Internet of Things (IoT) is the variety of devices equipped with sensors to collect and distribute data related to business processes. The fleet of IoT devices has exploded in recent years, with enterprises discovering new ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency as well as the end user experience with an infusion of data.
As the IoT continues to grow, there are a number of trends emerging that will shape its use and impact:
Enterprises shape the advance of the IoT: The IoT may involve consumer products, with home assistants and fitness wearables dominating must-have gift lists, but it’s the enterprise that will drive its adoption. Enterprises will determine whether data interconnectedness will advance to a place where the consumer product becomes a useful tool or remains mostly a conversation piece and living room novelty.
Security becomes more complex: The spread of the IoT means added complexity to the security landscape. While hackers have a broader plane to attack in an enterprise that equips IoT, they are not immune to the problems of economies of scale, accessing fewer monetary rewards for hacking each of these devices. In situations like healthcare, where IoT devices are monitoring critical life-or-death situations, hacking could become a crime that takes on a more complex dimension.
The IoT will require more complex remedies for security challenges: Expect that the IoT will respond to security difficulties with even more advances that feature artificial intelligence and data analytics. This will improve the speed of transmissions as well as accuracy, while simultaneously enhancing the direct connectivity between endpoints.
The idea of a revolution is likely overblown: A year from now, it’s almost certain that the IoT world will have expanded beyond where it is today. Reports of an IoT revolution may be an overstatement, but there should be an experience that feels like the evolution of the IoT. Developments will continue to create IoT devices that are smarter and better connected, with security features that protect critical data from a breach.
Policies will also evolve to educate the workforce on the security steps employees can take to protect devices. Misplaced devices may be more common than actual theft, so an important step for enterprises using a fleet of IoT devices is the training of their staff.
At Enterprise Visions, we know how to leverage the most effective technology of today and help you grow your business with the best telecom resources. Contact us to learn more about the role of IoT devices in your growth plans.