It’s hard to imagine what a world without the Internet would be like, isn’t it?
We are so used to living connected, doing online activities almost automatically that it becomes utopian to think about what our life would be like without that facilitator. Well, to enhance globalization and offer more and more convenience, the Internet of Things was born.
Have you heard about the IoT (Internet of Things)? What is it for? Its importance and trends? We invite you to continue with us and learn about the concept, and you will see how the world tends to be even more connected!
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things refers to a revolution in technology. It aims to connect the devices used in everyday life to the world wide web. Increasingly, household appliances, transportation, clothing, and other minor items such as doorknobs connected to devices such as smart phones and computers are emerging.
But, in the end, what is the main purpose of IoT? The idea is that, increasingly, the digital and physical media will come together to become one world. This is possible because of the ability to communicate a device with others, the cloud and data centers.
Do you remember the special lenses manufactured by Google a few years ago? This is a perfect example of how the Internet can be added to objects with the goal of fusing the digital environment to the devices used on a daily basis. You could even say that this type of device, as well as Sony’s Smartwatch 2 model, revolutionized mobility and the presence of the Internet in everyday life.
History of IoT
Since 1991, when the TCP-IP connection and the Internet began to take off in the way we know them today, interested scientists and companies have been looking for ways to connect objects. Since then, many things have happened, such as the Device for Device connection, D2D, proposed by Bill Joy (co-founder of Sun Microsystems).
As early as 1999, the term “Internet of Things” became real through Kevin Ashton of MIT when he talked about electronically labeling the company’s products with the intention of facilitating the performance of the logistics chain. That is, he talked about the incorporation of radio frequency identification (RFID).
Ten years later, the creator of the term published the article “That ‘internet of things’ thing”. In his text, he reported that at that time, the network offered only 50 Pentabytes of data accumulated in records, recordings and reproduction of images.
Time constraints and routine demand that people achieve a greater affinity with the virtual medium. According to Kevin Ashton, this same need generates more and more accumulated data about our daily movements, that is, more information about the movement of our body is recorded. With the proper recording of data, energy and natural resources can be reduced, optimized and even saved.
How does the Internet of Things work?
You probably understand the Internet of Things as an added way to connect to the Internet, or in other words, as a medium to connect to. It is fundamental to get this idea out of your mind and focus on its real purpose!
When we talk about the Internet of Things, it is necessary to emphasize that the idea is to use connectivity so that objects can become more efficient or receive complementary attributes. In this sense, having a refrigerator connected to the Internet could let you know when a food is about to be finished and at the same time, investigate through the Internet in which market this product is cheaper.
Another interesting task would be for that same fridge to offer a virtual recipe guide. Does it seem to be a lie or completely out of reality? Well, nothing! There is already a fridge on the market with similar functions. And do you know who produces it? Samsung.
Currently, several areas are already experiencing the advantages of having the Internet of Things such as hospitals and clinics, agriculture (sensors distributed in plantations), factories and shops.
IoT strategic trends
For about five years now, the Internet of Things has been increasingly present in people’s lives and, above all, in the lives of companies. Nowadays, the IoT is seen with a more pragmatic and operational approach. Thus, it is possible to say that the Internet of Things potentiates business income, improves business models, opens doors for new experiences and relationships.
By understanding that the IoT is present with greater intensity, its development and the idea that it should be incorporated more and more into the routine of organizations is even more evident.
Artificial Intelligence
Everything indicates that until 2023 many companies specialized in the area of technology will invest heavily in Artificial Intelligence and in services based on intelligent platforms. As a result of the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence, companies should adopt tools and skills to explore AI in their IoT strategy.
Legal issues should be considered
Over time, IoT is maturing more and more and is used more intensively and frequently, so it is normal that questions of a social, legal and ethical nature appear and are discussed. These discussions include ownership of data, deductions made from it, including algorithmic trends and privacy.
In this way, it is important to ensure that IoT is both technically and socially acceptable.
Monetization of data
It is a trend that information is placed as commercial assets. The Infonomics theory takes the monetization forward, considering this information as a strategic product to be recorded in the company’s accounts. Until 2023, the purchase and sale of data will be a fundamental part of connected and intelligent systems.
Governance of IoT
It is important that a governance structure exists that allows for the proper behaviour of the creation, storage, use and exclusion of information concerning IOT projects. Governance includes simple tasks, device audits, etc. It is essential that managers assume the role of educating their collaborators about IO in the organisations.
Do you encourage IoT in your company? Do you think your employees understand how technology can help improve performance? Are there still doubts? Tell us your impressions and take the opportunity to subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest news!