Internet of Things (IoT) for the Enterprise

International Data Corp. reported that the three industries expected to spend the most on IoT this year are manufacturing ($189 billion), transportation ($85 billion), and utilities ($73 billion).

Security for IoT is paramount with little in guidance for standards. End users are purchasing IoT solutions without support of IT professionals, spending in the range of 35 to 40% of the IT budget, according to research firm Gardner.

In the logistics arena and RFID readers, there are many protocols requiring middleware solutions for communications. Integrators have relied on middleware applications to batch process, store, and translate compressed raw data for transmission over the network.

Aside from the middleware issue, utilities use wireless meters for data collection, putting terminals at each power connection with potential for wide spread access to the utility grid and beyond.

New methodologies are available from the service providers like zero-trust networks. The IoT platform almost requires a zero-trust network with IP verification, for user authentication for LAN and WAN users.

Our experience in Industrial Computing has shown the benefit of IoT within the logistics industry. IoT is expanding to all areas of the business community. Digital Transformation: Should competitors share technological resources? The value add is the ability to collect data from industrial devices and store for analysis.

Artificial Intelligence can be used to interpret big data. Early IoT examples were the use of “smart grocery” carts used by grocery chains. With a local GPS tracking system, the location of each grocery cart was mapped as the shopper went through the grocery store isles. The intelligence gathered allowed analysis of path discovery and items purchased. The grocery could design shelf layout for maximum returns.

The Future of 5G and IoT IoT will continue to grow, and is currently limited within the 4G network strategy. Most of the carriers limit bandwidth, and for most IoT solutions to be successful, reliance on the “last mile" is the largest failure point in the equation. As providers’ role out REAL 5G technology, IoT will be able to expand beyond the current work around solutions.

Compression and middleware provide a current solution, but real-time IoT will be limited until the last mile solution is solved. Many Internet Service Providers offer 5G technology, limited to where there is fiber optic service in core urban communities. Silicon Networks Group provides internet service ANYWHERE in Rural America.

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