Understanding the Latest Trends of Internet of Things According to Gartner
The Internet of Things (IoT) has integrated itself into our lives and businesses over the years. With interconnected devices, IoT has created a network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity to allow them to exchange data seamlessly. According to Gartner, there are some latest trends that the industry leaders should be aware of to optimize their IoT strategies.
The Integration of AI and IoT
One of the biggest trends in IoT is its integration with artificial intelligence (AI). By integrating AI with IoT, businesses can create intelligent systems that can gather and analyze data faster and more effectively. IoT devices can collect large amounts of data, while AI can process that data to create actionable insights that businesses can use to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.
For instance, imagine an AI-powered IoT system in a manufacturing plant. The system can collect data from machines and sensors on factors like temperature, humidity, pressure, and vibration. AI can analyze that data in real-time to identify recurring patterns or anomalies, alert the maintenance team about potential equipment failure or even create a prediction model to optimize maintenance schedules.
The Emergence of Edge Computing
With more devices connecting to the internet, the amount of data generated is growing exponentially, leading to an extreme burden on the centralized cloud computing network. Edge computing offers a solution to these problems by bringing the processing closer to the source of data generation.
In Edge computing, data is processed at the source, reducing the burden on the central cloud system, providing faster response and reduced latencies. By reducing the time needed to process the data, it enables businesses to act in real-time on crucial insights. Edge computing is quickly becoming crucial for many businesses, especially those in the manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors, among others.
The Growth of IoT Security
IoT security has been a major concern, as more devices become connected remotely. Businesses need to protect both their physical and digital assets from the increasing number of cyber threats. IoT security will continue to be a priority, and Gartner recommends focusing on building a comprehensive security system across all stages of the IoT network life cycle; from device authentication to data encryption.
IoT devices are hacking targets because of their ability to compound vulnerabilities. For instance, an attacker could exploit a weak point in an IoT system used to control door locks in a building, thus opening those doors to unauthorized access. Therefore, Gartner suggests only purchasing IoT devices that have strong security protocols and regularly updating them with patches and security updates.
Conclusion
IoT, over the years, has evolved, and it’s not just about connectivity anymore. It has become an integral part of digital transformation, allowing organizations to gain deeper insights, provide better quality experiences and streamline their operations. Gartner’s latest trends for IoT suggest that businesses should be focused on integrating AI, adopting Edge computing, and prioritizing IoT security if they want to fully optimize their IoT strategies. Adopting these trends can make their businesses future-ready, and provide them a strategic edge over their competitors.
