The Internet of Things is the term given to the growing network of physical objects that are connected to the Internet. The term also pertains to the communication that occurs between the objects and other devices and systems.It involves non-traditional devices that feature internet connectivity that include household appliances, security systems, cars, lights, alarm clocks, vending machines, speaker systems, and thermostats, just to name a few.
At present, there are more than 10 billion devices that are connected to the Internet. Researchers have estimated that by the year 2020, there will be around 30 times more connected things than the world’s population. Anything that can be connected to the Internet will be connected. And with lots of connected devices talking to each other, the current IT infrastructure needs to be changed.
The Internet of Things provides endless opportunities that we can’t think of today. And that’s the reason why a lot of IT experts are talking about the topic. While it does bring lot opportunities for individuals and businesses alike, it does bring some challenges, especially to the IT infrastructure. The number one concern of industry experts is security. With billions of devices connected with one another, people are concerned on how they can ensure that their information stays secure. There are people who are worried that their refrigerator might be hacked in the future, and that would lead to a breach to the home’s entire network.
People are also concerned about data sharing and privacy. These are already top concerns among Internet users today, and a lot of people are growing wary about connecting other devices to their IT infrastructure. And with the massive amount of data that the devices will produce at the same time, companies are trying to determine whether their current cloud services are capable to handle such data. Companies are already preparing for the future by trying to find a way to track, analyse, and store the large amounts of data that will be generated by the devices.
Companies must modernise their IT infrastructure and replace their legacy architectures. Their IT department must be flexible and aligned with the business trends. They must be able to anticipate and respond to the needs of the business fast. They must provide real-time data that can make managers form smart decisions. The IT infrastructure must also be scalable in order to support growth, both planned and unplanned.
The Internet of Things is not just a trend. It is the future, and it is coming really fast. Companies must plan their actions with regards to IoT so that they can prepare their IT infrastructure to handle the huge amount of data that will be generated in the near future.
