Moving IoT towards maturity

THE Internet of Things (IoT) is at a tipping point. The phenomenon that was once expensive, proprietary and mostly embedded into large machines has today evolved into a consumer-driven trend, led by technologies such as digital wallets, Google Glass and self-aware tracking gadgets.

As end-point devices, networks, sensors, storage and application software continue to converge, we are well on our way to a future where all manner of devices will be connected to the Internet. By 2020, as many as 30 billion "things" will connect to each other over the network, according to IDC.

Manufacturers are designing devices with IoT in mind as they enable more specialised equipment to send information to the Internet, and in many cases, receive insights in return. These devices are more affordable, durable, compact, and power-efficient than before. Couple these trends with more wide-ranging wireless connectivity and falling data connections costs, getting many more devices online becomes a reality.