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Research Briefings

The Internet of Things: What It Is, Why It Matters

Summary:

The “Internet of Things” (IoT) will likely be one of the most important technological advances of this century. The emergence of Cloud computing, meanwhile, has created the application and device management backbone needed to scale to and support billions of connected objects. Consumer, governmental and business trends are also pushing us toward the IoT. And despite inhibitors to growth, such as privacy issues and creating sustainable business models, we will see increasing benefits in our personal and community lives as the IoT takes hold.

  1. Table of Contents
  2. Executive Summary
  3. Introduction
  4. The Internet of Things: Then and Now
    1. Then, 1998:  A marvelous dream
    2. Now, 2010: An emerging reality
    3. Defining The Internet of Things
      1. Things
      2. Connected to
      3. The Internet
  5. IoT Market Potential and Drivers
    1. Market Size and Growth Rate
    2. Factors Driving IoT Adoption
    3. Consumer expectations
    4. Government programs
    5. Relaxed privacy expectations
    6. Mobile network operators have gotten on board
    7. Value chain is established and ready to scale
  6. Opportunities in the Internet of Things
    1. Consumers
      1. Health care quality goes up and costs down
      2. Spawn a “home energy efficiency” culture
      3. Make driving safe, productive and entertaining
      4. Connect us to our families and caregivers
      5. Create ease and security in daily living
    2. Businesses and Government
      1. Contribute to a clean environment
      2. Improve quality and customer service, and reduce costs
      3. Provide safety and security for employees, assets and communities
    3. Inhibitors to Growth
    4. Making money: Creating sustainable business models
    5. Big Brother IS watching: Constant connectivity and personal privacy
    6. Calmness vs. chaos:  Coping with information overload
    7. Connecting everywhere:  The digital divide
  7. Conclusion
  8. Relevant Companies
  9. About Laurie Lamberth
  10. About GigaOM Pro

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