From stand-alone to IoT – a practical solution for the OEM
The more we consider the Internet of Things, the more sense it makes to connect almost anything. But at what point does it make commercial sense? A vision of an IoT ecosystem without today’s limitations promises device makers a far simpler, more flexible and cost-effective way to build in connectivity, explains Dennis Poulsen, the general manager of Spirent’s IoT Connectivity Products.
When it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT) the general view is “you ain’t seen nothing yet”. The world has already survived an Internet explosion, a bandwidth explosion, a mobile device explosion, a connectivity explosion, and a string of other noteworthy detonations – but the IoT explosion threatens even more bang, as well as bucks.
Analyst Gartner, Inc. forecasts that the IoT will include 6.4 billion connected devices worldwide during 2016, reaching 20.8 billion by 2020. But the greatest alarm is not so much about the numbers of devices as their sheer diversity, and the threats to stability and security that could arise.
There has already been a lot of discussion around such issues, but not so much has been said about the problems faced by manufacturers seeking to create connected devices, or to add Internet connectivity to their existing product line.
Let us say that you are an OEM that has designed a compact, ruggedised tracking device suitable for a range of applications such as monitoring container movements: what would be the options for adding Internet access to the device? How do you go about this in a cost-effective manner without making it too cumbersome for the end user?
There are real challenges here, but the good news is that they are being addressed by a new disruptive IoT ecosystem concept driven by Spirent Communications. It combines the forces of leading technology providers from areas such as USIM technology, global connectivity and chipset technology. One partner, Oasis Smart SIM, already has a reputation for innovative embedded SIM solutions for IoT connectivity, while Spirent is a global leader in developing hardware and software solutions and test methodologies for both fixed and wireless networks. Unlike existing IoT connectivity solution providers, neither company majors on SIM hardware sales, hence their collaboration on a radical approach that combines embedded software and an open cloud management ecosystem.
Developing an IoT device
The massive commercial promise of the Internet of Things begins with the realization that so many everyday devices could benefit from the addition of Internet connection. A waste container that could sound an alert when a waste storage volume is running out would save a lot of routine checking and logistics. Smart sports equipment could be monitored real-time and performance benchmarked against other athletes worldwide. Air conditioning switched on shortly before you return to your car, would be less wasteful than the bad old practice of leaving the car engine running while you shop. Utility meters that do not need people in the field to read them, agriculture irrigation that can adjust to expected weather conditions … the list is endless.
And that is just the beginning, because there is a whole new opportunity for innovations – such as smart trainers, wearable tech and drones – that become possible once you can ensure easy, reliable connectivity. Then there are whole new business models made possible by instant feedback from customers, or from the products themselves. These include concepts as diverse as social marketing and medicines that remind the patient to take them and report back if they are not being taken according to the regimen. Above all, there are all the further inventions that will be dreamed up as we become acclimatised to the new IoT ecology.
So there are countless manufacturers wanting to enter the IoT arena, either by enhancing their existing products or planning whole new product lines. Going back to the example of the compact rugged tracking device: how would such a manufacturer best add, or build in, the necessary IoT connectivity?
Part 2 of Dennis’ article will be published on IoT global network soon.