As you might imagine, within the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) a lot of conversation takes place around determining how best to foster the continued development and implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) around the globe. A colleague recently asked me my thoughts on what steps are needed for IoT to reach its full potential, and I answered simply that, “You can’t truly consider IoT without first building consensus among an ‘Internet of People.’” My point is that by looking at the past development of technologies commonplace today, it becomes very clear how innovation has been driven forward, as well as how it ties back directly to the efforts and creativity of individuals that had pursued startup companies, and who had worked on specific proof-of-concepts that in many cases became these sparks growing into the shining stars of the industry.
One can easily cite numerous examples where communication and networking technologies were early on being developed in a garage, basement or in the back of some industrial building. While not all of them succeeded, these technologies arose from numerous startups that allowed the industry as a whole to sift through a tremendous number of use cases to determine what could work, what would require modifications to make work, and what wasn’t viable. In effect, through their individual efforts, these pioneers were a catalyst for driving technological innovation and standardization. The new and exciting IEEE-SA initiative that’s being launched at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show, held this January 6-9 in Las Vegas, NV was inspired by these pioneers.
By fostering a similar rich development environment for the IoT – one that draws upon IEEE’s unique ability to bring together academia, established enterprises, startups and individuals– we can, in effect, create a highly motivated “Internet of People” to drive and streamline the application of the IoT. To build consensus on the continued expansion and growth of the IoT ecosystem, IEEE-SA is holding its first IoT Startup Soiree from 10am – 12pm PST, January 8 in room S228 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Open to all registered International CES attendees, the IEEE-SA IoT Startup Soiree will serve as a forum to foster IoT technology innovation and facilitate market acceleration, as well as to demonstrate how IEEE P2413Ô, the association’s standard for an architectural framework for IoT, benefits the industry as a whole.
Today, IoT clearly stands at the cusp of new developmental possibilities being driven by such initiatives as the Smart City, Smart Home, Smart Car and SmartMe, where startup companies are working diligently to introduce new and innovative connected devices that simplify our lives and bolster our daily productivity. For IoT entrepreneurs, the IEEE-SA IoT Startup Soiree is an ideal venue to engage with potential partners and investors. The agenda includes a “Hot Seat” panel session where selected startups can introduce concepts and address specific issues with experts in their fields.
This is an exhilarating time of great opportunity in the IoT industry and particularly exciting for the many design engineers who will play a key role in advancing the technology to improve the lives of many around the world. For those attending International CES, we welcome your participation and engagement. And, for everyone with an interest in the IoT, we invite you to explore how IEEE-SA is committed to driving the functions, capabilities and interoperability of a wide range of products and services that transform the way people live, work and communicate.
Filed Under: M2M (machine to machine)
