The Internet of Things is gradually emerging and bringing many new connected endpoints into IT networks. In addition to PCs, smartphones and tablets, businesses may eventually rely on networked thermostats, wearable gadgets and sensors that can generate new types of data. The International Telecommunication Union has defined IoT as the “global infrastructure for the information society,” and enterprises are already at work deploying the equipment and data centers needed to support these IoT initiatives.
As IT projects scale and evolve with IoT, out-of-band access solutions will play a central role in ensuring that infrastructure can support a host of new endpoints, applications and services. Dedicated connectivity on an out-of-band console enables companies to stay on top of their increasingly complex IT operations.
Google, Apple explore new possibilities in IoT
Two years ago, Google worked on a project called PowerMeter, designed to produce a Web interface that could monitor energy consumption within homes. Although it eventually scrapped PowerMeter, Google may be getting back into the home appliance game with a new device known as EnergySense.
According to Engadget, Google is working on EnergySense with a third-party hardware maker. Ultimately, EnergySense is intended to become a platform for new applications and services, but for now it is limited to trials near St. Louis, Mo. The new thermostat would enter a market currently led by Nest, a device conceived by a former Apple employee.
Speaking of Apple, the company recently rolled out iBeacon, a micro-location service for iOS devices. Using the Bluetooth Low-Energy protocol, endpoints with iBeacon can send messages to nearby devices and deliver context-aware content. The initial phase of iBeacon will involve Apple’s retail stores, in which customers can receive offers and information about the status of their orders.
Moreover, the evolution of IoT promises to create new possibilities in marketing and data analytics, while requiring organizations to upgrade and streamline their IT infrastructure. Writing for Light Reading, Alain Louchez vouched for interoperability standards that would allow for the creation of additional services on top of aging IoT hardware, a setup that would help avoid over-reliance on the equipment manufacturer and enhance IoT’s possibilities for business.
“IoT devices will transform into new marketing touchpoints,” wrote Louchez. “Businesses might use intelligent devices to relay promotions and other benefits to customers. Context-aware marketing will rest on IoT technologies.”
Organization will need top-shelf tools to monitor and manage the IT infrastructure behind IoT. A remote site manager provides quick access to everything from anywhere, saving money that would otherwise have been spent sending engineers on-site to troubleshoot an issue.