Here are the emerging expectations in Singapore on the Internet of Things

Today, Internet-of-Things (IoT) has progressed as a novel paradigm which bridges the gap between the worlds of the virtual internet and the real objects. The functions of “things” in the real world are neatly integrated with the virtual world through software applications.

The pervading impact of IoT has created emerging patterns and trends for businesses, governments and societies as well as individuals to leverage on one another to improve quality and standards of measure, as well as increase productivity gains or both.

According to Harbor Research, the prevalence of pervasive computing and IoT has created a more connected, distributive network for information exchange. This emerging network awareness and convergence between the physical and virtual worlds have moved enterprises and businesses towards a new trend known as “smart business”.

In smart businesses, data from devices and people are digitised and placed onto networks for further analysis.

One implication of such a compulsive trend is that, as more smart systems manifest themselves in the near future, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications will become more prevalent. These systems cross-pollinate into other industries outside the automation of the traditional factory.

And hence, a range of automated services has been adapted and leveraged by the world of smart systems for productivity gains.

Another important follow-through observed by Gartner is the availability of complementary products to support the functions and growth of IoT. The billions of data generated will lead to a greater need for a cloud architecture which is expected to be more efficient.

External private cloud and personal cloud may also integrate to provide cloud services to meet the increasing demands for network and data storage.

We can expect that new product innovations will no longer suffice to have a product differentiator only. This is because the de facto standard of the product’s unique value proposition and design differentiation will inevitably have to include the ability to automate and record data interactions between the product and its users in this virtual, all-connected network.

In Singapore, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) has highlighted nine key trends in its Infocomm Technology Roadmap 2012. IoT, with its supporting infrastructure, comprising Big Data, Cloud Computing and the like, has also been identified within the mega trends.

The report also predicts a positive spin in the next 3 - 5 years as it has observed a trend of falling costs of sensors.

As a trade association, the Singapore Industrial Automation Association (SIAA) conducted its members’ survey to learn about three critical issues circumventing the adoption of IoT. Firstly, by aggregating demand through an “eco-pond” of smaller-sized solution providers, the deployment of IoT solutions can be made less costly.

Secondly, a new and more effective value chain is required for IoT deployment to be more effective. Lastly, test-bedding facilities can be built to demonstrate proof-of-value for ‘sceptics’ who are uncertain about IoT.

In a nutshell, IoT is actually a convergence of various technologies, and different countries have chosen to focus on different aspects of technologies to enhance their IoT capabilities so as to achieve an increased quality of life and productivity gains.

Oliver is among the speakers who will be sharing their expertise at the IoT Asia 2014 conference.

IoT Asia 2014
Singapore Expo Convention & Exhibition Centre
21-22 April 2014

Click here to register.