Connected world of all devices and objects
The idea of connecting devices to the internet has been a recurring theme since the inception of the worldwide web. One of the earliest examples was the first webcam, used to monitor a pot of coffee at Cambridge University in 1993. Fast forward to today, and this concept has evolved into a broader realm known as the 'Internet of Concepts'.
This term, proposed by JP Rangaswami, chief scientist of hosted CRM provider Salesforce.com, emphasizes a shift from just connecting physical objects, as implied by the 'Internet of Things', to integrating concepts and abstract data. The 'Internet of Concepts' has inspired a wide variety of innovations, including General Electric's (GE) investment of $1.5 billion in the 'Industrial Internet'.
GE's strategy includes making devices more intelligent, developing smarter controllers, and creating analytics technology to monitor system performance in real-time. GE's analytics technology aims to reduce the chance of failure and breakage by detecting signs of issues early and automatically adjusting system settings.
One example of the 'Internet of Concepts' in action is Toyota Friend, a private social network for Toyota car owners. This platform uses Salesforce.com's social collaboration platform Chatter, showcasing its importance as a platform for the 'Internet of Concepts'.
Another enabler for the 'Internet of Concepts' is network connectivity. With mobile internet services such as 3G now covering much of the developed world, and the cost of embeddable networking components like SIM cards or Bluetooth transmitters plummeting, it has become more feasible than ever to connect devices to the internet.
Simple automation tools like IFTTT (If This Then That) are making user-driven automation more widely understood, further propelling the growth of the 'Internet of Concepts'. Even everyday objects, like an internet-connected fridge, are becoming part of this connected world, although the hype surrounding such long-awaited innovations sometimes outweighs their practicality.
Unilever, a consumer packaged goods giant, has also jumped on the bandwagon, investing in a start-up incubation scheme dedicated to the Internet of Things in November 2020. Phil Giesler, vice president at Unilever's new business unit, stated that the Internet of things could offer the company a new way to interact with customers inside their homes.
As the 'Internet of Concepts' continues to evolve, it's clear that this connected world extends far beyond just physical objects. From coffee pots to industrial systems, the possibilities are endless. GE has even set up a new software R&D center in Silicon Valley and hired Bill Ruh, a former Cisco executive, to run it, further solidifying their commitment to this burgeoning field.
One sensor on a GE system can generate 588 gigabytes of data per day, highlighting the vast amount of information that can be harnessed through the 'Internet of Concepts'. As this data is published, shared between systems, and consumed by human beings, the 'Internet of Concepts' promises to revolutionize the way we live and work.
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