You'll rarely ever find a tech-oriented website that has no mention of the internet of things (IoT). IoT is set to be one of the most disruptive technologies since the internet, and it's bound to change the way we interact with our devices. It's amazing to think that something intangible, like network connectivity, can hold so much promise. Before we can fully understand why IoT is such an important piece of technology, we first need to define what it is.

What Is the Internet of Things?

The IoT refers to the network of devices that are able to gather and share data with other devices that are on the same network. It allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely through an existing network infrastructure, and this is what creates many opportunities for a seamless integration of computer-based systems in the physical world.

The devices that can work with IoT can come in any form and any function. Anything from heart monitors, cars, biochip transponders, etc can gather and relay information with any other device on the same network.

The Next Industrial Revolution

Much like the internet, the IoT is bound to disrupt the way that we communicate and connect with people. This disruption is going to influence changes in the economy, and it's likely going to create completely new markets much like how the internet did in the form of eCommerce, social media, and many other industries. It's the way that the IoT has the potential to change the way we use existing technology that makes it such a big deal. 

Potential IoT Applications

The "smart building" is one of the best examples of how to put IoT to good use. Every piece of office equipment, whether they be the smart locks on every door, the smart coffee maker, or the air conditioning unit, can be monitored and controlled remotely.

When devices are able to communicate with each other, this creates a platform upon which automation can be programmed. Imagine being able to power up your terminal the moment you swipe your employee ID at the front desk, or in being able to locate and designate an empty parking space for your car the moment you enter the office parking lot. It's possibilities like this that make companies that prioritize building smart communities in different industries an important component of IoT.

What Does IoT Mean For the Tech Industry?

It's still unknown if it's going to be expensive to set up an IoT network, but what is known are the benefits that this tech is bound to grant any business that is able to utilize it well. Whether it's in cost reduction, better safety, automation, and improved worker efficiency, the benefits of IoT are bound to help a business grow.

The Internet of Things is going to be one of the biggest technological developments we've had since the internet. IoT is a big deal because of how it can potentially change the way we interact with our devices, and how it can create a seamless integration of smart devices into the physical world. It's not a question of whether or not it's going to arrive, it's a question of "when".