Internet of Things Sets Eyes On Europe

The world is abuzz about all that is new. The latest topic of discussion is the ‘Internet of Things’ or more commonly known as the IoT. It has become the topic of choice both in the workplace and even out of it. So what is the Internet of Things?

To understand this, you need to be aware of a few facts first. We are all aware of the conventional internet that we use, which uses the broadband network. Over the years this network has spread all over the world and its costs have been simultaneously decreasing at a remarkable rate. A number of new devices are being developed all over the world and many of them are being fitted with WiFi technology. In addition to this the smartphone penetration is advancing and technology costs are plummeting. This has all set the platform for the newest technology to come into play. That technology is none other than the ‘Internet of Things’.

The Internet of Things works on a simple and yet radical concept. It proposes to connect any and every device to the internet. It plans to do this with a simple on and off switch. What kind of devices are we talking about? Almost any device you can think off! The coffee maker or the fridge, the engine of a plane or the drill in an oil rig… The Internet of things can be applied to any object that you see in your vicinity and many objects that are not even in your surroundings. Sounds amazing doesn’t it?

Ireland has been quick to join the bandwagon. Recent news has informed us that both SIGFOX and VT Networks are working together to bring out a low power and cost effective connectivity. They plan on using this connectivity across Ireland. This connectivity will be used to support IoT projects across the country.

The companies promise seamless connectivity. They have also promised to provide clear subscription based pricing. It has also been taken for granted that the customers will be provided with a service level agreement. Both SIGFOX and VT Networks aim to connect over 1 million devices by the dawn of 2017.

How does this help us in our day to day lives?

The application of IoT services can be used in a multitude of ways. A few daily life examples could be that you can set your alarm to wake you up at 7 am in the morning. Consequently, you can also set you coffee maker to brew your coffee once the alarm rings. So effectively the Internet of Things can be used to monitor and plan your entire schedule so that your day can continue without any glitches.

The application of the IoT however extends much further than that. Take a look at how it can change the way our health care systems function. A chip could be implanted in a person which would allow the hospital to monitor the person’s vital signs. A deflection from the normal range would alert the doctor about the patient’s condition. The patient could then be brought in for immediate treatment.

Businesses can reap rewards too. The IoT allows for machine to machine communication and thus helps in inventory control, security and even energy conservation. It can also help identify individual customers. Based on the information obtained from their devices, the IoT can also be used as an effective marketing tool.

As you can see the application of the IoT has endless opportunities. It is versatile and can be used in a multitude of ways that saves us both money and time. It is not a wonder that all the businesses in Ireland are rooting for its arrival in the country.

Why Ireland?

Ireland made one of the most obvious choices for the introduction of the IoT to the world. This is simple because that Ireland has a really good and fast internet. With eir announcing Extreme fibre broadband you get the idea why there was an interest in Ireland in the first place. That however was not the only criteria.

Ireland is also home to Intel, IoT Dell, Google, Vodafone and many other IoT test beds. It also has the ability to provide trial access to the Radio Spectrum. This is essential in the testing process. The National Geographic even cited that Dublin is in the race to become one of the first smart cities in the world.

All these factors and many more make Ireland the ideal location for the IoT to start off at. As for us… We can only cross our fingers and hope for the best. The Internet of Things has great things planned for Ireland. We can’t wait to see everything being put into action!