For those of us participating in day one, the Internet of Things is going to be about comprehensive visions of where we are going and how the Internet of Things is really the Internet of Services. You can talk about cloud all you want but IoT devices are distributed in new ways to create a continual loop of information.
We have three themes going on at the IoT Evolution Expo today. The IoT Cyber Security Summit, the IoT Certification Program and the Battle of the Platforms.
For the Security Summit, we have a common goal: to make a best practice vision of security. In these days of Mobile Bring Your Own Device types, and hackers being talked about like they are government spies or anonymous conspirators, it’s hard not to get caught up in the hype.
At the IoT Security Summit, we will try to keep it about what to do to harden the devices, encrypt the network and secure the applications. Recognizing that the Internet is a network of networks, you have to watch your network for anomalies. At the end of the summit you will not be guaranteed security, but you will be better prepared to improve your security.
Likewise, in the Certification series we will be preparing people to get the full picture of what is involved in maintaining IoT solutions that include devices, networks and applications. Our goal in this program is to help the user see the forest regardless of what their job function is.
For Executives, the partnerships formed to roll out IoT can often get stuck in the details, and getting a better grasp of the details requires some overall understanding about IoT from cradle to grave.
For the Engineer, the requirements are often aimed at making the sure the specifics are exact when we live in a dynamic market that has several aspects in flux. Being part of the certification program gives the engineer a clearer vision of how to develop for future services.
For everyone involved with IoT, the certification is recognition that you are involved and capable of developing, distributing and delivering IoT Services.
And then we have, the Battle of the Platforms. This is perhaps the most enlightening experience of all because it shows the maturity of our industry. While the word platform is used by all IoT companies; the reality is that it’s a lot like the word soup: you have a general sense of what goes into it and what it’s like when it’s done, but that does not mean that all soups are the same.
We provide you with the ability to understand what categories exist in the platform world and to highlight the capabilities of these companies. We also have the benefit of Intel speaking after the Battle, which is a treat because for most platforms the stock comes from Intel.
Meanwhile, AT&T (News - Alert) will be hosting its Fast Pitch competition, pitting dozens of the world’s cleverest developers against one another for a shot at Pitching an idea to AT&T—not to mention the prize money.
We end the day with the ability to network, because after all this you are going to want to talk to other people about what you heard, what you do and how you are going to apply to your business.