The Internet of Things, or IoT, is a phrase that is appearing more and more often. It may seem like trendy jargon, but the IoT is a way of conceptualizing the very real connectivity of virtually everything via the Internet. The IoT will most likely have real applications for building automation and security system integrators in the future. Now, in the early stages of development, is the time for the security integrator to be part of the conversation regarding adaptation of the IoT to the facility security and management industry.
What exactly is the IoT? The phrase refers to the network of devices equipped with sensors, hardware, and software connected through the Internet that are able to communicate not only with people but also with one another, machine-to-machine. We are used to thinking of the Internet as connecting computers, smartphones and people. The IoT is about using the same technology to connect things to each other, without people. The IoT is anticipated to offer advanced connectivity of devices, systems, and services encompassing a variety of protocols, domains and applications. The interconnection of these embedded devices will usher in automation in nearly all fields, and human intervention will not be required.