Technology moves at a blinding pace. Even if you try to keep up, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed. Most importantly, you want to be up to date on technology that could change your way of living or the way you do business. The Internet of Things has the capability to do both. But Robert Deignan, the CEO of ATS Digital Services—a company that provides customer support for all things technology—emphasizes that the human element of technology can’t be overlooked.
Of course, unless you live in isolation, chances are you have heard of the Internet of Things. It’s less likely that you’ve received an adequate explanation of what that entails and what the potential implications are. We’ll start with the basics.
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Internet of Things Defined
To try and put it as simply as possible, the Internet of Things is all the devices connected to the internet. But we’re not talking about computers and smartphones. The term “devices” refers to basically anything with an on-off switch. That includes your alarm clock, coffee machine, a car, or even your Roomba. The Internet of Things is used to describe everyday items being connected to the internet and therefore each other. The interconnectedness of devices through the internet allows them to communicate together.
With connected devices continuing to gain popularity, it’s clear that the role of companies like Robert Deignan’s will become increasingly important to customer satisfaction.
The Internet of Things also involves more complicated devices like sensors in an airplane. The truth is, we’re only beginning to scratch the surface of what could be included in the Internet of Things. People are working to develop smart cities, cities with sensors and interconnected devices everywhere to help them collect data that assists in managing the city and even creating policies.
Why Now?
The time has never been better for the Internet of Things to develop and explode. A few factors have all come together that make it easier than ever to get devices connected. Broadband internet has become more available everywhere and it’s cheaper to connect than before. At the same time, the cost of technology has gone down and more devices are being created with Wi-Fi capabilities. Tech companies everywhere are racing to create all kinds of devices that include Wi-Fi abilities.
The Internet of Things is massive and only growing bigger. Company after company estimates that the number of devices connected to the internet will increase dramatically in coming years. And Robert Deignan and his team of call experts will be there to solve the problems that inevitably come along with this technological advancement.
What Does It Mean for You?
The Internet of Things likely has applications in every part of your life. That could mean your alarm clock wakes you up and at the same time turns the television on. But it also has huge implications for your business as well. Sensors can potentially detect when the supplies of an item are getting low and automatically reorder a product. When working with such devices, you’ll need a team of customer support reps like those at ATS Digital Services trained by Robert Deignan to help you when things go wrong.
The Internet of Things will revolutionize your home. Almost any device you can imagine in the home can be made smart and more cohesive.
Speaker systems, air conditioners, light bulbs, ovens, refrigerators, and locks can all be made intelligent and communicate with each other. The aim is to make your life significantly more convenient. However, there are practical applications as well. Senior citizens can live independently in their own home for longer if certain things are made easier for them. It also provides a way for people to keep an eye on their aging parent while at work or from home.
Amazon, Google, and Apple are battling to get control of the consumer IoT market. Really, all the big tech companies are looking to capture market share in the consumer IoT. To do that Amazon, Google, and Apple have set their sights on creating the best home assistant possible. A home assistant is the main interface for you and your connected devices. Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Assistant, and Apple’s Siri are the most popular options on the market at the moment.
Obviously, the business applications are significant as well. Companies are taking advantage of the Internet of Things to make their business operations more efficient. Sensors in products they sell or machinery they use can give them vital feedback that allows them to make change more rapidly. Some companies are making their business model based around extracting data from people through the Internet of Things, so businesses can take advantage of that data.
Drawbacks of the Internet of Things
While the Internet of Things main aim may be to make your life more convenient, it’s pretty clear there are still some big concerns about connecting so many devices. First and foremost, is the concern over privacy. The fact that companies’ business models are based on extracting data from consumers should ring some alarm bells.
Imagine a home with a smart doorbell, smart refrigerator, and a smart speakers system. The opportunity for exploitation of massive amounts of data is clear and frightening. And that is just manipulation of data by companies; there is also the threat of hackers exploiting your connected devices to compromise your home.
The problems are multiplied by ideas like smart cities. How much privacy would there be in a community with sensors everywhere you look? It’s clear that, as the Internet of Things develops, these issues will come to the forefront and need to be addressed. Including the potential threat of a hacker taking over control of homes, automated cars, and more.
Security in the Internet of Things
Consumers everywhere want to be sure that their devices and home will be secure. To combat hackers with nefarious intentions, security must be a main focus in the Internet of Things. Companies must produce devices with adequate safeguards in place.
Clearly the growth of the IoT will see a growth in companies who specialize in cybersecurity. And maintaining the integrity of the consumer’s data will be a key area of focus.
One thing is for sure, the Internet of Things is big and only getting bigger. Only time will tell how much the Internet of Things will penetrate into daily life in the home and at the office.
