Tech 101 from Symmetry Electronics: What is IoT?
About Symmetry Electronics Team
Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics is a focused global distributor of wireless connectivity solutions, sensors, and audio-video technologies. Offering comprehensive design support and available-to-ship inventory, Symmetry is committed to helping engineers accelerate time to market, reduce costs, and offer modern solutions for their IoT designs. Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company, TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is part of the Exponential Technology Group (XTG) – a supergroup of electronic component distributors and engineering services firms working together to advance the electronics industry. For more information, visit www.symmetryelectronics.com.
Tech 101: What is IoT?
Symmetry Electronics is excited to launch a new series named: Tech 101. Each post in the series will cover an electronic or wireless term or industry related terminology.
The series begins with an idea that’s redefined the industry as we know it: IoT or Internet of Things.
The phrase Internet of Things is attributed to Kevin Ashton, a British author and entrepreneur. Ashton first used the term in a presentation when he was working as a Brand Manager at Proctor & Gamble in 1999.
In a 2009 article in RFID Journal, Ashton gave a clearer context of the things we’re talking about how their being connected would be beneficial. He wrote, “If we had computers that knew everything there was to know about things—using data they gathered without any help from us—we would be able to track and count everything, and greatly reduce waste, loss and cost. We would know when things needed replacing, repairing or recalling, and whether they were fresh or past their best.”
Ashton was clearly correct in his predictions as evidenced by the explosion of IoT devices in recent years. The world’s leading research and advisory company, Garter, has predicted IoT devices will reach 20.4 billion by 2020.
The notion of connecting any device with an on and off switch to the Internet and/or to each other is now a reality. Everything from cellphones, coffee makers, washing machines, headphones, lamps, wearables and refrigerators are now a part of the Internet of Things. This also applies to components of machines, such as jet engines or the drill of an oil rig.
Let’s recap. The Internet of Things is an automated, always connected network of devices and sensors sending vast amounts of data to the Cloud. The constant measuring of all this data will increase efficiency, remove human error and ultimately change the world as we know it.
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Check out Season 1 of
Symmetry Electronics IoT Tuesdays.
About Symmetry Electronics Team
Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics is a focused global distributor of wireless connectivity solutions, sensors, and audio-video technologies. Offering comprehensive design support and available-to-ship inventory, Symmetry is committed to helping engineers accelerate time to market, reduce costs, and offer modern solutions for their IoT designs. Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company, TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is part of the Exponential Technology Group (XTG) – a supergroup of electronic component distributors and engineering services firms working together to advance the electronics industry. For more information, visit www.symmetryelectronics.com.