Internet of Things: 3 Areas of Opportunity for COTS Vendors

by Kevin Shaker, Analyst, Market Intelligence

The Internet of Things (IoT) is more than just a buzzword, it’s a full-blown reality. IoT is essentially the composition of multiple electronics, sensors, software, and device endpoints that communicate with each other by exchanging data and signals. Think of the IoT as a robust network of working and moving parts that change their habits and functions based on information between sensors. The Internet of Things is transforming the way business processes are conducted from security and surveillance to telemedicine and healthcare (just to name a few).

Below are three areas the Internet of Things movement is creating opportunities for the COTS community:

1. Big Data

If the goal of IoT is to enable physical objects to report and share information with each other, big data and analytics is a key player. Every sensor within the IoT, records raw information and variables that can then be analyzed to reform IT, functionality, and mission practices. When devices ‘talk’ to each other, processes become more streamlined, automated, and require less energy and manpower. At the state, local, and education level, New York’s LaGuardia Airport is revamping their technological layout so devices such as runway markers, motion sensors, and thermometers are intelligent. IoT initiatives are great avenues for big data and analytics vendors to help government improve their IT operations from newly collected information.

2. Mobility

While opportunities for big data and analytics is an outcome of transitioning to an IoT environment, mobility is key to making it happen. In order for devices to become intelligent and aware of other device data, they first must be able to communicate with each other — that’s where mobility solution providers come into play. Each IoT device needs to have wi-fi ability, applications, and mobile networks. As a mobility vendor, when approaching government customers, make sure to explain how you can transform critical sensors and electronics into intelligent devices with the ability to read and transmit signals and data.

3. Cybersecurity

The final and arguably largest component of IoT is cybersecurity. The concept is simple, the more endpoints involved in a network, the more penetrable it is for hackers and malware trying to access sensitive information and obstruct mission success. These vulnerabilities are especially alarming to the security community and agencies that control dangerous subjects — such as nuclear reactors and bio-weapon stockpiles. The list of areas that could result in seismic atrocities is endless. Endpoint and mobile security is incredibly vital with mission-critical devices throughout the government. Cybersecurity vendors will want to reach out to enterprise architects and security personnel demonstrating how they can secure each and every endpoint — and its data transfer — within IoT’s vast communication framework.

To find out more about COTS opportunities tied to the Internet of Things movement, register today for the 2nd Annual Government IT Sales Summit, where we have a session dedicated to IoT called, The Internet of Things – Agency & Industry Perspectives. Speakers for this session include: Ron Ross, Fellow, NIST; Chris Dorobek, Founder, Editor and Publisher, GovLoop’s DorobeckINSIDER; and Davitt Potter, Director, Engineering & Technical Services, Arrow, ECS. Early bird savings have been extended to this Friday – Register today!