Challenges Facing IoT Development
Real concern was expressed by developers participating in the survey regarding the security and privacy of IoT sensors and the data they store. Integrating devices to transfer all of this sensitive data presents issues as well. Oftentimes, when building an IoT application, developers are focused primarily on its usability, but if this technology is to be used for data mining, security's role needs to be far more prevalent.
Large companies such as Cisco, along with government agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, have turned their attention to supporting the security needs of the IoT. In fact, The Federal Trade Commission has recommended an update to HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, to ensure the sensitive medical data that is transmitted by IoT devices remains secure.
Further, developers should be aware that data privacy laws differ substantially in different areas of the world and should plan their localizations carefully. A considerable skills gap exists between the legal and development communities that must be bridged through open communication and the creation of well thought-out standards and guidelines for the storage and transmission of data.
Present and Future Applications of the Internet of Things
Present and Future Applications of the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) can be simply defined as an interconnection of uniquely identifiable, embedded computing-like devices within the Internet infrastructure, but the term and dictionary definition often only limit future applications of the technology. A recent IoT industry survey by New Harbor Research and commissioned by Progress found that nearly half of the developers who were surveyed are building IoT applications right now, and nearly three-quarters of them are excited by the technology's potential. This growing industry trend is evidenced by the vast array of smart devices, connected appliances and wearables along with accompanying applications currently on the market.
The survey asked developers about their thoughts on where the Internet of Things is headed. Topics ranged from the commercial reality and future potential of the IoT to developers' biggest concerns and challenges as well as the opportunities for innovation currently available. Also discussed were the most popular operating systems and platforms for IoT development, and leading IoT industries today and looking forward.
A surprisingly diverse number of opinions were revealed about the current status of IoT adoption, where it will be in the future, and how to leverage it today.
Here are the top five compelling patterns that developers are seeing emerge in the Internet of Things space.
