Internet of Things - The Next Frontier of a Networked Community

The 'Internet of Things (IoT)' refers to the connected world of 'Things', often driven by intelligence, using information and communication technologies (ICT) and providing services to the society. 'Things' are not just an object of the physical world (physical things e.g. sensors, devices etc), but it could also represent objects of the information world (virtual things), which are capable of being identified and integrated into communication networks. In the world of 'Internet of Things' ordinary common place objects would have the ability to connect and communicate with other objects, people and systems. The 'Things' and the controlling processes would be able to analyze information and perform actions as well. 'This amalgamation of devices, software, communication and data would provide unforeseen services to the connected world. This technology is expected to bring benefits in various disciplines such as logistics, energy management, education, agriculture, health care, etc. Service providers have already started to offer IoT services for niche segments such as automotive, energy, utilities, transport, logistics and retail. However, IoT standards are still evolving and there are many challenges that need to be overcome before wide spread global adoption can be seen.

This paper provides an overview of the 'Internet of Things' covering aspects such as, the key facets of IoT, representative architecture, worldwide focus on IoT, market adoption and the future of IoT.