The Hurdles Holding Back The Internet of Things

In a previous post I wrote about some the reasons why I feel the time is now for the Internet of Things. I'd like to address today 3 of the hurdles that I see slowing down the adoption of IoT.

1. Security - There have been countless articles written on why security of the IoT is so critical and what is being done to help improve the situation. I tell people the fact of the matter is that this type of data is the most sensitive type of data someone could access. While having bank accounts or email hacked is a terrible thing to have happen, data involving the Internet of Things is ultra sensitive. It can be everything from where you were, to what you ate, what the critical machines in your business are doing and what environmental conditions are in your home, city or town. It could even be your biometrics! This information is devastating if it falls into the wrong hands. In the rush to bring new products to market, there's security involving the IoT that need to be addressed.
2. Data Solos - Everyone is looking to store YOUR data! Humans are terrible at making decisions when there too many options. The outcome of too many decisions is typically... no decision. With various options from Google, Microsoft, Apple and Samsung in the home space, but others like IBM, Amazon, Microsoft and literally a hundred other IoT platform providers, people are scared of vendor lock-in. Data needs to be portable and un-siloed. Until it is, we'll see muted progress on the IoT.
3. Interoperability - I have spoken on this subject to clients and others that I feel that interoperability is heading in the right direction with standards like Zigbee, BLE and NFC, among others. Additionally, with alliances like AllSeen and Open Interconnected Consortium, there's progress, but honestly there's still a long way to go. From the differing cellular technology in US vs Europe and now other competing standards around 6LoWPAN and LoRa, things are still muddy and shifting. If users don't know if their device will be able to talk with another device or even other devices in the future, we have a problem of achieving critical mass.

Certain companies are blazing the trail today and just moving forward to bring products to market and I'm not arguing that this should stop. I'm just stating there's a few things the industry could be doing better to accelerate the adoption of IoT based solutions.

I welcome you to share in the comments below other factors that you think are keeping the true potential of the growth of the IoT! I'll be planning an upcoming IoTWeeklyNews issue that focuses on articles on this topic of what is holding back the IoT. If you haven't already, I welcome you to subscribe for free to keep an eye on these topics.