This is how Intel plans to connect everything you own. (Click to enlarge)
The Internet has made our lives more convenient in many ways and it’s hard to imagine living in a disconnected world. And while it’s never been easier to take advantage of this technology, there’s no true unified system that offers the security and connectivity we need.
Until now.
Thanks to Intel’s new Internet of Things (IoT) Platform, we’ll soon be able to connect our entire life in ways we never imagined.
Simplicity, Connectivity, and Innovation
For the uninitiated, the IoT can seem a little confusing. But what it boils down to is the way we connect our everyday devices to each other. The IoT is what powers home automation, transportation systems, medical devices, and countless other machines we take for granted. Simply put: the IoT isthe Internet.
But there’s a problem.
Because there are so many different types of devices that connect to the Internet, it’s impossible to sync all this hardware and software in a simple and secure way. And this is where Intel steps in with their IoT Platform that does just that.
Intel IoT Platform Highlights
- Unifies gateway, connectivity, and security components to simply deploy the IoT
- Provides a repeatable foundation for devices to deliver trusted data to the cloud
- Integrates hardware and software products based on the platform
- Partnered with Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, Capgemini, Dell, HCL, NTT DATA, SAP, Tata Consultancy, and Wipro to develop and deploy IoT solutions.
Because Intel’s IoT Platform isn’t limited to their own products, we can expect a robust ecosystem that will only get better over time. And as more companies partner with Intel to help deliver solutions that help address our needs, we’ll eventually be always connected. This may sound a little scary to those of you who are fearful of cyber-attacks, but it’s not as forbidding as you may think.
It actually makes us safer.
Always On, Always Safe
Imagine having everything you own connected to the Internet,your smartwatch, smartphone, thermometer, computer, and car working in perfect harmony with each other without you having to do anything besides turning them on. If that sounds complicated it’s because it is – it’s also unsecure.
All of these devices are likely running on different platforms and while it’s possible to get them to sync together, it can lead to serious problems like hacking and loss of data. And with over 30 billion devices expected to have wireless connectivity by the year 2020, there is a serious need for a unified platform such as Intel’s.
“With this platform we are continuing to expand our IoT product family beyond silicon with enhancements to our pre-integrated solutions that make [the] IoT more accessible to solution providers. [The] IoT is a rapidly growing market but faces scalability hurdles. By simplifying the development process and making it easier to deploy new solutions that address market needs, we can help accelerate innovation.”
— Doug Davis, VP and GM of Intel’s IoT Group
Intel isn’t the first company that has attempted to create a unified IoT platform. Qualcomm, Oracle, and other major brands also have similar ideas. But what sets Intel apart is the partnerships they’ve formed with major industry players as well as forays into new technologies.
Take for example, Google Glass. Intel will be powering the controversial smartglasses going forward and also believes wearables are the future of how we access information. Their IoT Platform will not only make it safer to connect Glass with our other devices, it will also make it as seamless as possible. And because Intel already powers many of our devices already, they could potentially shape the way we use the Internet in the future.
By integrating hardware and software for the Internet, Intel’s security features will be embedded into many different types of products. McAffee is already on board to provide enhanced security for Intel IoT gateways and Intel Security will provide Enhanced Privacy Identity (EPID) technology for other properties. The future of the IoT seems like it’s in good hands with Intel and I for one can’t wait to connect my entire life to it.
How about you?
What do you think? Is Intel’s approach to the IoT going to make it easier and safer to connect? Do you want to connect everything to the Internet? What are the pros and cons of the IoT? Let us know in the comments below!
