We’re in the midst of an exciting revolution that’s changing virtually everything about the way we work and live in cities. What’s happening to us all has various names—the Gartner Group calls it “the Nexus of Forces”; IDC Research refers to as “the Third Platform”. Others refer to it as “the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution”. Whatever name you choose, this could be the mother of all big transitions, and what’s driving it is the stitching together of a wide range of many different kinds of technology-driven disruptions.
One thing is clear, and it’s starting to get widely noticed: this process, stimulated by the emergence of low-cost connected technologies, is transforming our experience of cities as we’ve known them.
At its essence, IoT is the networked connection of people, process, data, and things. IoT brings together each of those elements – the people, the business processes, the data, and the things — to make networked connections more relevant and valuable. It turns information into actions, and these then create new capabilities, richer experiences, and unprecedented economic opportunity for everyone connected to the city.
By “things” we’re really talking about the sensors, devices, objects, etc.—and not only the devices themselves. IoT is about integrating front office and back office operations across the entire city in ways that ensure IT and network components are connected to the other systems — including the people, process and data. This enables smarter decisions.
To get the most value from IoT, city leaders are beginning to transform their organizations. Consider for a moment how much safer, more mobile, and more efficient our urban roads become when all of the disparate pieces are connected into an intelligent infrastructure.
ClearWorld’s RetroFlex light poles improve safety in public spaces with the ability to provide off-grid lighting for playgrounds and trails. The inclusion of a security call button, installed directly on the pole, means fewer people will have to feel unsafe in public parks at night. In residential areas, the light fixtures bring about increased security with remote camera monitoring. To learn how smart city applications can benefit you, visit ClearWorld’s smart city map.
http://meetingoftheminds.org/smart-cities-become-digitally-insecure-22151
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