All evidence points to the fact that 2014 could perhaps be the year when the Internet of Things (IoT) will be hugely adopted by worldwide consumers. Last year saw the initiation of the organic growth in this field, the first shoots, one can say. This year, many analysts are of the opinion that IoT linked devices will start making way into consumers’ homes. There are several esimates, one of them even claiming that the Internet of Things will grow to 50 billion devices by 2020.
But IoT is not only about consumer goods like fridges and televisions. 2014 will also, in my opinion, see a growth in IoT enterprise.
So here’s my list of the Top 5 global companies working in IoT field to watch out for in 2014:
1. Cisco: IT giant Cisco got into the IoT race with a horde of announcements. For this year, Cisco has a full agenda, too. This is the company that has introduced a full line of network gear, including a number of embedded and outdoor network devices that can help devices and machines connect. Cisco will be investing billions of dollars into this area, including the funding of startups over the next five years.
2. SAP: SAP, known for high-quality enterprise software that helps enterprise customers make decisions based on analysis of its data. It’s big data analytics platform Hana can be used to analyse data gathered in the “smart vending machine” or “smart water pump”.
3. Bosch: Known as the manufacturer of some well-known consumer goods, what many do not know is that this company also has a software division that deals in IoT applications. In fact, just a few days ago, Bosch announced the setting up of a completely new company to deal with IoT – Bosch Connected Devices and Solutions GmbH.
4. Rockwell Automation: This company provides solutions that brings the IoT to the factories and other industrial environments through network-connected equipment that can automate processes, and improve the overall efficiency of industrial environments.
5. Zebra Technologies: This is one company that has been working in the field of IoT for years, offering products and services. The company’s has a wide portfolio of IoT-related products as well, including RFID printing and encoding, sensor technologies and location information.
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