Until now we are all familiar with the Internet of Things concept. Or we think so. At its very basic level, IoT refers to the connection of everyday objects to the Internet and one another, with the goal being to provide users with smarter, more efficient experiences. A lot of people, as well as companies (probably for marketing reasons), have confused the real meaning of IoT. Developing a device that could be controlled from a web interface does not mean that it is IoT device rather than a simple remotely controlled one. The difference between those two categories is essential to be determined.
Even if both categories have a common purpose, to provide “connectivity”, the way of implementation and operation are quite different. Remotely controlled devices, are and should be isolated from other devices. The communication and in general the messages forwarding service is unique. In contradiction, IoT devices should provide message forwarding as well as communication between other IoT-enabled devices. For example, let’s assume two different solutions for the remotely controlled exterior lighting system. Both solutions provide a web interface for controlling the lamps as well as receiving and plotting sensory data. Where should be the difference of these solutions?
In the case of IoT-enabled devices, each node should provide a gateway of communication to other IoT-enabled devices even if they are not part of our project solution. This is the essential difference between the simple remotely controlled system which should be isolated from other devices. However, this is where things get a little more complicated. With so many companies working on different products, technologies and platforms, making all these devices communicate with each other is no small feat — seamless overall compatibility likely won’t happen. Several groups are working to create an open standard that would allow interoperability among the various products. Among them are the AllSeen Alliance, whose members include Qualcomm, LG, Microsoft, Panasonic and Sony; and the Open Interconnect Consortium, which has the support of Intel, Cisco, GE, Samsung and HP. While their end goal is the same, there are some differences to overcome.
Concluding with we should understand that there is not any real IoT-enabled device in the market until now, but a false marketing strategy for selling remotely controlled devices renamed as IoT-enabled device. (Providing network capabilities and web interface does not automatically makes the IoT)
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