Introduction

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical object, devices, instruments, vehicles, buildings and
other items embedded with electronics, circuits, software, sensors and network connectivity that enables these
objects to collect and exchange data. The Internet of Things allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely
across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world
into computer-based systems, and resulting in improved efficiency and accuracy.

The concept of a network of smart devices was discussed as early as 1982, with a modified Coke machine at
Carnegie Mellon University becoming the first internet-connected appliance, able to report its inventory and
whether newly loaded drinks were cold. Kevin Ashton (born 1968) is a British technology pioneer who is
known for inventing the term "the Internet of Things" to describe a system where the Internet is connected to
the physical world via ubiquitous.

sensors. IoT is able to interact without human intervention. Some preliminary IoT applications have been
already developed in healthcare, transportation, and automotive industries. IoT technologies are at their infant
stages; however, many new developments have occurred in the integration of objects with sensors in the
Internet. The development of IoT involves many issues such as infrastructure, communications, interfaces,
protocols, and standards. The objective of this paper is to give general concept of IoT, the architecture and
layers in IoT, some basic terms associated with it and the services provided.

 References:

 "The "Only" Coke Machine on the Internet". Carnegie Mellon University. Retrieved 10 November 2014
  Definition of IOT technologies and how does it work:
Internet of things common definition is defining as: Internet of things (IOT) is a network of physical objects.
The internet is not only a network of computers, but it has evolved into a network of device of all type and sizes
, vehicles, smart phones, home appliances, toys, cameras, medical instruments and industrial systems, animals,
people, buildings, all connected ,all communicating & sharing information based on stipulated protocols in
order to achieve smart reorganizations, positioning, tracing, safe & control & even personal real time online
monitoring , online upgrade, process control & administration.
There are three categories of Internet of things: (1). People to people, (2) People to machine /things, (3) Things
/machine to things /machine, Interacting through internet

 References:
[1] Dr. Ovidiu Vermesan SINTEF, Norway, Dr. Peter FriessEU, Belgium, “Internet of Things: Converging
Technologies for Smart Environments and Integrated Ecosystems”, river publishers’ series in communications,
2013.
[2] Dr. Ovidiu Vermesan SINTEF, Norway, dr peter FriessEU, Belgium, “Internet of Things from research and
Innovation to Market Deployment”, river publishers’ series in communications, 2014.

 Why are organizations applying this technology? Identify and describe one real-
world example:

Because of its benefits which are as the following:

1. Interconnectivity: With regard to the loT, anything can be interconnected with the global information
and communication infrastructure.

2. Things-related services: The IoT is capable of providing thing-related services within the constraints of
things, such as privacy protection and semantic consistency between physical things and their associated
virtual things. In order to provide thing-related services within the constraints of things, both the
technologies in physical world and information world will change.

3. Heterogeneity: The devices in the IoT are heterogeneous as based on different hardware platforms and
networks. They can interact with other devices or service platforms through different networks.

4. Dynamic changes: The state of devices change dynamically, e.g., sleeping and waking up, connected
and/or disconnected as well as the context of devices including location and speed. Moreover, the
number of devices can change dynamically.

5. Enormous scale: The number of devices that need to be managed and that communicate with each
other will be at least an order of magnitude larger than the devices connected to the current Internet.
6. Even more critical will be the management of the data generated and their interpretation for application
purposes. This relates to semantics of data, as well as efficient data handling
 7. Safety: As we gain benefits from the lot, we must not forget about safety. As both the creators and
recipients of the loT, we must design for safety. This includes the safety of our personal data and the
safety of our physical well-being. Securing the endpoints, the networks, and the data moving across all
of it means creating a security paradigm that will scale.
8. Connectivity: Connectivity enables network accessibility and compatibility.

 References:
[1] Dr. Ovidiu Vermesan SINTEF, Norway, dr peter FriessEU, Belgium, “Internet of Things from research and
Innovation to Market Deployment”, river publishers’ series in communications, 2014.

[2] [http://www.reloade.com/blog/2013/12/6characteristics within-internet-things-iot.php].

one real-world example:

IOT in Health care:

Using IoT in medical field one can track patient health condition. The medical sensors can be: 1) wearable and 2)
sensors implanted in the body. Using wearable sensors one can track various parameters like pulse rate, body
temperature, calories etc. The examples of wearable’s are fitbit, reflex. Other type is sensors implanted inside the
body. These are used when patients’ health has to be monitored continuously. For example, by using a sensor which
is implanted in the human body, the doctor can track and monitor the patient heartbeat, pulse rate etc.

 References:
[1] Dr. Ovidiu Vermesan SINTEF, Norway, dr peter FriessEU, Belgium, “Internet of Things from research and
Innovation to Market Deployment”, river publishers’ series in communications, 2014.

[2] https://www.ida.gov.sg/~/media/Files/Infocomm%20Lan escape/Technology/Technology

RoadMap/InternetOfThin gs.pdf

 Explain why it is beneficial to study IT today? Also discuss, does the technology
reduce costs?

Information technology (IT) is the use of any computers, storage, networking and other
physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and
exchange all forms of electronic data. Typically, IT is used in the context of business
operations, as opposed to technology used for personal or entertainment purposes. The
commercial use of IT encompasses both computer technology and telecommunications.

The IT department ensures that the organization's systems, networks, data and
applications all connect and function properly. The IT team handles three major areas:

deploys and maintains business applications, services and infrastructure (servers,

networks, storage); monitors, optimizes and troubleshoots the performance of
applications, services and infrastructure; and oversees the security and governance of
applications, services and infrastructure.

Does technology reduce costs:

 Like any other business, your monthly bills will soon pile up toward the end of the month. These
involve your utilities, as well as payments for suppliers. The same thing goes for your billing and
invoicing requirements.

Furthermore, arranging these things involves a lot of paperwork. And the tasks can also be repetitive. As
a result, your employees lose a lot of time, which they can channel toward other tasks.

The more time you lose, the more your productivity reduces. In turn, you will lose more money at the
end of the day.

But through technology expense optimization, you can cut down expenses. You will also increase your
efficiency and productivity. With such a system in place, you can cut down your paperwork.

 How does the technology benefit the organization’s internal and external users?

1. Improved Business Agility:

Technology solutions allow small businesses to remain agile and quick to respond to change within the
markets. Integration of various tech leads to increased collaboration among teams leading to better
product development. Faster product launches, better quality innovations, and improved product features
will drive your business growth.

2. Improved Staff Coordination and Collaboration:

Significant advances in communication technologies have allowed corporations to organize their teams
better. Software products such as Asana and G suite improve collaboration among your staff members.
VOIP systems, conference calls, and telepresence software allow employees to interact remotely from
any part of the world. It improves efficiency in the running of the business as well as promotes better
work-life balance.

3. Automation and Productivity

The adoption of technology solutions for business allows small and medium-sized enterprises to run as
efficiently as the larger corporations. Tapping into the benefits of high-speed internet and automation
software allows for better handling of vital tasks. Automation tools can enhance your digital presence
and engagement with your customers.

4. Increased Revenue Streams

Technology solutions for business allow executives to generate new sources of revenue for their
enterprises. The creation of e-commerce stores enables sales teams to target a broader customer base. In
2019, consumers spent over $601.75 billion with U.S. online merchants, up 14% when compared to
2018. Businesses are also tapping into the wonders of SEO and PPC marketing to generate more leads
and revenue.

5. Better Storage Solutions

 IT infrastructure modernization enables businesses to drop outdated legacy systems for cloud storage
solutions. Cloud storage systems are reliable, allowing for restricted access to business information from
any place in the globe. It enables your teams to work remotely, accessing the necessary information. It
also eliminates the need to maintain bulky servers, saving on space and cost.

6. Financial Savings

Business and corporate executives are adopting Infrastructure as a Service, outsourcing most of their IT
solutions to consultancy firms. The managed services market was valued at approximately $170 billion
by 2019. Communication solutions such as video conferencing and VOIP enable businesses to save on
travel costs and accommodation. Cloud services reduce data storage costs. Automation reduces the need
for surplus staff, saving on labor costs.

7. Improved Data Security

Technology solutions for business can help you better protect your corporate information. Network
security threats are at an all-time high, costing the average small business approximately $3.92 million
in damages. Tech support for small businesses can help create encryptions and firewalls that enhance
your data security.
8. Better Customer Experience

Intuitive web designs can help streamline your operations on the first point of contact with your
potential clients. Automated tools can enable customers to book appointments and consultations. IFTTT
systems help address customer issues at any given moment. These technological systems can help build
consumer trust and brand image.

There are endless possibilities for small enterprises that enhance their IT blueprint. The benefits listed
barely scratch the surface on the potential of adopting technology solutions for business.

 What are some challenges or potential problems of the technology to the

organization?

1. Rising Security Threats

This is one of the most common and potentially most costly among IT issues, both small and large-scale
businesses encounter. Security threats come in many forms. Hackers use malware, phishing, and all sorts
of tactics to breach companies’ IT systems.

These cyber-attacks are serious that they cost businesses an average of $200,000. Sometimes, smaller
companies cannot absorb the impact, which leads to their untimely closure.

Furthermore, hackers continuously come up with new tricks. With these evolving risks, you must
counter them with evolving solutions. Investing in managed security solutions is an excellent strategy to
consider. This also covers all the patches, upgrades, and troubleshooting requirements of your business.

2. Backup Issues
 Another common problem involves data backup. Backup issues happen in different ways. You may one
day open your computer and no longer find your files.

An overload in your routers may cause such an instance.

Sometimes, you may accidentally delete important files. But since you don’t have an efficient data
backup strategy, you may not have any copies of the data you just removed.

In more severe cases, hackers may breach your security systems. They may use ransomware to steal
your data and hold it in exchange for money. They can even steal the private information of your clients.

This can translate to massive losses for your company.

Hence, any business must have an excellent data backup plan to protect confidential data.

3. Technology Costs:

Like any other business, your monthly bills will soon pile up toward the end of the month. These involve your
utilities, as well as payments for suppliers. The same thing goes for your billing and invoicing requirements.

Furthermore, arranging these things involves a lot of paperwork. And the tasks can also be repetitive. As a
result, your employees lose a lot of time, which they can channel toward other tasks.

The more time you lose, the more your productivity reduces. In turn, you will lose more money at the end of the
day.

But through technology expense optimization, you can cut down expenses. You will also increase your
efficiency and productivity. With such a system in place, you can cut down your paperwork.

You can manage your bills and invoice much better. You will also reduce mistakes and inaccuracies.

4. Compliance with Regulations:

If you’re from the healthcare or retail sector, there are certain laws and regulations that you need to
comply with. To comply with these regulations, you need to have the right solutions in place.

For example, hospitals must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA). You also need to improve your system’s uptime and to protect your connection from outages.

As for the retail industry, you need to ensure PCI DSS Compliance. By investing in the right IT
solutions, you can simplify the analysis, remediation, and validation of compliance.
5. Hardware and Software Problems:

Businesses will also encounter technology problems with their software and hardware. It can be a
malfunctioning PC or software that fails to do its job properly.

The reality that you need to understand and embrace is that computers and software applications do
break-in time. It is not a matter of “if” they will break down but rather, “when” they will falter.

You’ll also have to deal with expired software licenses, malware causing malfunctions, and cases of
overheating breaking down hard drives, motherboards, or other physical components.

The solution is to standardize your office hardware components. The same thing goes for your software
applications

6. Inadequate Power Protection:

Sometimes, a surge or spike in electricity can damage your office’s electronic equipment. Moreover,
these surges may lead to an outage that translates to the loss of critical data.

You may need to invest in emergency auxiliary power units. These provide enough power to safely save
data and shut down your computers. They don’t last long, but they’re good enough in case of a power
outage.

Apart from backing-up your data, you also need to invest in backup battery devices. Invest in devices
that come with surge repression. Also, include their regular check-ups in the maintenance duties of your
IT personnel.

7. Cloud Confusion:

Last but not least, businesses often encounter confusion with the cloud. And if we’re going to identify a
common pain point, it is the multi-cloud security.

When investing in cloud-based services, you need to inquire about the level of security across several
platforms. This is because a multi-cloud approach involves managing different security systems.

Unfortunately, these systems are often inconsistent or incompatible.

Also, there is confusion when it comes to cloud usage. Some providers do not offer transparency when it
comes to usage and invoicing. Staying on top of your cloud usage allows you to save time and resources.

Moreover, the cloud isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. Hence, you need to find a cloud model that comes
with custom solutions. You want to invest in cloud-based services that effectively meet your
requirements.
 In your opinion, do the benefits outweigh these concerns?

Yes, because by understanding the most common technology problems, you can prepare early and
protect your IT infrastructure from threats and complications. And if you’re looking for dependable
managed solutions, then you came to the right place.

We offer intelligent IT solutions for businesses from various industries. Contact us today and tell us
what you need. Let’s discuss your options and strengthen the growth of your business