Connectivity Issues Part 1
The Internet of Everything is a present promise of the future. It is referred to as though it has already arrived. Currently the Internet of Everything has individual components, such as a smart car, smart thermostat and smart fridge. These individual components function within their own sphere with little to no interaction within a given network. Why is this and what impact does this have upon the mobile sphere?
The most elementary function of the Internet is providing a space for connection. The connection exists and each device employs this connection for their utilities. These devices are running in parallel, rather than in conjunction. Therein lies the problem. There are a variety of protocols used to handle communicative tasks such as HTTP, SMTP, POP and IMAP. There is no agreement on which protocols to use across the board, so there is literally a lack of communication. Rather than communicating directly to each other, devices communicate with developer controlled servers. The servers then communicate with each other, but there is still no device-to-device communication.
Connected cars illustrate this point very well. For example, a Tesla is able to communicate with Tesla Company and service centers. The Tesla car would not be able to converse with a Honda or a Ford sharing the road because, they speak different languages. Important details such as accidents or traffic have interaction impediments amongst each car manufacturer. The nonexistence of a single communicative process is a great obstruction to the Internet of Everything.
For enterprises that have gone mobile or are interested in going mobile, this has a few implications. Mobile applications can be written to communicate with other applications for compatibility to increase effectiveness of both in conjunction. Enterprises view going mobile as a great opportunity and should consider communicative factors in doing so.
Stay tuned next week for part 2!