The Week In Review: IoT

Analysis
The Internet of Things may be entering the infamous “Trough of Disillusionment” in the Gartner Hype Cycle, according to some observers. “There’s a general malaise growing around IoT. Where is this shiny, artificially intelligent, fully connected future of things we were promised?” iobeam CEO Ajay Kulkarni writes in this analysis. Others are more sanguine about the IoT. Clearly, there will be arguments on this for years to come.

Security/Privacy
The Broadband Internet Technical Advisory Group this week published a report, Internet of Things (IoT) Security and Privacy Recommendations. The group said in a statement, “Potential issues contributing to the lack of privacy and security best practices include: lack of IoT supply chain experience with security and privacy, lack of incentives to develop and deploy updates after the initial sale, lack of secure over-the-network software updates, devices with malware inserted during the manufacturing process, and more.”

Aaron Allsbrook, ClearBlade’s chief technology officer, offers five suggestions on securing IoT devices. They include: Change default settings, close unused ports, and don’t store information in plain text.

Development
IBM announced that more than 1,500 industry experts are available through its Watson IoT Consulting Services, while making access to its Watson IoT Platform free and open to businesses getting their feet wet in IoT development. Said Harriet Green, General Manager, IBM Watson IoT, Commerce and Education, “IBM is helping knock down the barriers to getting started with IoT, making it accessible for clients as they begin their digital transformation.”

Market Research
HfS Research placed Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in the “Winner’s Circle” in its Internet of Things report for a second consecutive year. TCS was recognized in the “As-a-Service” category.

IDC MarketScape named HCL Technologies a leader in IoT services. The IoT WoRKS by HCL business unit won praise in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Internet of Things Consulting and Systems Integration Services 2016 Vendor Assessment report.

R&D
Altair Semiconductor has opened a research and development center in Oulu, Finland, its first in Europe, to support development of core LTE Internet of Things technology. “Finland is the ideal location to begin Altair’s expansion into Europe, given the country’s significant IoT, connectivity, and general innovation talent,” Altair CEO Oded Melamed said in a statement.