The ITU (International Telecommunication Union, this big building in my neighbourhood) is eventually releasing a report about the so-called Internet of Things:
The report takes a look at the next step in "always on" communications, in which new technologies like RFID and smart computing promise a world of networked and interconnected devices that provide relevant content and information whatever the location of the user. Everything from tires to toothbrushes will be in communications range, heralding the dawn of a new era, one in which today’s Internet (of data and people) gives way to tomorrow’s Internet of Things. (...) With continuing developments in miniaturization and declining costs, it is becoming not only technologically possible but also economically feasible to make everyday objects smarter, and to connect the world of people with the world of things. Building this new environment however, will pose a number of challenges. Technological standardization in most areas is still in its infancy, or remains fragmented. Not surprisingly, managing and fostering rapid technological innovation will be a challenge for governments and industry alike. But perhaps one of the most important challenges is convincing users to adopt emerging technologies like RFID. Concerns over privacy and data protection are widespread, particularly as sensors and smart tags can track a user’s movements, habits and preferences on a perpetual basis. Fears related to nanotechnology range from bio-medical hazards to robotic control. But whatever the concern, one thing remains clear: scientific and technological advances in these fields continue to move ahead at breakneck speed. It is only through awareness of such advances, and the challenges they present, that we can reap the future benefits of a fair, user-centric and global Internet of Things.
| Why do I blog this? the report would certainly be interesting to skim through since it can give insights about how an international structure think about it. My biggest concern is that the summary addresses complaints about problems related to users' fear but they just put the emphasis on the techno-push development in the field. Those guys might benefit from reading Bruce Sterling's last book:"Shaping Things (Mediaworks Pamphlets)" (Bruce Sterling). However, the value of ITU's report (as well as other reports coming from International Organisations like this) is the presence of relevant statistics. Well... it's going to be CHF 100.- (available november 17th). |  |