According to Cisco, the Internet of Everything (IoE) is the networked connection of people, process, data and things. The IoE includes the Internet of Things (IoT). Things can be anything from an embedded medical device to the cable device in a home.
The benefit is created by the impact of these connections on business practices and processes.
It is the ultimate endpoint of the “cloud” concept. In practical terms, Cisco calls this Borderless Networking, which is the idea of connecting everything to all available resources everywhere all the time. Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Apple and other vendors have their own slant on the same basic idea.
Impact of IoE and Its Potential Benefit
As shown in the graphic, predictions have been made on the potential value of IoE on key areas of an enterprise. There is an estimated $14.4 trillion on the table.
Asset Utilization is involved in selling and administrative expenses and the cost of goods sold by improving process execution.
Employee Productivity is labor efficiency.
Supply Chain and Logistics involves eliminating waste and improving processes with IoE.
Customer Experience is improved to increase value and to add more customers.
Innovation addresses the fact that IoE increases the return on R&D, reduces time to market and creates new revenue streams.
Prognosis
IoE can be used to provide a method and process for companies to protect and expand their market share and position. At the same time, IoE makes traditional advantages obsolete.
The second blade of the two-edged sword is that IoE allows entry into a market by new companies to be more “doable” and less expensive, with the possibility of “breakaway” capabilities.
In other words, IoE levels the playing field.
If these three statements are true, then an inevitable result is that companies that do not use the new innovative information technologies may be left behind. Evidence of this evolution is seen by massive data centers being built everywhere there is cheap power.
Applying IoE Principles
The key is deriving value from IoE.
Some key definitions from the graphic:
Inclusiveness: All employees should be enabled to contribute and collaborate effectively. Almost all executives agree that improvement here is important.
Information Management: The key is that it is not as much about the data itself but how it is managed and used that determines success of IoE for using data strategically to achieve business goals.
Human Component: Managing the work force and developing needed talent.
Measurement: Tracking progress.
It is interesting to note that information accuracy is only 5.1 percent and quality of technology and tools (IoT) is 20.1 percent.
For example, the data stipulates a blood pressure of 190/120. What is important is what process this information will trigger, such as medication, activity reduction or emergency procedures. What is less important is whether it is 191/119 or 189/121.
The bottom line: The future of IT and networking is all about having access to ALL information and using it correctly.
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About The Author
Ray Dooley, BS, MBA, CCSI, CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, CCDP, SE, FE, has been a network professional in several capacities for over 30 years. He is the Global Knowledge course director for CCDA, ARCH, SWITCH, ROUTE, TSHOOT and ICMI. He has developed courses for Global Knowledge, Cisco and GE.