The 6 biggest Internet of Things (IoT) trends in 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of internet - connected devices that transfer and receive data from one another. The process is monitored and analyzed with the help of mobile applications, which in turn provides a huge database which is further analyzed by the organizations to enhance their decision making and strategies.

With the increased use of IoT in previous year, industry leaders and experts are expecting increase in the implementation of IoT solutions, hence are predicting the following trends for the year 2021:

Artificial Intelligence with IoT: Despite the fact that connectivity and sensors are helping organizations, one cannot rely on IoT technologies alone as it will require more efforts for advanced data analytics. Artificial intelligence combined with IoT solutions will help organizations analyze the huge amount of data collected by the IoT apps and devices.

Edge Computing: Edge computing is an IoT technology which might see an increase across industries. In edge computing, the IoT device uses a nearby data storage device for analysis rather than uploading the data to the cloud.

Eventually the data is uploaded on to the cloud but during the situations when the cloud is already holding a massive amount of data, it can slow down the analysis. Edge computing helps in saving costs and fastens up the data analysis process, allowing the organizations to identify glitches in the data at a faster pace.

Increase in cyber security: With the increase in IoT solutions and data collection via IoT devices, organizations are getting prone to cyberattacks. Fortunately, as organizations are getting aware about the use of IoT devices, cyberattacks, they are also realizing the importance of securing their data and are actively taking cyber security measures.

Approximately 60% of organizations have started focusing on improving their cybersecurity along with implementing IoT solutions. Their measures included getting IT experts like IoT development services companies onboard along with using IoT based technologies like security intelligence, access management, advanced identification etc.

Increase in the role of Data Analytics: Implementation of IoT devices and sensors results in collection of huge amounts of data. For enhanced decision making and strategizing, organizations need to analyze the collected data. IoT solutions not only helps in data collection, but it also helps in understanding the consumer behavior based on their usage of IoT devices along with quick data processing. If implemented correctly, data analytics would help in understanding user patterns with the help of IoT devices.

Smart Homes: Remote operating is the new normal after the COVID pandemic. A huge number of organizations are moving to hybrid or permanent WFH models, resulting in an increase in remote working, thus leading to upgradation in technologies for homes to make them more accessible. Smart Homes devices would witness an increase in their demand as working from home is also one of the trends the job industry would witness in the coming year.

Blockchain Technology: IoT devices are prone to cyberattacks. Blockchain technology is a suitable technology to ensure data security. It is one of the top-most IoT trends that helps in tackling IoT scalability and security challenges. It is gaining a lot of attention especially in the BFSI industry to safeguard their data.

The recent economic changes and changes in global work-culture have challenged us in a way we never imagined. However, with great challenges comes great opportunities and IoT has proved its significance during the last year. Organizations across various industries are now implementing and adopting IoT solutions to better serve their consumers and enhance their overall operational processes. Few of them have started combining IoT solutions with other digital transformation technologies like AI, ML, big data etc. Therefore, there has been an increase in the demand for IoT development companies. IoT has made a remarkable impact on our lives in terms of how we work and interact with others.

These IoT trends will reshape the digital space in 2021. Post COVID-19 pandemic, we are surrounded by uncertainties, but one thing is certain that in the coming year, there would be unforeseen and unexpected technological innovations and organizations would turn towards digital transformation solutions to stay relevant in their respective industries.