The Internet of Things (IoT) revolution is coming. Research firm Gartner predicts that there are currently over 14 billion IoT devices currently in use, with this number projected to grow to over 25 billion devices in just the next four years. [i]

Currently 40% of small and midsized business owners say that they plan on investing in IoT related resources.[ii] What’s driving this investment? A wide variety of applications with significant business benefits.

IoT can help small businesses in a several ways

Virtual assistants
The latest generation of smart assistant, like Amazon Alexa for business or Google templates, helps teams quickly locate information, improve meeting room experiences, and bring voice capabilities to business applications.

Track company equipment with IoT tagging
Asset management processes can get a major boost from IoT tags, which help you track company laptops, phones, and other business tools as they’re distributed and collected around your organization.

Smart Security Devices
By allowing customizable, flexible access control for private offices and communal working spaces, IoT devices can play decisive role in protecting both physical and intellectual property.

Smart lights and HVAC systems
IoT has revolutionized the primitive thermostat and light switch, allowing companies to intelligently monitor and manage even large environments from a unified location, saving money and reducing environmental footprint.

But wait! IoT devices must be properly managed

There’s been lots of reporting about security violations for consumers using IoT devices. Although they make national headlines, many of the same problems affect companies using IoT technology, posing a major threat to unprepared businesses.

Ensuring edge security

IoT devices moves the exterior of your network, the “edge,” further outward. Most businesses lack a plan for securing this new perimeter, unaware that IoT devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks just like a computer or server.

The Complete Network team helps clarify IoT security

Device lifecycle management Firmware updates and patching Vulnerability scanning of network edge

 

Regulatory compliance concerns

There’s been several new laws proposed by the U.S. government to bolster IoT standards, and the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) is currently considering how to best update its security framework to account for IoT devices.

There are regulatory challenges and opportunities when using IoT devices. Have you considered how IoT will shape your compliance exposure?

IoT solution planning to ensure compliance with HIPAA, FINRA, SEC, NYC-DFS, and more. Ensure proper storage and transition of personally identifiable information (PII) Deploy IoT biometric devices to improve access control and physical security

 

IoT requires dependable connectivity

A robust IoT ecosystem requires dependable, 24/7 connectivity. Without it, your vital network infrastructure can become even more vulnerable to downtime. We can help you bring confidence to your IoT initiative, leveraging decades of experience helping businesses increase network reliability.

Short-range and long-range connectivity solutions IoT data plan monitoring & management Proactive testing and optimization of IoT connectivity

 

IoT Will Shape the Future of Business, Do You Feel Prepared?

Businesses of all sizes need help architecting, deploying, and managing their IoT programs, as that expertise rarely exists in-house. If you’re a business in the Albany, New York or Charlotte, North Carolina area that wants to embrace IoT with greater confidence, the Complete Network team is here to help.

Our experts are happy to sit down with your team, discuss your business challenges and goals, and help you plan an IoT strategy that’s perfectly aligned with your business objectives. Contact our team any time at (844) 426-7844.

We look forward to speaking with you! Contact Us Today.

 

 

[i] https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2018-11-07-gartner-identifies-top-10-strategic-iot-technologies-and-trends
[ii] https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/04/small-businesses-want-to-invest-more-in-iot-despite-cyberthreats.html

Downloadable IT Resources

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