Connected devices and standardization

Connected devices are increasingly present in our societies since most of our devices are communicating. Hence, the need for standardization.

Digitalization made national borders almost obsolete. In the virtual world, borders look different. However, with the multitude of players and languages used, there is an urgent need for evolution. The next step? Standardization.

When it comes to engineering services in the automotive industry all scientific articles stress the importance of standardization. Lately, as connected devices are becoming increasingly popular, there is a need for a common effort of standardizing this industry as well, whether it is software development or hardware.

Connected devices – IoT

Internet of Things is a relatively new concept. It got rapidly popular given that its application is very diverse. Also, because of the increasing need for connected devices in our modern lives.

It denotes any system of interlinked computer devices that are independent of human-to-human or human-to-computer action exchange. However, it commonly refers to smart connected devices that provide the user with information and allow control from a distance. Even though it covers multiple technologies, home appliances play an important role in popularizing connected devices and IoT in general.

Why is there a need for standardization?

Standardization allows players’ better interoperability.

• It allows a better and bigger synchronization of protocols
• It reduces costs because this way hardware is interchangeable and unconditioned
• It allows better and faster access for any manufactured components
• It reduces business processes
• It encourages the fast adoption of better technologies
• It increases security and data protection.

Even though these are just some of the benefits of standardization, possibly the biggest benefit is that standardization works as a catalyst for growth for connected devices and the IoT industry as a whole.

By now, there are even government-set standards for the IoT industry. Take Australia’s initiative.

Connected devices and embedded

Embedded systems can be found almost everywhere in our modern society. An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function. So, your thermostat, your electric bike, your TV, your AC, your microwave, the dishwasher, the GPS are all embedded systems.

The difference between classical embedded systems and IoT embedded systems is communication. Because IoT is a global infrastructure for different networks that connect devices.

Hence, embedded systems and their popularity are boosting the IoT industry and vice-versa. This results in most of the devices around us becoming connected. Therefore, an increasing amount of data is being processed, manipulated, and stored. And this must happen in a synchronized and secure way.

Conclusion

Connected devices have become a part of our daily lives. Their presence helps the digitalization of industries and modern human life. Exactly because it has this great of an influence on our economies, societies, and even personal lives, there is a need for standardization in this industry.