Who’s Leading Industrial IoT?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is just getting started. There is no known trajectory for the field; it can be applied in any industry to better connect organizations, streamline logistics, and generate insights, so the possibilities are seemingly infinite. And as is the case with most emerging technology, IoT development is going to be led by those who are taking steps now.

We rounded up some of the top innovators paving the way for IoT to boom.

1. Cisco Systems for Network and Connected Infrastructure

Smart cities will be the connection between IoT and the general public, and Cisco is setting itself up to foster this relationship. Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program is a vision for the future that can be realized today. Its vast knowledge of networks and infrastructure come together with IoT to optimize governments, economies, and our daily lives. The CDA program works to improve entire nations with better security and a more connected infrastructure.

2. IBM for AI

We wrote recently about IBM’s newest AI tool, Watson Assistant (WA); it works to build better experiences for customers and create closer connections with brands. IBM has thought of myriad implementations for its AI-based assistant, from your home, to the office, and past the grocery store. But WA’s power lies in its enterprise applications: supply chains, field employees, logistics, and more will be transformed with WA.

3. Amazon for Its Cloud Infrastructure

The cloud serves as the connective glue of IoT. Amazon’s cloud platform, Amazon Web Services (AWS), is very popular as a base for IT and operations at thousands of enterprises. The company can leverage their cloud by providing it for fast syncing, real-time updating, and instant responses for enterprises seeking to create a more intimate shopping experience for their customers. Warehouses will utilize AWS on a larger scale than they already do; it’ll be easier to connect multiple warehouses together for faster communication and greater efficiency.

4. Jabil for Manufacturing

Jabil’s reach is almost unrivaled: it probably manufactured at least a few products you use every day. Jabil is a well-known firm in the manufacturing world because it helps turn ideas into reality for hundreds of industries by providing service from prototype all the way to production. It’s already made itself a name, and it’ll continue growing with the arrival of IoT. In fact, Jabil will be a long-standing IoT leader from its ability to pivot and innovate in manufacturing.

5. Microsoft for Cloud Services and Enterprise Reach

Microsoft is poised to spend $5 billion over the next four years on IoT alone. Although it’s not certain where exactly the money will be spent, the Seattle-based tech giant’s cloud service, Azure, is popular among enterprises, giving AWS a run for its money. And its Azure IoT product has a great customer retention rate. Microsoft will remain the system that a large majority of enterprises utilize in their warehouses, office buildings, and smart products.

6. CyberHat for Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity will be central to all IoT developments. It won’t be difficult for hackers to take down multi-billion dollar enterprises if any part of their cybersecurity is weak. CyberHat is at the forefront of IoT security because it’s well-versed with stress testing, firewalls, custom configurations, and almost anything else an enterprise would need for its IT and IoT system.

IoT Is Inevitable, but Who Will Really Lead It?

We included many established tech giants on this list, but it barely scratches the surface; it would be easy to write a novel about all of the enterprises, startups, and other organizations vying for a place in the industrial IoT market. While each of the candidates discussed above seems to have a headstart, nobody can really say who will become the absolute authority in IoT yet.

But one thing’s clear — the crown will go to who can drive innovation to be adopted.