The Internet of Things (IoT) might sound like nothing but a buzzword, but it’s much more powerful than that. Understanding the IoT is easier said than done, especially as technology keeps changing rapidly. In a world of smart devices, smartphones, and endless connectivity, how do you define the IoT?
In broad terms, the term IoT refers to anything and everything connected to the internet. It also can refer to any item that’s connected or “talks to” other devices. For instance, your smartphone is connected to your Google Home and vice versa. As technology advances, we have more and more smart devices to choose from, and our lives are becoming more connected as data is shared.
How does this tie into performance monitoring? According to a recent MIT Technology Review report, application performance monitoring (APM) might just be the key to unlocking the full power of the IoT. It all comes down to the way in which you diagnose and analyze your data, and that’s where performance monitoring comes in. In this article, we’ll explain why APM might be the key to IoT success and why this matters for the future.
Why Connected Devices Need to Share Data
First, we need to talk about the reasoning behind so much data being collected from devices in the first place. In a sci-fi universe, more data usually equals less freedom. Many people today argue that just because a device can connect to the internet doesn’t mean it should connect to an internet.
While it’s true that all things might not need to be connected, having them connected gives us a lot of unexpected benefits. For instance, it’s an opportunity to be more efficient across industries. Because companies, public authorities, and even governments can learn about how products and services are used in real-time, they’re better able to set goals and meet consumer needs.
Much of this comes down to data quality. Too much data can be a bad thing, especially if that data is unorganized or inconclusive. That’s where application performance management becomes useful. Because this entire concept is a way to make information and data more usable, it helps with these challenges.
Using Performance Monitoring Tools
Organizations and even governments can deploy application performance management and monitoring tools to help them solve problems as they occur? What is application performance management exactly? It’s a way of seeing real-time data, logging problems, and preventing errors in our connected platforms, applications, and devices.
The more proactive we can be with solving errors, debugging devices, and analyzing data, the more intelligent the IoT becomes. In a world where security matters more than ever, the IoT needs a way to become more trustworthy, especially if it’s going to be more well-known by the public. Performance monitoring makes safety and security a top priority, and it ensures all data is used in a productive way.
The Future of the IoT
It’s clear that the IoT is a disruptive technology. There is already much back and forth on how it should be used and who should be in control. Where is the Internet of Things going next? Today, this technology is in its infancy. We’re starting to see smart devices become more common in our homes, but it’s just getting started.
You might have a smart device like a Google Home or Amazon Alexa. You likely already have a smartphone. You might have a smart car or other smart appliances like smart bulbs or thermostats. In the future, this is expected to play an even larger role in our daily lives.
However, there are some dangers at play if the IoT moves too fast. Namely, security is the biggest concern. Many of our devices aren’t secure enough as it is. If we produce more, there will only be a greater burden to find secure solutions. This is why developing and adapting performance monitoring solutions is so essential.
Final Thoughts
In a world where privacy, security, and data are of chief importance, there’s a bit of a balancing act happening with the Internet of Things. While many technologies are pushing forward, we’re also challenged with finding new solutions that make these disruptive technologies more digestible for our everyday lives.
Luckily, all hope is not lost in this Brave New World of connectivity. We are uncovering new ways to manage our data in a productive way. At the end of the day, that’s the best thing we can do until the IoT is the new normal.