Cisco estimates that 50 billion devices and objects will be connected to the internet by 2020, even though today more than 99% of objects in the physical world remain unconnected. Digitalisation is complex, and devices and objects are being connected and unrelated networks converged at an increasingly rapid pace. Cisco says that the benefits of these connections can only be realised through the application of advanced data analytics, which often requires the creation of intelligent applications capable of accelerating new business models or increasing productivity.
Cisco's new system is designed to address these challenges. The six pillars comprise:
- network connectivity including purpose-built routing, switching, and wireless products
- fog computing to enable data to be analyzed and manage locally
- security to unify cyber and physical security
- data analytics
- management and automation, and
- an application enablement platform offering a set of APIs to enable users to design, develop and deploy their own applications based on internet of things capabilities.
Within the six pillars, Cisco has also launched 15 new products. These include the IW3702 wireless access point to connect mass transit systems and city WiFi networks, the IR 909 and IR 908 series industrial routers with WiFi and 4G/LTE connectivity, the Mobile IP Gateway for connected rail solutions, and a range of cameras with 360o view for situation awareness and audio and digital sensors.
