News in the Channel - issue #34

IOT FOR SMBS

“Security is important too. SMBs are increasingly recognising IoT as a way of enhancing security, with smart locks and door and window sensors, for example, and as a potential point of vulnerability on the network. They will be looking for IoT solutions that have built-in protection and managed security support. “IoT solutions can also be used to enable more efficient and effective hybrid working. Offices typically now have hot desks and shared meeting rooms. Smart systems can be used to monitor occupancy and usage, and to control light and heating. “The trend towards edge computing is also a factor; if organisations can process data closer to the data source – which will often be an IoT device – they can get faster results and take more decisive actions. This also helps to reduce latency and manage bandwidth, while meeting compliance and data protection rules.” Keith adds that companies often use smart devices to make daily work easier. “Such as keeping better track of inventory or improving the customer experience with things like faster checkouts or smart kiosks that make shopping smoother,” he says. Lawrence says another big trend is managing energy consumption. “Businesses are full of technology-enabled energy saving opportunities,” he adds. “These opportunities are often low- hanging fruit, and with the cost of implementation coming down so much the return on investment happens very quickly. “For example: a lot of offices have electric water heaters for kitchens and bathrooms. A small, simple piece of tech can switch those off at the weekend. It’s not necessarily sexy but it works and pays for itself while having the added side effect of being good for the environment.” Connectivity All IoT devices need to be connected to the network and that will typically be done with WiFi, notes Rachel Rothwell, regional

Contributors

director at Zyxel Networks. “More IoT data means more traffic and it’s important to use the latest and fastest technology where possible,” she adds. “Today, that means WiFi 7. Networks also need to be carefully designed, and, in most cases, it will be advisable to deploy multi-gig switches for added flexibility, and to make use of a remote managed service to optimise performance at all times. “We are also seeing a higher uptake of 5G routers, and IoT is one of the driving factors for that. It’s especially useful where sensors are deployed outdoors or in remote locations.” Security As with any technology, security is a major concern. Lawrence says that choosing platforms with centralised management infrastructure can be beneficial. “Although security of IoT devices in general can be challenging,” he cautions. “Most IoT hardware, once you’ve got hands-on with it, is easy enough to reset and reprogramme. That being said, you could say the same thing about how easy it is to unplug something from a socket and nobody’s putting padlocks on those. “As always, it’s about risk mitigation. Would I accept the risk of someone hijacking a device that controls the hot water heater in my office if they really, really wanted to? Sure. But I might not take that risk with a nuclear reactor.” Harry Mason, head of client services at Mason infotech, says there’s a problem

Markus Rex

synaxon-services.com

Keith Kakadia

sociallyin.com

Lawrence Dudley

parall.ax

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