Here’s all you need to know about the fascinating Internet of Things

The Internet of Things

The age of technology has sparked the creation of many different objects that are now able to be connected to the internet, from small-scale household items to large-scale industrial technology. This is referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT), and it’s a philosophy that encompasses all items, big and small, that are capable of internet access. 

The goal of the IoT is to improve efficiency and impact. It does this by helping users both work and live harder and smarter, automating everyday tasks and projects, and giving more internet access to people worldwide. This technology allows for a more responsive, intuitive world around us; a connected ecosystem where the smart devices we use provide even more support and value. If you’re looking to get started in a tech career, it is vital to understand the Internet of Things to know your role in it, no matter which tech field you choose to go into.

How does the Internet of Things feature in everyday life?

To better understand the Internet of Things, let’s take a look at the path of web connectivity an internet user likely goes through every day. For example, an office worker may clock into their shift on their smartphone, which would get them connected to the software that ensures they get paid properly. 

They log into their work computer and get to work doing some forms. After filling them out online, the office worker sends the completed form to the printer. In this example, the office worker’s smartphone, their work computer, and the printer are all a part of the Internet of Things, since they are all physical objects the office worker interacts with that are connected to the network. This is just one of the many ways – both big and small – the IoT impacts people’s lives. 

Despite everyday consumer items being a part of the IoT, this field tends to focus more heavily on the more obscure objects that are gaining internet connectivity, such as digital appliances, safety trackers, thermostats, etc. The end goal of the IoT is to expand infinitely, getting more things and more people connected to the web. 

Tech careers and the IoT

The Internet of Things is a significant part of the tech world. Truthfully, it is the tech world in its entirety. It is all the objects that get us working together, connected with others, and collaborating. All tech careers will take place within the Internet of Things. 

Not only that, but every tech career has a vital role in shaping the Internet of Things, whether it be for one company in particular or for the future of the entire world. There are always advancements to the Internet of Things and new career paths. In the following sections, we will go over some of the most notable careers in the tech world that directly impact the IoT, but keep in mind that there are so many more. 

Software Engineering for the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things focuses on the physical objects involved in the worldwide web, but the software that makes these objects work is just as essential as the objects themselves. Without software engineering, the IoT simply would not exist. Software engineering is the backbone of the digital world. 

There are a lot of ways software engineers can get involved in the Internet of Things. For example, software engineers can create and manage the software used to operate devices, such as smartwatches, appliances, thermostats, and more. They can also create software that helps users read the data of multiple IoT objects, such as a central database to monitor tracking devices in a fleet of vehicles. No matter what the object is, software engineering is the key to getting that object connected to the IoT. 

Cyber Security’s role in the Internet of Things

Any item that has access to the internet needs to be protected. Cyber security is not just for big companies with large networks that need protection, cyber security careers also work to protect the average consumer with their consumer electronics. For example, a cyber security specialist could work with a company to prevent consumer security systems from attacks by malicious hackers. With at-home cameras and microphones, it is important to keep the private information of these consumers protected. 

There are many things in the IoT that are specifically designed with cyber security in mind. One of these things is biometric cyber security scanners. These are especially useful in organisations that employ a lot of work-from-home employees since the company cannot reasonably use an encrypted network when there are devices connecting from across the globe. This is a preventative measure companies can take to ensure the users accessing their precious data are trusted and allowed access. 

Cyber security professionals also strive to get more things connected to the internet, expanding the Internet of Things for everyone. In order to do so, there needs to be security in place from the start to make sure new things and new users are protected online. As a cyber security professional, the Internet of Things plays an important role in understanding all the types of users that need protection.

Data Science and the Internet of Things 

Data scientists take in information from many avenues to properly understand and process data. Since many, if not all of the objects connected to the internet, are used for data collection, the internet of things is vital for work in the data science industry. For example, many data scientists use social media and advertising analytics in their work, gathered from many items involved in the internet of things. 

There are also some devices connected to the Internet of Things that have direct usage in the data science field. For example, some companies use wireless inventory trackers. This helps companies manage their data quickly and effectively. With these wireless trackers, data scientists can easily work to understand patterns in a business. 

Data scientists use the IoT to improve the digital world for users. Understanding the different markets and learning what strategies work and which ones do not helps get the right information out to the right people. Data scientists can provide the tools needed to improve efficiency, productivity, and accuracy in any business. Without data science in the Internet of Things, people would not have the knowledge to see where improvements can be made. 

The importance of tech specialists in the Internet of Things

There are so many different roles in the IoT for different branches of the tech industry. Software engineering is key for getting devices up and running, connected to the network properly, and useful to consumers or businesses. Cyber security professionals are needed to make sure these devices are safe and secure on the networks they run on. Data scientists are essential for understanding how these devices are really being used and where they can be improved. No matter which direction you are coming into the IoT from, your role will certainly be a vital one. 

Getting started with a career in tech

To get involved in the Internet of Things and learn more about these amazing functions that keep us all connected, book a career consult to find out more about careers in cyber security, data science, and software engineering through the Institute of Data.

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