In this blog post, we will look at how big data and cloud computing can solve problems such as security and data overload faced by IoT.
In September 2013, at the 34th America’s Cup yacht race held in San Francisco, California, an unexpected turn of events took place. The Oracle USA team, which was trailing 1-8, won eight consecutive races in the final stages of the competition to win 9-8. Did God help this team? Many people pointed to the IoT (Internet of Things) technology installed on the yachts with the sponsorship of IT company Oracle as the reason behind this comeback victory. The Oracle USA team’s yachts equipped with IoT technology have more than 400 sensors that collect data on wind speed, wind direction, mast status, and boat movements in real time. This information is passed on to the yacht analysis team to help them determine the fastest way to steer the yacht.
So, what is IoT? Simply put, IoT (Internet of Things) is a technology that connects everything (things), such as people, objects, and spaces, to the Internet, collects information generated from them, and enables that information to be shared and utilized. Looking back at advertisements from telecommunications companies a few years ago, we often see people remotely managing their homes from their smartphones, checking the temperature, humidity, and window status even when they are away. However, this is no longer just an idea in an advertisement, but a reality. Of course, this was made possible by the IoT. These examples are just a few examples of how people, objects, and spaces are connected to each other through the Internet via sensors installed in objects and spaces.
However, even the IoT, which provides useful and diverse information to humans, has its drawbacks. The most important ones include weak security and excessive data. The sensors installed on the yacht mentioned earlier produce 200 gigabytes of information every day, generating 30 million pieces of sensor data per second. This information is shared only with the user. In order to connect and manage such closed and overflowing data, collaboration between IoT big data and cloud computing is necessary.
Cloud computing is a concept that has emerged in response to the growing demand for enterprise applications that require rapid processing of vast amounts of data and the need to reduce hardware acquisition costs. Cloud refers to the Internet, and computing refers to all activities related to the development and use of computer technology resources. Therefore, cloud computing can be defined as the use of computers via the Internet. Cloud computing companies use Internet technology to provide consumers with virtualized IT resources (networks, servers, storage, and applications). Using these resources, consumers can access cloud computing services anytime, anywhere, using a variety of devices connected to the Internet.
So how can cloud computing be used to solve the problems of IoT? The first problem to be solved is the cost and battery issues caused by excessive data. As data processing increases, it becomes necessary to install not only sensors but also higher-performance and more numerous information processing devices in objects. This raises the most basic issue of cost, and the increased power consumption leads to battery shortages. However, with high-performance cloud computing, only devices that can transmit and display information need to be installed on objects. This reduces power consumption, automatically solving the battery problem and financial issues. Solving these problems is also in line with the demands that led to the emergence of cloud computing. The next issue to be addressed is security, which is likely to be resolved through competition among information security companies in response to consumers’ demands for greater privacy. Finally, a closed IoT environment can be transformed into a more open one if the vast amount of information stored in storage is used by various people in the right places. Of course, the consent of the information provider is required for the use of such information.
Kevin Ashton, a technological innovator and entrepreneur who coined the term “Internet of Things,” said in 1999, “If everything has a computer and can communicate with us, we won’t have to worry about things like maintenance, replacement, or expiration dates. This Internet of Things will change the world more than the Internet has.” In fact, the world is increasingly dependent on computers connected to space and humans. Therefore, if we solve security and other issues associated with IoT and create a more open IoT environment using big data and cloud computing, the future envisioned by Kevin Ashton will not be far off.
