Rogers Launches Internet of Things as a Service Solutions in Canada

Rogers Communications is the first Canadian carrier to offer Internet of Things as a service’ to simplify the process of managing complex IoT solutions.

Two of the first solutions being offered as a service include Farm & Food Monitoring and Level Monitoring, and Rogers will deliver these with blueRover, a Canadian-based provider.

The solutions will be supported end-to-end by Rogers, including the management of devices, applications and connectivity for customers.

“Connectivity is now table stakes today when it comes to supporting the Internet of Things – for Canadian businesses to drive real productivity with this technology, they need solutions that are simple to deploy and manage,” said Charlie Wade, SVP, Products and Solutions, Enterprise Business Unit.

“With blueRover, we’re bringing connectivity, monitoring and management of IoT solutions in-house so our customers can focus on running their business while we take care of managing the day-to-day.”

BlueRover provides IoT solutions across many industries

“Today just over 45% of Canadian organizations are deploying Internet of Things solutions and we predict the IoT market in Canada to reach a value of $13.5 billion by 2019,” said Nigel Wallis, Research Director, IDC Canada. “By offering IoT solutions as a Service, Rogers, together with blueRover, have the potential to drive adoption of IoT solutions by removing the burden of managing these complex solutions for Canadian businesses.”

The solutions announced are the first in a series of IoT-as-a-Service solutions that Rogers will introduce to the market to remove the complexity for Canadian businesses.

How the Internet of Things Will Look in 2016

2016 is shaping up to be another big year in Canadian technology. In this series, OpenText CEO Mark Barrenechea highlights his predictions. Today, he looks at the Internet of Things.

In 2016, we’ll work smarter, not harder.

Human beings, appliances, homes, factories, cars, businesses, and cities will become more interconnected. If these items aren’t already, they’ll soon be “talking” to the Internet of Things (IoT).

In a few short years, there will be more than 25 billion devices generating data about every topic imaginable. We’ll see broader enterprise adoption of the IoT due to its economic impact (which analysts estimate to be between $4 trillion to $11 trillion in the next few years), as well as in terms of opportunities to improve productivity and gain better business insight.

The IoT will cause massive disruption through better automation, integration, and communication.

Insurance companies are deploying sensors and software to monitor how drivers behave and generate risk profiles using big data analytics that accurately align to or construct on-demand products to suit individual behavior. Thermostats communicate with residents and accumulate behavioral data to formulate the most energy efficient and comfortable schedules and settings. Software agents move money, stocks, goods, and people around the world, routing, optimizing, and transacting innumerable times a year—and these are just three examples already in enterprise use today. They will quickly evolve and proliferate into 2016.

As we move forward through 2016 and beyond, more devices, agents, sensors, and people will join the IoT. Perhaps we will even progress as a society to a post-scarcity economy and information itself will become our commodity of trade. Monetizing the exchange of information, micro-licensing, and transactions become prominent tasks as our automation and machine-to-machine networks take care of daily needs.

Imagine algorithms as apps for applying big data analysis over the connected masses of information generated by the IoT and its billions upon billions of connected devices in every aspect of our lives. Owning the data, analyzing the data, and improving and innovating become the keys to corporate success—all empowered by a connected digital society.

Though this may have some Orwellian overtones, the IoT is really about the Zen of Things—our application of software and technology to help customers consume products and to help businesses build better products and deliver better services. In 2016, the IoT will continue to combine big data, analytics, the Cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and automation to propel industries forward and create the next industrial revolution.

DigiBC Brings Together Panel to Discuss Internet of Things

On Monday, DigiBC hosted a panel discussion on BCs Internet of Things. 

Each of the panelists brought a unique view of the Internet of Things (IoT) in British Columbia and the broader world, opining from the angle of their respective professions.  The panel consisted of Shawn Sanderson, VP Internet of Things at Telus, Adrian Moise, CEO of Aequilibrium, Rob Perry, Director of Sales at Colony Networks, Matt Naish, VP of Sales & Marketing at Contigo Systems, and Graham Cunliffe, Managing Director of IoT Design Shop.

The event began with each of the panelists doing a seven-minute presentation about their companies, followed by an exploration of the trends that are shaping IoT, BC’s position in the IoT world, and what a connected IoT world will look like in the coming decades.

Regarding BC companies and IoT, Adrian Moise said, “There is an opportunity that the government can provide in terms of big companies being established here that can create this type of innovation and employ a workforce and attract talent.  The reality is if you’re only looking to sell your products in Canada, it’s a very small market, so for companies to be successful, they can perform and operate here in BC, but they have to recognize that there is a much bigger market south, and we’re also seeing significant growth in Asia and the Pacific regions.”

Graham Cunliffe followed up by saying, “I think for the government to do more than they’re already doing is difficult because it’s hard enough to put bounds around what IoT is.  How do you say you’re an IoT company, but (another’s) not, so you get nothing and (the other) gets tax incentives?” 

Cunliffe continued by explaining that companies here can use the government programs that are available to help build products in order to expedite the process of finding product-market fit.  Once that has been achieved, companies need to immediately look at markets outside British Columbia.

When asked about what the IoT-connected world may look like in 30 years, one point of agreement was that most of the current talk about the potential is too incremental.  IoT has the potential to revolutionize our lifestyles and work lives.  The appropriate question may not be how IoT will be applied in, for instance, our vehicles, but whether we will even consider owning vehicles a necessity considering how thoroughly the world can be overhauled.

You can find future DigiBC events on their website.

How to Make Sure Your Company is Prepared for the Internet of Things

Every aspect of our world is becoming more digitized by the second, and experts estimate there will soon be over six billion internet-connected devices around the world, linking inanimate objects and people alike into one great hive mind of communication.

This new era of connectivity is called the Internet of Things, or IoT, and you needn’t look further than your smartphone to see the truth in this matter. With the IoT, thermostats will monitor the temperature of your house while making its own corrections to save you power. Park benches will interact like our smartphones. Homes will know when you’re near. The possibilities are endless.

The real world and the digital are quickly merging into one. Companies must adapt in order to transition to the next generation of success. Is your company ready for the Internet of Things? This list details what your business needs to be prepared.

 

1. Your company must possess the highest level of equipment.

Smart devices have skyrocketed productivity, and companies are battling for the biggest foothold in this new sea of potential. In order for “old world” companies to prosper, they must adjust, and equip themselves will the best tools available in order to operate at their maximum potential. Otherwise, they will be overwhelmed by “upgraded,” more efficient competition.

For instance, a clothing company should equip their factories with sensors, which allow their machines to manage their condition and apply self-maintenance. This saves manpower and time, while boosting productivity, keeping up with the rising demand. Having the right equipment to handle all the new data being generated and collected – equipment like flash storage – is a must as well.

 

2. You must expand to incorporate the software advancement.

Several unlikely businesses have integrated themselves with the internet, and are met with considerable success.

For instance, many taxi businesses have their own apps, allowing customers to view and order their services without a single call. This tech-centric generation gravitates towards such conveniences, which opens a market to be cornered. Creating new departments may be necessary for catering to this need for software, developing apps, websites, and devices which maximize your products and offer convenience.

 

3. Your marketing strategies must be cyber-centric.

Billboards and newspapers are becoming a thing of the past. In their place are email newsletters and app notifications, reaching a wider range of potential clients. Additionally, as smart TVs have displayed, the IoT allows companies to gather vital marketing data for creating successful strategies.

Your marketing team must adapt to this new method of advertisement in order to keep up with the competition. This can include advertising on apps, featuring your commercials on sites such as YouTube, or even creating game apps to draw attention and customers.

 

4. You must prepare for unexpected competition.

The internet has created a number of unusual allies and enemies, and you should be prepared for the change. While in the “old world,” your rivals were of a similar business type, in this “new world” you are battling for marketing space on a grander scale.

For instance, as a clothing company, your app will be competing in the marketplace with not only other clothing apps, but also apps promoting shoes, sports equipment, and so on. Your business must refocus and prepare for these challenges in order to stay ahead.

 

5. You must plan and budget to manage these adaptations.

The IoT offers accurate insights, reduced manpower, and real-time response – eliminating the lost time and resources “old world” companies battled. However, upgrading your company to the necessary level will have considerable expenses and requires sensible investment plans. The benefits will ensure your company prospers in this new generation, but you must be prepared and account for the cost.

The Internet of Things provides companies with the opportunity to thrive on unprecedented levels. You can boost production, advertise to a greater audience, communicate in real-time, and experience benefits which increase your chances for success. However, you must be prepared for the transition into this new era. These few points will help you decide if your company is ready for this advancement.