CHICAGO – Cisco Systems is a big proponent of the boldly dubbed “Internet of Things,” which was also the topic of its recent event in Chicago. As a company set to power many of these “things” expected to be connected through the IoT, it makes sense that Cisco is trumpeting the market’s potential.
As part of this involvement, Cisco is also striking deals with firms it sees as helping to push the market, including a deal with Sensity Systems, which is a provider of what it terms “light sensory networks.” The deal calls for Cisco to use Sensity’s NetSense platform for its City Infrastructure Management software, as well as for Cisco to join Sensity’s NetSense Partner Program in a move to create a solution “that converts city lighting infrastructure into a distributed sensing platform for smart city applications, such as smart parking, lighting, retail analytics, public safety and security.
Sensity is bullish on its platform being able to tap into the ongoing move to replace legacy lighting systems with more efficient LED systems.
“There are over four billion high-wattage lights in the world being converted to LEDs, which is a unique opportunity to transform the existing lighting infrastructure into a distributed sensor network,” said Hugh Martin, chairman and CEO of Sensity.
While Sensity’s platform is based on a smart lighting solution, Cisco noted that the platform “will create enormous potential for cities as they continue to roll out a platform that can deliver multiple applications and services, all using a common set of sensors, analytics and network for greater productivity, efficiency, and public safety,” according to Wim Elfrink, Cisco’s EVP of industry solutions and chief globalization officer.
To do this, Sensity’s sensor nodes will be integrated into Cisco’s CIM software allowing for more powerful sensors that include video sensors and analytics capabilities.
–Also at the Cisco IoT World Forum event, IBM announced a cloud service under its Smarter Planet initiatives designed to allow developers to extend an Internet-connected device into the cloud with insight allowing for data collection and the ability to send real-time insights back to the developer.
The Internet of Things Foundation service is part of IBM’s Bluemix cloud application platform, which is an open-standards cloud platform targeting all connected devices. IBM said that by placing connectivity in the cloud “equipment and asset manufacturers can use the Internet of Things to provide remote service and monitoring to residential and commercial customers.”
To further support its program, IBM said it plans to form a partner program for IoT and a set of “certified instructions” for partners to connect their services.
Bored? Why not follow me on Twitter?
Photo copyright: wolterk / 123RF Stock Photo
