Before the advent of sensors in cars, phones, thermostats, refrigerators and factory-floor devices, information technology and operational technology were two different worlds. The Internet of Things is changing that.
Now, as a sea of data is sucked in to all kinds of devices in all sorts of places, there is an increasing need to merge IT and OT in order to collect, store and analyze information in the most cost-efficient manner possible — all in real time. The network edge increasingly is where the action is, as these worlds come together.
Enterprises now use edge computing to create “smart” buildings and cities, more efficient factory floors and unique retail customer experiences. It’s a huge opportunity for vendors like IBM, Cisco, GE and HPE.
