Introduction
The Internet of Things (IoT) combines multiple physical objects that can be accessed using the Internet and are connected. IoT-enabled devices communicate with each other, which allows them to analyze, observe, and understand situations without depending on human intervention. IoT technology has proliferated in the last decade, and its expansion will continue. Various elements make IoT possible, including mobile computing, electronic business, and cloud computing. These elements make IoT easier to use and implement in different settings. As information technologies evolve, businesses and society face risks and opportunities (Rainer & Prince, 2021). Thus, it is essential to explore the implications for people and companies caused by the convergence of IoT, cloud computing, mobile computing, and electronic business.
Mobile Computing and IoT
Mobile computing and its interplay with IoT is growing, resulting in expectations of powering future applications in smart cities, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Thanks to advanced software and hardware technologies, the computing capability of mobile devices has improved. Thus, IoT devices include environmental sensors, wearables, and energy monitors. Mobile computing consists of devices such as personal computers and smartphones. Such devices are used by billions of people globally, providing a massive opportunity for IoT applications. IoT in mobile computing is cost-effective as it allows organizations to perform operations and functionalities that cost less, especially in equipment monitoring to reduce risks. Mobile computing allows businesses to improve customer experiences. For instance, IoT mobile applications can assist in transactions through smart trackers and card readers, making the consumer experience seamless. In addition, IoT and mobile computing are expected to accurately monitor high-risk environments in the future to promote safe workplaces for every employee (Rainer & Prince, 2021). Lone workers will benefit from IoT by preventing injuries due to early interventions.
Mobile computing enables the management of intelligent homes through mobile applications. Using an IoT-enabled application, users can track their house’s temperature and adjust it even when away from home (Khan & Yuce, 2019). Furthermore, mobile computing enables fitness trackers and smartwatches to send data to a customer’s phone or computer, enabling individuals to stay fit and track their health goals. Mobile computing also helps nurses and doctors track, report, and monitor patient health, reducing readmission rates (Alam et al., 2020). IoT allows businesses to track real-time sales on mobile applications, improving demand and supply forecasts.
Cloud Computing and IoT
Cloud computing and IoT complement each other to provide interconnectedness across multiple devices. Cloud computing allows IoT to function by storing its data and provides an easy way for large data packages to be collected and exchanged by IoT using the internet. Cloud computing allows IoT to work despite emergencies or data loss. Thus, businesses benefit since downtime is significantly reduced, and multiple IoT-based operations continue powering businesses, preventing losses. Furthermore, cloud computing allows IoT-enabled businesses to reduce hardware dependency. IoT can seamlessly work with minimal dependency on hardware because the data the technology relies on is stored in the cloud, supporting the agility needed by IoT services (Alam et al., 2020). Cloud computing is essential in e-commerce as it offers speed, stability, security, and scalability to organizations seeking an online web presence. It acts as an IoT enabler to solve the data-driven needs of various businesses and enhance the privacy and security of IoT data (Greengard, 2021). Cloud computing should advance the framework for backing up data to increase reliability during the next five years.
Electronic Business and IoT
Electronic business refers to selling and buying services and goods, servicing customers, conducting electronic transactions in organizations, and partnering with other businesses. IoT helps companies in the electronic business in various ways. For instance, IoT decreases the number of unsold products, saving companies significant amounts of money. IoT reduces waste by removing human error in decision-making and offering precise analytics. Companies that deal with perishable goods such as groceries can benefit from predictive analytics. In addition, IoT is allowing businesses to provide excellent customer experience by personalizing product offerings. Furthermore, IoT updates information on the purchase date and warranty period; therefore, retailers may set system notifications through email. IoT-enabled systems can detect and report problems before customers notice them. Ultimately, IoT minimizes costs and makes the customer experience personal, resulting in consumer satisfaction and the provision of high-quality goods.
Risks of IoT Use
Adopting IoT in business organizations leads to several risks, including the absence of open standards and IoT security. Security is a concern for IoT systems as the emergence of threats increases with advances in IoT technology. The number of devices connected using IoT systems is increasing each year; therefore, the risk of data breaches can potentially expose the private data of billions of people. IoT security will likely become a priority for businesses in the next five years. IoT technologies lack open standards in terms of protocol and infrastructure; thus, adopting the technology may be too complex for some organizations. Therefore, the absence of open standards threatens the development of IoT capabilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial to examine the implications for society and organizations that arise due to the convergence of IoT, cloud computing, mobile computing, and electronic business. Mobile computing is the primary choice of IoT-enabled capabilities since most people use mobile technologies. The future is expected to produce increased applications of IoT in mobile computing. Cloud computing provides cheaper data integration for communication between interconnected devices, while IoT processes can improve electronic business. Despite its applications, IoT faces challenges, including security and the absence of open standards.
References
Alam, M., Shakil, K. A., & Khan, S. (Eds.). (2020). Internet of Things (IoT): Concepts and applications. Springer.
Greengard, S. (2021). The Internet of Things, revised and updated edition. MIT Press.
Khan, J. Y., & Yuce, M. R. (Eds.). (2019). Internet of Things (IoT): Systems and applications. Jenny Stanford Publishing.
Rainer, R. K., & Prince, B. (2021). Introduction to information systems (9th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.