Imagine a world where billions of objects have sensors to detect, measure, and assess their status, all interconnected over public or private IP (Internet Protocol) networks. This world of interconnected objects will have its data regularly collected, analyzed and used to initiate action, providing a wealth of intelligence for planning, management, policy and decision-making. Key information will be pushed out from machines to other machines, to individuals, and to public and private organizations, allowing them to take action appropriately.

This is the Internet of Things (IoT), and it is well on the way to becoming a reality. Large-scale applications have started being deployed just as businesses, industries and public sector bodies worldwide wake up to its extraordinary potential. It is no exaggeration to say that the IoT promises to transform our lives and the world around us.

Cisco believes the IoT is poised to grow exponentially, bringing significant benefits for businesses, industries, nations and regions alike. This paper builds on Cisco's experience and viewpoint on the IoT and what it represents. It identifies how industries and countries are placed to realize the IoT's transformational potential, and what roles business and government leaders could assume to accelerate mass adoption of the IoT.

As you know, I have been working with a passionate team at Cisco focused not only on Cloud Computing but also on the Internet of Things, Machine-to-Machine Communications; Smart and Connected Cities; Smart Grid; Connected Car; E-health, and now looking at the possibilities beyond, e.g. Web of Things.

Check out work on the Web of Things or WoT.

Whilst we at Cisco have always stated that the network is pivotal with reference to WoT, there are implications to real time communications and predictive analytics and reporting; meaning that the opportunity to develop and do cool things at Cisco and in the industry are here and now!

Looking forward to a creatively disruptive 2012 at Cisco!