Internet of Things (loT)
What is loT and how does it work?
IoT is described as a network for physical objects like AC to a digital clock. These objects are embedded with software, sensors and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet.
Let me give you a scenario so that you’ll have a better understanding:
Jane here would like to turn on the sprinklers every time the soil moisture drop to a certain level. Instead of doing it manually, she could use loT to help her in this aspect. So, with the sensors and actuators installed to gauge the soil for its moisture. This information is then sent to the loT gateway with the help of communication protocol like MQTT and HTTP. The gateway significantly aggregates and feeds it to the cloud with the help of wifi lan. Once the moisture level drops, the system is immediately triggered and the sprinklers are turned on. However, with the information stored in a cloud, a detailed analysis like the time or the day the sprinklers were turned on and the rate at which the moisture in the soil reduces and so on can be done and the report will be sent over to Jane via her mobile phone over an app.
Therefore, this is basically what loT is about; to lessen the burden on humans. And according to experts, by 2025, there will be over 80 billion connected devices.
Big Data
Yup, just like the name ‘BIG’ is the keyword. Look at the image below, that is a massive amount data generate per min!
How do you classify any data as big data?
Using the concept of 5v’s, we will be able to determine if the data is considered as big data. Let us understand this with an example from the healthcare industry.
The healthcare industry all over the world generates about 2,314 exabytes of data annually.
The data are in the form of patient records and test results and all these data are generates at a very high speed which attributes to the velocity of big data.
Variety refers to the type of data, there are structured data which are excel records, structured data like log files and unstructured data like x-ray images.
Accuracy and trustworthiness of the data is termed as veracity.
Analysing all these data will help the medical center by enabling faster disease detection, better treatment and reduced costs. This is known as the value of big data.
But, how do we store this BIG data?
There are various framework that could be used like Cassandra, Hadoop and Spark.
After storing the data, the data are then analyse. Example would be like Halo and Call of Duty. Designers analyse user data to understand at which stage most of of them pause, restart or quit playing. This can help them rework their storyline of the game and to improve the user experience which in turn reduces the customer churn rate.
And there you have it, loT and Big Data explained to you in the simplest way possible. What do you think will be the most significant impact of loT and Big Data in the future? Let me know in the comment section.
Till next time….
Reena's Digital Marketing Blog 
Hey Reena, interesting mention of the 5V’s in Big Data! I think we will see more IoT integration for major and important human tasks (maybe in the healthcare industry?) in the coming years as it becomes more advanced and reliable. Do you consume IoT technology in your daily life? If so, which one do you find the most helpful? 🙂
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Hello Andrea! Glad you found my post interesting! Yes i do actually, my home is actually a smart home haha my air-con, lights, curtains and tv are all using loT technology. I can use my phone to schedule when my curtains to be drawn and tv to be turned on. I can also turn on my air-con outside first before heading home. My family are always constantly on the move so this system is very useful for us! How about you? 🙂
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Hi Reena, such an informative blog post! After reading through your post, I finally know how Big Data and IoT work!
Then I know how Big Data is stored and what is IoT. Could you share with us the implementations of IoT and Big Data? where are they used? How does it benefit us?
Look forward to hearing from you soon!
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Hola, thank you for enjoying my blog, i’m glad you found it insightful!! loT can be used anywhere haha to be honest my house is a huge mega loT heaven. My tv, air-con, blinds as well as my lightings uses bluetooth via the phone! It’s beneficial in a way that data will be sent to my phone to let me know if it’s working fine and how much electricity we are using, it’s very convenient. 🙂
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Hi Reena! Great post and amazing examples given! Indeed IoT lessen the burden on humans however, there would be negative points as well. Could you name me some? Thank you and I look forward to your reply!
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Hello, thank you for your comment! I guess one of the few negative points are that privacy are basically existence as everything is readily available online. And also, i believe in the near future loT will replace tons of jobs as well! 🙂
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Hi Reena! Insightful article delving into the specifics of big data. I do believe that big data can be beneficial from a marketing perspective but as an individual, what are some of your concerns with big data and what can you do to mitigate it? Looking forward to your reply!
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Hello Ian, thank you for your kind comment! I have quite a few concerns actually but i’ll name a few haha.
1) big data analysis violates principles of privacy. The datas are basically online for any hackers or anyone to use it for their own benefits. I think one of the solution to this is to make sure the company’s firewall are constantly reviewed and make sure they are of top notch condition so it’s safe and secure.
2) Big data analysis results are misleading sometimes. Even computer makes mistake sometimes, wrong calculation or inaccurate formula which leads to false informations. This could risk the company’s analysis and cause a disruption. I believe one of the solution to this is to make sure to have it triple check by different big data company to get accurate result.
Thank you 🙂
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Hi Reena:) I’ve really enjoyed reading your post and found it so insightful and interesting. I’m impressed that you explain 5v’s of big data in the simplest way. By the way, what do you think is the most challenge when it comes to dealing with big data? There are many benefits but every pros has its cons! If you have any idea, please share with me:)
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Hello Min Hee, thank you for your kind comment. I think some of the challenges are:
1) big data analysis violates principles of privacy. The datas are basically online for any hackers or anyone to use it for their own benefits.
2) Big data analysis results are misleading sometimes. Even computer makes mistake sometimes, wrong calculation or inaccurate formula which leads to false informations. This could risk the company’s analysis and cause a disruption.
Take care 🙂
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Hi Reena. Great post and really informative post on the 5v’s of big data. I do believe that big data is essential and that it is here to stay. However, I feel that the biggest concern would be privacy issues as they are collecting our data. In your opinion do you think that this is a real issue and how do you think that we can overcome it?
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Hello Ashley, thank you for your kind comment. I am glad you found my post informative! Yes, privacy is definitely an issue when it comes to collecting data as they just so readily available online for any hackers. I believe the best solution to this is to make sure the companies that collects and manage big data has a cutting edge firewall that protects the data as well be sure to have employees with moral awareness so they will not misuse those data!
Cheers! 🙂
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Hi Reena, this is an informative post! IoT and big data has rapidly transformed our daily lives and how businesses work as well. What do you think are some advantages of IoT or big data?
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Hello An Qi, thank you for your kind comment! I believe some of the advantages for loT are:
1. Cost reduction – With loT, one device is all a person needs. to connect their entire house together. It will help to help him cut cost on additional stuffs like multiple switches.
2. Efficiency and productivity – Datas and infos on that product will be sent directly to your phone. If you’re doing your phone to control your lightings at home, loT will be able to send your electricity consumption and etc.
3. Mobility and agility – Everything is just so seemless, you can turn on the air-con or the tv using a touch of a button on your phone even while you’re otw home.
As for Big Data, I believe some of the advantages are:
1. Cost optimization – There is no need for companies to keep files or massive data on their network as they could just pass it to companies that handle big data. It will save them cost and time.
2. lmprove efficiency – Companies will be able to use those big data companies to their advantage by having the data analyse to get to understand their users better! 🙂
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Hi Reena! Great examples you have given which allowed me to have a clearer idea on what is IoT and Big Data. IoT really have made our lives very convenient. However, do you think people or companies these days have an over-reliance on IoT devices? Imagine one day the IoT devices have failed us, do you think it would disrupt our lives greatly? Do share some of your thoughts with me! 🙂
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Hello Jocelyn, thank you for your comment! Yes definitely, loT has made our lives easier. Hmmm, yes i agree because it made our life easier, we humans have become too reliant on them. Even my house is almost fully loT, i’m able to control my air-con, fan, lights, tv and blind with a touch of a button my phone. I believe it’s important to be conscious about how reliant we are on them and control ourselves, it’s also important to have a backup plan in case the loT device fails. I’ve actually never realised how reliant i am on loT till you asked me this haha thanks!!
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Hi Reena! Very insightful post! How do you think this will affect the marketing scene? Will marketers have to slowly shift their campaigns to other devices connected to the internet?
In my opinion, there is a huge potential that we can tap into with the growth of IoT devices. Such as the smart fridge or smart mirror, there can be a potential to send targeted ads to these users through the usage patterns of these devices.
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Hello Jeremiah, thank you for your kind comment. I believe the marketing scene are constantly changing as we are currently in the 21st century and everything is moving on rapid speed. In the near future as more people integrate loT into their home, delivering ads will be much easier, especially to their target audience. With that being said, user might find it annoying to keep having ads pop up on let’s say their fridge, therefore marketers have to tread carefully on this issue 🙂
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Hi Reena!
That was an insightful read and I definitely got a clearer understanding of IoT and Big Data! However, I noticed that nothing was mentioned regarding security and privacy concerns. Could you share some information regarding that with me? Looking forward to your reply and next blog post! 🙂
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Hello Saraphina, thank you for your kind comment! As to loT and Big Data, privacy and security are definitely a big issue. With both of them slowly being integrated into our daily lives, data will be widely available for anyone to see or use. Hence, it is important that we use loT and big data to a certain extent. Even if we do use them, we need to make sure the firewall system is of cutting edge. 🙂
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Hi Reena, I enjoyed reading your blog and it is really insightful. I agree that big data and IoT has improved our life significantly but how can marketers make use of Big data to improve their marketing strategies?
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Hello Harriet, thank you for your kind comment! I believe that with big data, companies are then allowed to fully analyse their target audience and thus change their marketing strategies according to what their audience like/prefer. 🙂
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Great post, Reena!
Taking in IoT’s technology into consideration, how can businesses gain more exposure using this? Also, how should marketers be using this to improve on engagement to their audience?
Share your thoughts with me!
Lyn
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Hello Lynette, thank you for your comment! I believe with loT, businesses will be able to reach our to their target audience even more easily than before. IoT devices also record and transfer data to monitor important processes, giving new insights and thus, boost efficiency. Yes, i believe a marketers should definitely make sure of loT tech as it helps them analyse their target audience and change their strategies accordingly! 🙂
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Hi Reena,
Interesting and insightful post written! Definitely gained a greater understanding of what IoT is and how it works! I agree with you that IoT has definitely brought about a whole lot of convenience to the daily lives of users like ourselves! However, what do you think are some ways or tips that marketers can make use of IoT to gain greater reach to their target audience?
Hope to hear from you soon! Cheers!
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Hello Alden, thank you for your kind comment. The use of the IoT in marketing is really about thinking outside of the box and offering relevant services in the most valuable ways for the ‘real’ customer in real life. Or in other words a holistic, customer-centric and integrated marketing opportunity. I believe step number one is to choose the right platform. There are many ways to use loT but always remember to choose a platform that will reach out to your target audience at full capacity. To come up with a successful digital marketing with the use of the IoT, see to it that you highlight ethical and security considerations. The privacy of the consumers should not be compromised. Marketers should find a way to develop personalized marketing materials in the absence of being too intrusive. Lastly, tailor the right message to your audience, one wrong headline is all you need for your audience to have a negative mindset towards you. 🙂
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Hello Reena, appreciate the easy-to-understand and detailed explanation on IoT and Big Data! It is definitely a good summary of what they refers to 🙂
Personally, I am pretty guarded against Big Data as I feel that they pose quite a big threat to the community. For example, I am not sure about you but I have received scam calls with a robotic voice speaking in a weird accent “informing” me about a lost package and asking for my personal details for verification. I believe my phone number is part of data leak which is honestly pretty scary for me! This is also the reason why I rarely give off my personal details online to avoid leaving traces.
Nonetheless, I feel that technology will still continue to grow as the pros somehow seems to outweigh the cons. This is especially in the case of home appliances whereby even your refrigerator is viewable on your phone from just one click away. Despite my negative feelings towards technology, I admit that the advances have been quite amazing haha!
What about you? Are you equally as guarded as me or are you a huge technology supporter? 🙂
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Hello Wan Teng, thank you for your insightful comment. I think I am definitely a huge technology supporter but of course i know the risk of it as well, therefore i am always cautious about what i put online for people to see or information that i sent online . Not sure if you do this but i think a simple but important example would be that I put a tape on my webcam so that even if activated, nothing can be seen by the hackers.
Nonetheless, my home is almost a smart home as my tv, air-con, lights, fans and blinds are controlled using my phone and information like electricity usage and etc are sent to my phone. I think we should embrace technology as it could really help ease our daily life but also be cautious and stay alert 🙂
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Hey Reena! I’ve gained some valuable insights from reading your blog, especially the mention on 5vs of Big Data and your example about IoT which is easy to understand!
I have some IoT applications such as a smart light switch in my house that I’m using currently and I like that I’m able to control and toggle my lights freely.
So what are some of the downsides of IoT other than privacy and security concerns?
Adding on, does the Pros outweigh the cons of integrating IoT usage in our everyday lives?
Looking forward to hear from you!
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Hello Bernard, thank you for your comment. I guess to my the MAIN issue besides privacy and security is over-reliance. Even for me, my air-con, lights, fans, tv and blinds are controlled using my phone, We have gotten to the point where technology addiction is an epidemic in many regions of the world. Technology addiction has become such a problem that we are starting to recognise it as a disorder. 😦
I definitely think the pros outweigh the cons in terms of integrating loT n our daily lives. It makes like so much easier with just a click of a button and informations like electricity usage are at a click of a button! 🙂
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Hey Reena! Truly an interesting read, liked the example you used for IoT!
I do agree when you mentioned that IoT had reduced our burden significantly, but do you think that us human are too reliant on IoT sometimes?
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Hello Shane, thank you for your kind comment! Yes definitely, even for me, my air-con, lights, fans, tv and blinds are controlled using my phone, We have gotten to the point where technology addiction is an epidemic in many regions of the world. Technology addiction has become such a problem that we are starting to recognise it as a disorder. It’s important to know your limit and use minimally as being too reliant on loT could disrupt one’s daily live sooner or later. 🙂
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Hello Reena, the examples you provided gave me a better insight of IoT & Big Data! IoT and Big Data has indeed changed our lives to be more convenience and hassle free at times, and still continuing to evolve. However, I’m curious, how does marketers and organisation benefit from IoT and Big Data? Hope to hear from you soon!
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Hello Kimberly, thank you for your kind comment! I believe with loT, businesses will be able to reach our to their target audience even more easily than before. IoT and big data record and transfer data to monitor important processes, giving new insights and thus, boost efficiency! 🙂
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Hello Reena! Love the example that you’ve provided, it has definitely made this post a lot more detailed and easy to understand. I feel that IoT will definitely become a big part of our lives in the future (or even THE future for us).
For Gen Z and Millennials, most of us would not have any issues with the privacy and security issues as they are mostly ok with it, or at least know how to deal with the issue. Furthermore, the pros of having IoT in our lives overweigh the cons.
However, for the Boomers, they may not be able to appreciate this technology as well, due to the fact that they might be uncomfortable knowing their data is collected and that “somebody is watching them”. What would be your recommendation to dealing with this potential problem if we were to integrate more IoT into our current lifestyle?
Look forward to hearing from you, cheers!
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Hello, thank you for your kind comment! I believe the best approach here is to explain the value of loT and how it will benefit their lives. Take it slow and be patient as you can’t expect them to embrace loT in just one day. slowly introduce them loT and let them get used to the idea of it and then after that you can fully integrate it into their daily lives. 🙂
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Hi Reena! Beautifully written article with such captivating visuals and content! I learnt so much more about IoT and big data.
Do you think smaller companies are able to utilize IoT and big data as well? Looking forward to your reply!
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Hi Reena, Great blog!!
Can you explain further how IoT and big data work together and how it can improve the marketing strategies?
hope to hear from u soon
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Hello Reena
Love the write up especially since it’s different from other blogs when you broke down IOT and Big Data to its very core. I’d like to know if there are any limitations to IoT or is it just gonna grow bigger and bigger as tech advances, everything has its flaws after all so yeah!
Looking forward to your next blog!
Cheers!
Sainath
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Hello, thank you for your kind comment! There are definitely flaws to them! As to loT and Big Data, privacy and security are definitely a big issue. With both of them slowly being integrated into our daily lives, data will be widely available for anyone to see or use. Hence, it is important that we use loT and big data to a certain extent. Even if we do use them, we need to make sure the firewall system is of cutting edge. 🙂
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Hi Reena! Loving the visuals on your blog (: Really picked up a few things myself (because you’ve really went into detail here), so awesome job! I have an interesting question for you, do you think people might be better off In a world without IOT? 😉 Looking forward to your reply!!!
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