What you need to know
- Microsoft released a new IoT Signals report which breaks down IoT stats and trends.
- The report claims that 94 percent of businesses will use IoT by the end of 2021.
- The report states that 47 percent of surveyed companies that have adopted IoT believe there aren't enough skilled workers in IoT.
Microsoft released an IoT Signals report that shows trends and statistics surrounding the Internet of Things (IoT). The report shows that IoT is extremely common in the core industries of manufacturing retail/wholesale, transportation, government, and healthcare. The report claims that 94 percent of businesses will use IoT by the end of 2020.
IoT growth shows no signs of slowing: adoption is projected to increase by 9 points over the next two years, meaning 94% of businesses will be using IoT by the end of 2021."
Microsoft commissioned Hypothesis Group to perform the research. The data comes a "20-minute online survey [that] was conducted with over 3,000 decision makers at enterprise companies across the US, UK, Germany, France, China, and Japan who were currently involved in IoT."
The report lays out adoption across major industries, with retail/wholesale (90 percent) and manufacturing (87 percent) leading the way. It also states that growth doesn't show any signs of slowing down and that by the end of 2021, 94 percent of businesses will use IoT.
The report also shows that nearly all companies are concerned with the security of IoT. 97 percent of companies surveyed are "concerned about security when implementing IoT." It's noteworthy that despite this concern, the report states that security concerns do not hinder adoption.
Despite high adoption rates, the report states that 47 percent of companies that have adopted IoT believe that there are not enough available skilled workers in IoT.
The full report sheds quite a bit of light on the Internet of Things, including both the challenges it faces and the primary areas which it is successful.
Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love
Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.
VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)
This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.
Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)
Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)
This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.
