You may have come across the acronym IoT at some point or another on your internet travels, but have you stopped for a moment to understand what it actually means?

It’s rather easily explained, actually.

As noted in this post’s title, IoT stands for Internet of Things. See, the internet has grown from simply having computers connected to a network to virtually all sorts of devices.

We’re talking cars, refridgerators, washing machines, light bulbs, and just about anything else that can be connected to the internet. This also includes smaller components of larger parts, like sensors on a jet engine, for example.

Why is this noteworthy?

It’s an interesting transition from what we’re probably all accustomed to. Who would have ever thought a fridge would need to be connected to the internet? Surely, it doesn’t seem necessary.

Conceptually, however, there is a very real purpose behind IoT. The basis is that by connecting anything and everything to the internet, our lives can be made simpler.

For instance, some home thermostat systems can be connected to the internet, allowing you to manage the temperature of your home from anywhere in the world. The same applies for internet-connected home security systems (like, say, unlocking a door remotely for a relative from the other side of the globe).

In industrial applications, IoT devices allow for more effective management of equipment – potentially even spotting issues before they have significant impact.

Companies all over the world are investing millions into the concept of IoT, and it illustrates that the concept is not simply just a fad. IoT is here to stay.