IoT: 7 Considerations for MSPs
What does the Internet of Things (IoT) mean for managed service providers (MSPs)? Here are seven IoT considerations for MSPs.
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What does the Internet of Things (IoT) mean for managed service providers (MSPs)? Here are seven IoT considerations for MSPs.
Kaspersky Lab CEO Eugene Kaspersky has referred to the IoT as "the Internet of Threats," and perhaps for good reason. But MSPs can make IoT security easier for their customers. MSPs that offer rotating network keys or tokens and conduct periodic endpoint integrity checks can ensure their customers are protected against myriad cyber threats.
As more companies promote bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, the demand for enterprise mobility management (EMM) software could increase. And as a result, the demand for IoT-enabled devices could increase as well. However, MSPs can help customers effectively manage these devices and drive BYOD adoption simultaneously.
Do you offer cloud services to your customers? If not, you could be missing out on opportunities to support customers who want to reap the benefits of the IoT. The demand for IoT-enabled devices could drive cloud adoption too, allowing MSPs that offer cloud-based services to extend their reach.
Privacy is a major concern for businesses of all sizes. As such, MSPs must be able to address privacy issues. In the future, the government could establish a common privacy standard to minimize privacy concerns; the Online Trust Alliance (OTA) also has encouraged governments across the globe to adopt an IoT Trust Framework to eliminate privacy issues.
The IoT still requires regulation, and IoT laws could be enacted soon. If this occurs, MSPs can ensure customers in various industries comply with these regulations.
Cisco Systems (CSCO) pointed out the "Internet of Everything," i.e. the networked connection of people, processes, data and things, represents a public sector opportunity worth approximately $4.6 trillion. And MSPs that can provide IoT support to government agencies could capitalize on the demand for IoT-enabled devices in this sector.
The consumer space could provide another revenue opportunity for MSPs. "Today, IoT is seen as a solution for providers to monitor their products for their benefit, rather than that of the consumer – for example, washing machines, so that they can remotely check their operation and servicing. But it's starting to change," Philip Cole, sales director at machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions provider Wireless Logic, told M2M Now. "Connected heating controls and burglar alarms are providing tangible benefits for [households]. The consumerization is happening."
The consumer space could provide another revenue opportunity for MSPs. "Today, IoT is seen as a solution for providers to monitor their products for their benefit, rather than that of the consumer – for example, washing machines, so that they can remotely check their operation and servicing. But it's starting to change," Philip Cole, sales director at machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions provider Wireless Logic, told M2M Now. "Connected heating controls and burglar alarms are providing tangible benefits for [households]. The consumerization is happening."
What are your thoughts on the IoT? Share your thoughts about this story in the Comments section below, via Twitter @dkobialka or email me at [email protected].
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