Workshop on Interoperability and Open-Source Solutions for the Internet of Things

In the last five years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has rapidly progressed from mere talking points to active build-out. To date, however, most IoT activity has focused upon end-point development using proprietary software and open standards communications protocols. This legacy notwithstanding, the emerging IoT ecosystem is now looking to community-based development and deployment models that parallel the success of open source software (OSS) and that build on and seek to extend OSS code and the communities that sustain it. This paper/presentation will examine the current role of OSS in the IoT build-out and how OSS can shape the coming Internet of Things. In particular, it will provide insight into the make-up and dynamics of existing OSS communities and requirements for launching and nurturing new ones to support the end-to-end IoT paradigm. It will examine approaches to addressing unmet IoT needs with open source and strategies for monetizing resulting IoT technology. It will relate lessons learned from using open source in the build-out of comparable ecosystems in network infrastructure and mobile telephony. Finally, it will explore strategies for creating differentiated value with OSS across the IoT ecosystem of silicon suppliers, equipment manufacturers, network operators, cloud service providers, application developers and end-users.

The Internet of Things offers great possibilities. Many specific applications are already emerging. But, to leverage the full potential of the IoT these silo-like applications need to be inter-connected. Interoperability is a mandatory technical requirement. At the same time it is necessary to motivate many different stakeholders to take part in such an IoT ecosystem. Motivating means to enable the stakeholders to establish viable business models. Thus, understanding the concepts of Business Ecosystems and Business Models as well as tools for Business Model Innovation are key to leveraging the IoTć’s opportunities.