HP moves into ‘Internet of Things’

March 16, 2015

The OEM’s platform aims to “enable smart cities” through internet-connected appliances.

Computer Dealer News reported on HP’s move into the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) with a platform to be “initially target[ed]” at mobile phone network providers and the energy market, but with a view to entering the “smart cities” sector. This covers cities such as Barcelona, Spain or Toyota City, Japan, which an HP spokesperson said “would be best suited to take advantage of the technology”.

The ‘Internet of Things’ is the term for a network of appliances or objects that feature embedded technology, which allows them to work more efficiently through data exchange with a manufacturer, operator or control centre. The OEM’s Chief Technologist of Communications, Media and Solutions, Jeff Edlund, said that HP’s platform will allow “telecommunications companies and utilities companies [to] come together through the enrichment of data”.

Edlund said HP is “not ready to announce any specific partnerships” on its Energy Management Pack, which is the “first of several” application packs available for IoT. It will allow for “end-to-end mobile device remote management” including “device discovery, configuration and control of IoT traffic”. This would cover SIM-based devices such as mobile phones and tablets, and would allow for meter reading and “home automation” of energy.

In turn, the pack’s numerous apps would allow for “dynamic updates” of energy tariffs as well as “real-time consumption measurement” and energy management, alongside public uses such as “management of public lighting and electronic parking systems”. All collected data would be stored in a secure cloud location before analysis, and HP added that it “also plans to target” the automotive, manufacturing, water and gas and other industries.

Edlund commented that “there are currently more sensors out there than people realise, including a vast array that are starting to appear. What we’ve done is build a software-based database that maps the set of device capabilities. We are planning for smart cities as well as intelligent appliances”.

HP is currently selling the system directly, but Edlund said he could “see it opening up to the channel in future”.