At first glance, it might seem oxymoronic that IoT and real-time communications would converge.  I mean, IoT is all about sensors reporting information right?  I would say yes, mostly right.  But with millions or even potentially billions of things connected to the internet, it would make some kind of logical sense that these things would want to communicate via voice/video to a person. 

Given Dialogic has a media server platform that companies build communication solutions with/on, we see all kinds of solutions being built.  And we’re starting to see some merging IoT and communications right now, because if communications need to become part of an IoT solution, then a software media server would be required.  So we get involved.  As such, we asked Dean Bubley to share his thoughts in a whitepaper about this convergence of IoT and communications.

Dean came up with three major categories where IoT solutions would involve video.  First, the IoT device itself supports communications.  For instance, in a connected car, there would be a screen, a speaker, and a microphone for emergency service requirements.   Another category would be where an IoT event triggers a voice or video call.  For instance, if a sensor detected some anomaly which would make a “call” to get someone to check it out while streaming and recording the event.  Thirdly, an IoT device would enhance an application, by, for example, triggering some action on another device that would improve an interaction.

There are a myriad of opportunities for real-time communications to converge with IoT.  And if you are a Network Operator, MVNO, System Integrator, IoT solution provider, or IoT application provider, opportunity awaits.  To read more, please read the whitepaper.