Tuesday, November 21, 2006

What Is Next For The Internet?

Silicon.com has a nice summary about the "Internet of Things" or what I like to call "Phase 2" of the Internet.

Let's call it the Physical World Web 2.0

We will soon be in the middle of a blizzard of tiny computers embedded into everyday items and constantly talking to each other.

Welcome to the so-called 'internet of things' which will replace today's internet of people and data. Everyday items from TVs to toothbrushes, sports equipment and even buildings will have in-built computing power and wireless that will allow them to communicate and share information.

Robin Mannings, BT futurologist and research foresight manager said: "The idea of having technology in everyday objects isn't a pipedream - it's the next evolution of the internet."

He told silicon.com: "RFID is just the tip of the iceberg and the iceberg is ubiquitous computing - more or less everything being a computer."

What will all of these items need? A physical world hyperlink

2 comments:

Ben Miller said...

One of the corollaries of this view is the need for IPV6. My interpretation is that NTT kinda missed the boat with the current generation of internet infrastructure. I think the NTT labs are pouring money into teasing out the implications of a near infinity of objects (mobile barcodes, rfid tags and SKUs in the supply chain, individual prescriptions...) each having an IP address. As far as I can see NTT Comms has the most IPV6-ish backbone and may be well placed for next next new thing.

Ben Miller said...

One of the corollaries of this view is the need for IPV6. My interpretation is that NTT kinda missed the boat with the current generation of internet infrastructure. I think the NTT labs are pouring money into teasing out the implications of a near infinity of objects (mobile barcodes, rfid tags and SKUs in the supply chain, individual prescriptions...) each having an IP address. As far as I can see NTT Comms has the most IPV6-ish backbone and may be well placed for next next new thing.