Defining the Internet of (Government) Things

The Internet of Things, or IoT, is a system of interrelated devices that may have completely different uses, shapes, or sizes, but all have one thing in common-- data and the ability to transfer it autonomously. IoT can be the microchip that helps you find your lost dog, a monitor in a heart valve that alerts doctors and patients to irregular beats, a thermostat that you can turn on remotely, motion detectors that tell you when someone is approaching your door, and so much more. Building on these everyday applications, state, local, and federal agencies are finding ways to use IoT to better serve citizens.[Tweet "IoT was named one of the top subjects discussed at federally-focused events. #GovEventsBlog"]

Since IoT was named one of the top subjects discussed at federally-focused events, we wanted to take a closer look at how government organizations are tapping into the plethora of IoT devices, networks, and capabilities to improve our country's security and welfare. The major trends around IoT in government include:[Tweet "The major trends around IoT in government include: Smart Cities, Cybersecurity and more. #GovEventsBlog"]

• Smart Cities -- Smart cities rely on a network of sensors throughout the city to monitor and manage everything from traffic jams to pothole repairs, from crime to utility consumption, to public health.
• Cyber Security - While IoT devices can become part of a security solution, for example, monitoring the thermal outputs of devices to determine possible breaches, there is a valid concern about the security built into (or not built into) these devices. There are a lot of policy and technology questions surrounding the best way to use IoT devices securely.
• Policy and Data Ownership - As with any new technology, there are many gray areas when it comes to "who's in charge" of the devices and the data they hold. As IoT becomes a permanent and vital part of our infrastructure, these issues are being talked through at all levels of private industry and government.

With the complexity of IoT technology and policy, there are many events posted on GovEvents designed to help technologists, policy makers, and consumers collaborate to realize the promise of IoT. Here is a list of some of the upcoming events that cover a range of topics related to this emerging technology.[Tweet "A look at some of the upcoming events that cover a range of #IoT topics. #GovEventsBlog"]

• Effective Utility Management Seminar (March 12-13; Holliston, MA) -- Designed for the utility industry, this event focuses on updates to the 2008 Effective Utility Management (EUM) framework to help utility managers better utilize modern tools and techniques.
• FedFocus 2018: Smart Technologies Accelerating Mission (April 10; Washington, DC) -- This event provides a look at how next-generation technologies are improving the mission of government - driving efficiency, powering performance, and delivering cost-savings.
• AFCEA DC Internet of Things Technology Summit (April 24; Washington, DC) -- This annual summit feature keynotes from government leaders, government-led discussion panels, and a technologies expo.
• Cybersecurity Conference and Expo (May 31; Washington, DC) -- A free event for government professionals, this conference will explore today's cyber threats and offer an opportunity for those supporting government security initiatives to collaborate on how to detect, protect, and respond to these challenges.
• Internet of Things Developer's Conference (June 5-6; Santa Clara, CA) - Tailored for IoT product developers, managers, and decision-makers, this conference brings together industry leading influencers to present authoritative and trending perspectives on how the IoT will affect business and product development currently and into the future. It also provides education on the practical side of bringing products to market and to the Internet.

We'd love to hear where and what you're learning about IoT applications. Share your experience in the comments.