USC and Marshall School of Business Lead Way For IoT Systems
The USC Institute for Communication Technology Management (CTM), the USC Center for Cyber-Physical Systems and the Internet of Things (CCI), and the USC Integrated Media Systems Center (IMSC) recently announced a partnership that will design, develop, test, and implement an Internet-of-Things (IoT) system to benefit communities in the Los Angeles metro.
You may be wondering: what is an IoT? These networks are built from groups of independent people or organizations that voluntarily work together to create consolidated data streams from numerous IoT device owners into one common flow. Moving forward, IoTs will allow those connected to a network to share the data from their devices so it can be used for applications that manage energy use, transit, garbage collection, air quality, parking, or leak detection in pipes.
In a simpler form, IoT is short-hand for multiple devices beyond just computers and smartphones, that are interconnected.
The Intelligent Internet of Things Integrator consortium—or I3 for short—will engage governmental agencies and industry partners to encourage the development of community-based IoT networks. According to a press release, the system will provide greater transparency between the developers who use data for decision-making purposes and the users or organizations that own the devices connected to IoT networks.
Spearheaded by USC, the I3 consortium aims to improve decision-making and customer service at municipal levels. For example, I3 applications bay include guides for firefighters in burning buildings, or detailed insights to improve economic activity such as the foot traffic outside of a potential restaurant venue.
“We live in an age of data-driven innovation, and initiatives such as the I3 Consortium are essential to leveraging the data that surrounds us for a strong future,” said USC Marshall School of Business Dean James G. Ellis. “USC and Marshall will continue to lead the way in helping our students, faculty and community better understand the convergences between businesses, consumers and governments that will shape cities in this age of data.”
Ultimately, the system aims to turn consumers into entrepreneurs and I3 co-founders Bhaskar Krishnamachari, Jerry Power, and Cyrus Shahabi hope to distribute the technology as opensource software so other municipalities, states, and other government entities can benefit from USC’s system.
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Max Pulcini
Max Pulcini is a Philadelphia-based writer and reporter. He has an affinity for Philly sports teams, Super Smash Bros. and cured meats and cheeses. Max has written for Philadelphia-based publications such as Spirit News, Philadelphia City Paper, and Billy Penn, as well as national news outlets like The Daily Beast.
