Internet of Everything and Internet of Things: What is the difference? -Alibaba Cloud Developer Community

Unless you are an expert, there is almost no difference between IoT and IoE. However, the latter term is more extensive in semantics. In this article, we will explain in detail why IoT software development companies rarely use the term IoE.

Difference

the term Internet of Things was created in 1999 to refer to machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. IoE appeared several years later to describe the interrelated elements of the entire system (including people). IoE requires not only M2M communication, but also P2M (person-to-machine) and even P2P (person-to-person) communication.

To understand the differences between the three communication methods, let's look at a few examples. Suppose it is dark outside, you turn on the office light, and then you sit in front of the keyboard and type. This solution provides a P2M example of IoE.

We are so accustomed to these things that we do not even realize that they are part of the system. Another example: you call a colleague on Skype. This is a simple P2P communication. On the other hand, an example of M2M communication is the data exchange process between office temperature sensing equipment and HVAC mainframe.

You may think that M2M communication (as a technology) is the most advanced way of interaction. But IoE regards P2M and P2P interaction as the most valuable interaction. According to an analysis by Cisco, these two types of connections will account for 55% by 2022.

IoE is now considered the next phase of IoT development. Perhaps this is why only a few IoT development companies provide IoE development services. IoT solutions are now more common and extensive.

Four main elements of IoE concept

things ( Thing )

the so-called Thing refers to the elements involved in communication in the system. Thing is an object that can collect information and share information with other elements of the system. According to Cisco, the number of such connection devices will exceed 50 billion by 2020.

What are Things? In the internet of Things, Things can be anything, from smart devices to building devices. In IoE, this range is expanded to include nurses, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging machines and "intelligent" droppers. Any element with a built-in sensor system and connected to the network can become a part of IoE.

Human

people play a core role in the concept of IoE, because without them, there will be no connection bridge and no intelligent connection. People connect to the Internet of Things, analyze received data, and make data-driven decisions based on statistical information. People are the centers of M2M,P2M, and P2P communication. People can also establish their own contacts, such as nurses working together in medical centers.

Data

it is estimated that by 2020, each internet user will receive up to 1.7MB of data per second.

As the amount of available data increases, the management of all this information becomes more complicated. However, this is a crucial task, because data will be useless without proper analysis. Data is a component of IoT and IoE. However, only in IoE can it become a useful insight. Otherwise, it only fills the storage space.

Process ( Process )

process is an inherent component of IoE. This is the way all other elements, people, things and data work together, thus providing an intelligent and feasible system. When all elements are correctly connected to each other, each element receives the required data and transmits it to the next receiver.

Another explanation is that the Internet of Things describes networks and things, while IoE describes networks and things, including people, data and processes.

Where does IoE apply? ?

As far as the market is concerned, we can confidently say that the Internet of Things is a technology in any industry. IoE technology is especially related to some of the most important fields, including (1) Manufacturing, (2) retail, (3) information, (4) Finance and insurance, and (5) health care.

IoE technology has almost unlimited possibilities. For example: more than 800 cyclists die in traffic accidents all over the world every year. If there is a way to connect bicycle helmets with traffic lights, ambulances and hospital ecosystems in a single IoE. Will this increase the survival opportunities of at least some of the cyclists?

Another example: Do you know how many foods are wasted in large supermarkets because they are not purchased before their best purchase date? Some perishable products, such as fruits and vegetables, are even discarded due to excessive stocks before entering the market. What will happen if you find a way to connect food inventory with shelves and forklifts in the supermarket inventory control system using IoE?

At present, the use of IoE has infinite changes, many of which have become more and more familiar in our "intelligent" houses.

Summary

in our industry, few people will deny the value of IoE in improving our living standards. Fortunately, the Internet of Things development service market is booming. Who knows, maybe someday, you will become a "thing" in the IoE environment ".