TAIPEI, Taiwan－ Today Taiwan External Trade Development Council implemented (organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA), a forum titled “IoT and the Cloud: Software to Hardware—The Next Step”. ACER founder Stan Shih, MediaTek CMO Johan Lodenius, ARM CMO Ian Drew, STMicroelectronics Executive Vice President Francois Guibert, and NXP R&D Executive Vice President Hai Wang were invited.
“Technology companies in Taiwan, with international partners, have co-created the golden age for PC,” said TAITRA Executive Vice President Walter M. S. Yeh. “Even in the mobile communication market, Taiwan is still an important player in the supply chain, providing key components, such as glass, IC design and touchscreen, and manufacturing processes.”
“Cloud and IoT have enabled the New Computing and Communication world,” said Shih, “with integration and openness as highlights. Acer has proposed BYOC and an Internet of Beings, which integrate end-to-end facilities and solutions, as well as partners with diverse backgrounds, to form an IoB ecosystem. This collaborative effort benefits both developers and agents, and creates a win-win situation for all.”
Lodenius expects a Brand New World after 2025. As everything is connected, more applications will be invented, and software/hardware resources will be closely integrated for enhanced user experiences. However, more time will be required to overcome the gap between connectivity and integration.
Drew pointed out the challenges brought out by such immense number of sensors. At present, there are 14 billion sensors around the world, which will soon increase to 400 billion. Sensors collect and connect data, from which insights are extracted to improve our quality of life. In the past, the conversation has focused on how to use the data to create more value, and yet with more sensors and consequently more data, the biggest challenge is now storage and warehousing of the data.
“With powerful smartphones, wearables create the first transformation in IoT development,” said Guibert. “Current applications include sports, fitness, augmented reality, and health care. STMicroelectronics will continue to innovate on wearables and emerging applications for high sensory experiences.”
“Energy efficiency, IoE, security, and health care are four key driving factors behind the semiconductor industry innovations in which IoT is growing the fastest,” said Wang. “After semiconductors, ICT devices, and applications are seamlessly combined, we will create a highly connected new world, along with growing demands on system reliability.”
After the five speakers discussed software/hardware integration on cloud and IoT, Vice Premier San-Cheng Chang moderated a panel discussion on the next steps for tech vendors. Insights and lessons from these pioneers and leaders inspired the audience, and also prepared them for the upcoming smart IoT world.
During the final panel session, Simon Chang, Vice Premier of Taiwan, served as moderator, facilitating fascinating discussion on next critical step in software/hardware integration of IoT era. Stan Shih said that IoT illustrates a great opportunity for Taiwan, where there are a lot of small and medium businesses, along with startups, to foster creative application modles.
Johan Lodenious asserted the importance of human networking, which is the key to implement IoT creativity. Ian Drew recommended that companies should follow the principles of easy to use and simple UI. Francois Guibert added that even though IoT application seems diverse, yet demand for basic components is universal, therefore companies should provide one-stop service to promote IoT development. Dr. Hai Wang encouraged companies to create added values, through which IoT industry can take a big step further.
