While keeping tabs on the Internet of Things (IoT) this infographic appeared in one of Vizworld’s curation lists. If it seems simple or even simplistic consider that it is probably created for a general business audience. What’s most interesting is the visualization of the discrepancy between four highly regarded sources on the number of units that will be around in 2020, less than 6 years from now. The massive range from 26 billion units (Gartner) to 212 billion units (IDC) can be interpreted as probably a lack of consensus on what an IoT device is, or will be. Will it include your handheld device as well as your temperature-sensitive clothing? But certainly the market (or multiple markets) implementing sensors and connectivity will be both massive and profitable.

Though “managing vast amounts of data” is listed as a challenge, everything around Big Data and all of the useful data visualization that will make sense out of all of that raw information will be one of the biggest business opportunities. I’d say it’s an oversight to not have listed it in the infographic.

Are these the 10 things you need to know about the Internet of Things?

(Infographic created by The Future of Work Community.)

The Internet of Things - an infographic that speculates on the value of the market by 2020

The Internet of Things – an infographic that speculates on the value of the market by 2020 (CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE: Infographic created by The FOW Community)