Chambers: 2015 will go down in history for IoT

Cisco's executive chairman claims this year is the inflection point for the technology

Cisco man John Chambers has said 2015 will go down as the year of the Internet of Things (IoT) as he contemplates recent developments in the space.

In a blog post on LinkedIn, Chambers, who stood down as Cisco CEO earlier this year to become executive chairman, reflected on a recent trip to the Middle East – a region he claims is leading the way with the technology.

The IoT World Forum (IOTWF), an event hosted by Cisco, took place in Dubai this week. Chambers (pictured), who attended, said that when people look back at this year's event, they will realise it marks a "defining moment" for the technology.

"In the next few years we will reflect on the third annual IOTWF this week and realise that 2015 was the inflection point for the IoT and digitisation," he said.

"Leaders from around the world convened in Dubai this week, and all witnessed real solutions that are now fundamentally changing the way we will live and do business. It's a dramatic change that will touch everyone.

"Digital transformation – the connection of cities, companies, and countries to the internet – has emerged as the most transformative means to ignite sustainable growth and improve society. Those countries and companies that get ahead and embrace the digital transformation will uncover limitless possibilities to drive innovation, growth and jobs of the future."

He added that only a quarter of business leaders claim they are being "proactive" about digitisation.

Host city Dubai aims to become the smartest city in the world by 2017, a plan Chambers said was "well under way". Sensors are being placed around the city to connect everything from utilities and transport to energy sources and entertainment to the internet, said Chambers.

"All of it [is being] developed to improve the lives of citizens, reduce energy consumption, and to capture the potential added value of $4.87bn (£3.21bn) by 2019," he said.

"These examples and investments will not only transform how people engage with their governments and each other, but also marks the beginning of a truly digital Middle East that will create new jobs, foster innovation and help ensure global competitiveness.

"Digitisation is dramatically changing the world. It will affect all our lives, and no individual, company or country will escape its impact."