The Internet of Things (IoT) is reshaping the business landscape, pushing companies to transition from selling physical products to offering a wide range of services. As they move into IoT, many organizations face unique challenges in managing and expanding their offerings. Mr. Cao Anbang, Chairman of GCR Co., Ltd., discussed the evolution of IoT applications, market opportunities, and industry development under the theme “Internet of Things Application Opportunities and Market Development.†He emphasized how the integration of cloud computing, big data analytics, mobile networks, and social platforms enables solution providers and partners to enhance their value.
According to research institutions, the number of connected devices is expected to surpass the total of PCs, tablets, and smartphones by 2017. As market trends shift from mass production to small-batch customization, consumers are demanding easy installation, simple usage, and affordable or free services. This has made open collaboration and platform strategies essential for meeting diverse consumer needs. In 2017, nearly 50% of global resources and solutions will come from smaller, agile companies.
IoT presents vast business opportunities across various sectors—from sensors and nodes to individual services. A smart refrigerator, for example, can track food items, suggest recipes, and even place orders when ingredients run low. This requires seamless integration between smart devices and backend platforms, enabling them to contribute to a more connected and intelligent lifestyle.
For end users, IoT brings complexity due to the multiple technologies and services involved. However, businesses that can offer integrated solutions—combining databases and simplifying user interaction—can capture significant value. Management Service Providers (MSPs) play a crucial role in this ecosystem by integrating products, equipment, and services into a unified, user-friendly interface, unlocking endless business possibilities.
The third platform is transforming traditional sales channels. As defined by IDC, the IT industry has evolved from the first platform (mainframes/terminals) to the second (LAN/internet), and now to the third platform, which combines mobile devices, cloud computing, and big data. This shift is creating new opportunities and redefining customer value chains.
In the future, the channel model will evolve from “goods → manufacturer → agent → integrator → service provider → consumer†to a more collaborative structure: “goods → manufacturer → integrator → MSP → consumer.†Agents will no longer be “pure†intermediaries but will transition into MSPs, focusing on management and operational efficiency. Outsourcing tasks like HR, support, and lifecycle management will help reduce costs and improve performance.
IoT service models are also shifting from single-solution providers to integrated, collaborative ones. Platforms are moving from M2M-focused systems to Aggregator platforms that filter out noise and deliver meaningful insights. The next generation of platforms will be open collaboration architectures, capable of supporting more complex applications.
GCR, as a global channel resource provider, supports the concept of MSPs by integrating platforms from system integrators and suppliers. It offers offline, online, alliance, and partner-based resource integration services. Its B2B cloud platform and online marketplace assist SaaS providers and ISVs in delivering pre-integrated IoT solutions globally. By bridging regional and local operations, GCR helps reduce information gaps and strengthens the competitiveness of ICT channel partners worldwide.
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