Many may not know that South Florida has been a significant contributor to modern day technology achievements and is continuing to play a huge part in the next big tech boom: The Internet of Things.
Our local tech history started with the IBM PC developed in Boca Raton, and then continued on with the first Smartphone by IBM and Bellsouth, virtual Workspaces by Citrix, PushToTalk and 4G by Motorola, Cloud Computing pioneer Terremark in Miami and more.
Now, we are making our contribution to the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is loosely defined as the network of “things” that can be connected together to provide a higher value and service. It includes everything from wearable computing, security cameras, sensor devices, factory and home automation, to the software to connect everything together.
So what is South Florida contributing to this next wave of tech that is projected to be a larger than $7 trillion market in 2020 according to IDC? Here are a few examples:
Magic Leap – The stealth startup in Fort Lauderdale that has recently raised $542 Million from Google, Qualcomm and the A list of venture capitalists. Magic leap is working on wearable headgear that promises to provide the next generation of computing interface that blends real and virtual objects into what they call “Cinematic Reality.”
ADT – The leader in home security has expanded into home automation with over a million subscribers who now use the company’s mobile app to control their thermostat, door locks, lights, cameras and more.
BluVision – The largest supplier of iBeacons, with over 1 million shipped last year for use with commercial applications like retail notifications, plus the consumer focused SticknFind device.
Citrix – Recently acquired Octoblu the IoE (Internet of Everything) platform that can connect everything to everything. This platform will expand and leverage the Citrix portfolio to enhance business workflows.
Zendo – Promises to transform home automation leveraging the new Apple Homekit technology. Stay tuned for a June release.
MobileHelp – Provides a wearable device for the elderly to automatically call for help.
3C Interactive – Recently named by Forbes magazine as the most Promising Company in America, it is using iBeacons to enhance customer engagement experiences.
Sensormatic – The pioneer of RFID for theft detection is now extending into IoT for commercial solutions like inventory and supply chain management.
ILS – An early leader in Machine to Machine (M2M ) for factory floor automation has expanded into IoT solutions for enterprise. ?
Chris Fleck is on the board of the South Florida Technology Alliance and vice president of mobility systems and alliances for Citrix Systems (NASDAQ: CTXS), a Fort Lauderdale company that provides secure remote access to data and applications.
