South Florida plays a huge part in the next big tech boom

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.

You May Also Like
Galatea Bio Secures $25M to Develop Global Biobank

Investment aims to scale next-gen diagnostics, drug discovery, and real-world data integration.

Read More
Citrix and NVIDIA to Deliver AI Virtual Workstations

Deploying NVIDIA RTX Virtual Workstation with Citrix DaaS Helps Enterprises Accelerate the Development, Prototyping and Delivery of AI Apps More Cost Effective

Read More
NSU Broward Center of Innovation and Emerge Americas Host Successful South Florida Innovation Day

The event focused on strengthening the South Florida innovation ecosystem.

Read More
South Florida Innovation Day
Other Posts
Third Annual South Florida Innovation Day Launches in September

The agenda includes activities designed to inspire, educate and connect.

Read More
South Florida Innovation Day
KENTECH Relocates Headquarters to Miami

The firm provides background investigation solutions for businesses.

Read More
KenTech
Levan Center of Innovation Forms Strategic Partnership With Fort Lauderdale United FC

The Alan B Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation (Levan Center of Innovation) established a new strategic partnership with Fort Lauderdale United FC, a leading Division 1 women’s soccer team participating in the USL Super League. Fort Lauderdale

Read More
Levan Center of Innovation
Levan Center of Innovation Celebrates Second Anniversary

The 54,000-square-foot facility offers incubator and accelerator programs for businesses.

Read More