Skill gaps, security concerns hindering IoT adoption: Microsoft

Addressing skill gaps and security concerns can accelerate the adoption of internet-of-things (IoT) solutions, according to a new study by technology giant Microsoft. 

Complexities due to developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G have been cited as key issues in realising the potential of IoT solutions, the study titled IoT Signals said.

About 94% of large enterprises are expected to adopt IoT solutions in two years and nearly 97% of the respondents have security concerns arising due to the implementation of IoT solutions, the report said.

The findings also suggest that 80% of the world’s largest companies have already onboarded IoT solutions.

The study called for improvement in business strategy and technology planning to devise an IoT-driven digital transformation strategy.

With inputs from management consulting firm Boston Consulting Group, Microsoft surveyed over 3000 decision-makers in the IoT divisions of organisations, compiling adoption rates, upcoming trends in the technology space and the drawbacks and benefits of implementing IoT applications to draw up the report. 

Wipro had recently found the adoption of IoT devices has led to enterprises needing more robust security mechanisms to tackle cybersecurity vulnerabilities. 

A survey commissioned by technology and services provider NTT found that nearly half of the respondents believed that their company’s leadership teams responsible for facilitating digital transformation are not adequately skilled.