Many companies would prefer standards to be in place now already. It is only then that we can move from the hype surrounding IoT to large-scale idea realisation. A reference architecture with a common basis describing how time, unique identities, etc. are to be managed provides assurances and creates open solutions on which to build.
Sara Norman, Project Manager at the Swedish Standards Institute (SIS).
Standardisation efforts are carried out within the framework of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), of which Sweden's SIS is a member. The work is being performed under considerable transparency, and while aspirations to reach a consensus are perceived as a major strength, this can also lead to a certain amount of stagnation in the process.
If we do not reach an agreement by 2017 – which is when the work is to be completed – the project will be mothballed. But this isn't as dramatic as it sounds. In all probability, a new project will be initiated which will expand on the progress made up to that point but it would delay the introduction of a common standard.
Sara Norman, Project Manager at the Swedish Standards Institute (SIS).
The main obstacle to reaching an agreement at present is the tug-of-war between China and the USA.
To make a long story short, China is attempting to promote its own model as standard. They have developed a national reference architecture consisting of six different IoT domains. And they want this to become the international standard, while the USA and many other nations do not share this view.
Sara Norman, Project Manager at the Swedish Standards Institute (SIS).
Far-reaching Swedish influence
In reality, a Swedish expert holds far-reaching influence over the final content. Östen Frånberg from the Luleå University of Technology is currently formulating the unified standards.
That Sweden is playing such a critical role in such an important international matter is not as strange as it may sound. We are perceived as a relatively neutral party in this context and are known for taking everyone's best interest into consideration – not only our own. This also enables us to make our voices heard during these meetings.
The hope is, despite everything, that the IoT standards will be in place by 2017, and it's actually only then that we can begin to discuss the Internet of Things.
Of course, there are many things already connected today, but these only constitute small IoT oases which do not communicate with each other. This is why it is imperative that the standards are established, because – until then – all we really have is an Intranet of Things.
Sara Norman, Project Manager at the Swedish Standards Institute (SIS).
What is a standard?
A standard is a shared solution to a recurring problem, so as to minimise technical trade barriers. In other words, it is a document which specifies how to employ a certain procedure so that benefits can be gained from doing the same thing in many parts of the world, thereby simplifying and enabling comparisons.
Sara Norman, Project Manager at the Swedish Standards Institute (SIS).
The intended benefits in having a reference architecture for IoT include better interaction between IoT systems, which will result in greater functionality and economic robustness.
What is SIS?
SIS – the Swedish Standards Institute – is a non-profit member organisation and the Swedish representative within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
A standard is established after a proposal from a country. In the case of IoT, the initial proposal originated with China, but the USA independently put forth a proposal pertaining to IoT reference architecture within Supply Chain. At present, four internationally recognised commissions exist relating to secondary standards within the framework for this initiative. A unified basic standard must be applicable to all, and this is what the tug-of-war is about.
