Why We Need Women to Shape the IoT

You may have heard of the Internet of Things, or the IoT. This massive network of interconnected devices is incredible, and it deserves your attention. Especially if you’re a woman.
Essentially, IoT is the next big thing, only it’s already here. It’s in your phone, in your fridge, in your TV and more—these connected devices anticipate, react and automate your personalized needs to make your life easier. For women working full-time in a world that still often expects you to keep up with cooking, cleaning and kids regardless of your career path, these innovations can offer a lifeline. 
Better yet, they have the potential to lead to a world where each of us is empowered to find our own path. But it’s not quite there yet. We at Amzur are working hard to build that future, but we need more women to make it happen.

IoT at Work

First, let’s discuss the endless possibilities the IoT holds for our work. We know that being connected is no longer enough; it’s a baseline. Whether it’s smart grid planning or building analytics, data defines everything we do, but it’s generated so rapidly that modern businesses often struggle to keep up. Traditional analytics tools and models are starting to fall short, failing to provide insight fast enough to allow for agile, data-driven decisions.
Amzur’s advanced analytics tools, however, let us discover device gateways and streamline data, which in turn enables the creation of real-time data dashboards for your applications, reducing time to market for actionable data. What does all that mean? It means that no matter who you are or what your business hopes to accomplish, you can make informed decisions faster and easier than ever before. In traditionally male-dominated fields, this can provide a vital step toward leveling the playing field. At Amzur, for example, we’re looking ahead to new energy, such as distributed energy management, OpenADR and more. When you’re out in front, you need fast data.
So, we know IoT is already driving the next wave of business transformation. But how is it helping to bridge the gap between professional and personal needs?

IoT at Home

Much has been said about using IoT technology to stay healthy and productive, from fitness trackers to AI-driven to-do lists. And these do offer incredible benefits. But they come with risks as well. So let’s talk about safety and security.
Unfortunately, some IoT devices are not designed with women’s needs in mind. Whether that means expensive novelty items like smart hairbrushes or security exploits that can be used to stalk or harass—an unacceptable abuse of often worthwhile technology—we need more women working on the IoT. Only by bringing our unique perspectives into the development of these technologies can we ensure all voices are heard and accounted for. Amzur and other female-led tech companies are aiming to do exactly that.
This technology isn’t going anywhere—except, perhaps, into more homes, more businesses, more public spaces. Rather than ignore or decry it, we want to use the IoT to build a brighter, more inclusive future where anyone can excel. What kind of future do you want to see?