AI, IOT and CPaaS: What does it all mean for your business?

Xavier Martin

February 19, 2019

Artificial intelligence and the internet of things are transforming the way we talk to each other, as well as the objects around us, in our daily lives.

New and exciting technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) have a lot to offer the business world in every industry, from healthcare to hospitality.

Enabling communications through objects

Today, there are billions of devices connected to the internet, and according to those in the know, that number is projected to continue its meteoric rise for many years to come. That means the future of communications isn’t just between people, but will also include computers and devices. From refrigerators to cameras and everything imaginable in-between – things will be digitally connected. Object driven communications unleashes vast opportunities for communications vendors to deliver new capabilities for connecting with devices.

How does it actually work?

First of all, it’s important to note that connected objects are just a small part of the conversation. And, just because objects are connected to the internet doesn’t mean that they’re intelligent enough to make decisions based on the information they collect. Connected objects and devices, in the world today, need to be complemented by a platform that relays the right information to the right people at the right time. A Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) can provide that intelligence.

Object driven communication is essentially a series of events. First, a sensor collects information and sends it through to a CPaaS platform; then the platform assesses the data and communicates it to a person, perhaps through an SMS message. The CPaaS system can also sends information directly to another device. For example, if a sensor determines that a hotel guest room isn’t warm enough, it could relay that data to the CPaaS system, which would then trigger the heating system increase by a few degrees.

In another example, in the healthcare sector, CPaaS technology can integrate with on-site hospital equipment to help manage critical real-time communications to doctors and nurses.

The CPaaS platform can also provide video services so that doctors can check on their patients when they go home, or remind them to take their medications.

When a communications platform is integrated at the core of the IoT environment, it unlocks the real power of conversations between people and objects.

What about AI?

Artificial intelligence has multiple applications within the object driven communications landscape. With AI, the technology continues to “learn”, and becomes more efficient with each passing day.

For example, in a facial recognition camera, software can be “trained” to recognize a person by sending frames to another piece of software. If the frames match, the software then sends information to the CPaaS instructing it to conduct a specific action.

Another example where AI could be tremendously important is in the case of a chemical attack; a sensor could identify the presence of harmful chemicals and compare its findings to previous algorithms for signs of danger, then take appropriate measures through the CPaaS.

Move toward new technologies

In a world brimming with disruptive technology, figuring out where to start can be daunting. The good news is it doesn’t have to be. Companies can start by considering how they can connect the objects, currently in their infrastructure, to deliver benefits for their organization.

Alcatel-Lucent Rainbow™ offers a stepping stone for companies embarking on their digital transformation. The CPaaS, with a set of APIs, let companies integrate collaboration tools into in-house applications and business processes.

Find out how Rainbow can be your digital hub to connect people, objects and applications.