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IoT Inc.: How Your Company Can Use the Internet of Things to Win in the Outcome Economy
Grab the top spot in your industry by seizing the power of IoT
Smart products are everywhere. They’re in our companies, in our homes, in our pockets. People love these products. But what they love more is what these products do—and for anyone running a business today, outcomes are the key.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the point of connection between products and the results they deliver—it’s where products become software. IoT Inc. explains everything you need to know to position your company within this powerful new network. And once you do, you’ll leave the competition in the dust.
Founder and president of today’s leading IoT business consulting firm, Bruce Sinclair has been helping companies develop IoT strategies for a decade—far longer than the term has even existed.
This essential guide provides an in-depth look into IoT—how it works and how it is transforming business; methods for seeing your own business, customers, and competitors through the lens of IoT, and a deep dive into how to develop and implement a powerful IoT strategy.
IoT isn’t a new business trend. It’s the new way of business. Period. The IoT wave is heading for your industry. You can either meet it head-on, and ride it to success, or you can turn your back and let it swamp you.
This is your playbook for transforming your company into a major player in the IoT Outcome economy.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2017
107 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 12, 2021
Not good. Provides some insight into IoT business models (e.g., pay-for-use monetization, the rush for companies to position themselves in ecosystems) but these points are scattered among tons of repetitive fluff. The book did not emphasize studies or statistics, and seemed to just come from the author's experience as a practitioner. It was valuable to learn some of the relevant jargon, though in practice I ended up googling it and learning about it on my own than relying on the book. I also believe the author introduced some of his own idiosyncratic vocabulary into the book, which ended up muddying the waters. If you end up reading this book, I would suggest skimming it very lightly to get some of the big-picture ideas while skipping all repetitive content.
November 29, 2020
mmm, I am having mixed feelings about this book.
First, I am a technical architect, so i like to have the business and tech aspects of the solution
On one hand, I do appreciate the perspective about the Outcome economy and the high level standardization on IOT moving parts the the authors tries to establish.
But on the other hand, I felt a lot of repetition and consulting level talking. We can see the author is a consultant talking to C-Level executives. The concepts are a bit "markitecture" (the network fabric, the fog...).
I feel the examples are business centric (and so a bit muddy) not rooted with technical examples.
But all in all, I learned a few things, it helped evolve my thinking on IOT systems
First, I am a technical architect, so i like to have the business and tech aspects of the solution
On one hand, I do appreciate the perspective about the Outcome economy and the high level standardization on IOT moving parts the the authors tries to establish.
But on the other hand, I felt a lot of repetition and consulting level talking. We can see the author is a consultant talking to C-Level executives. The concepts are a bit "markitecture" (the network fabric, the fog...).
I feel the examples are business centric (and so a bit muddy) not rooted with technical examples.
But all in all, I learned a few things, it helped evolve my thinking on IOT systems
May 12, 2018
This is the second book I have listened to on IoT.
This one was certainly more technical that the last one I read and this book extended its range beyond just consumer goods to industry.
The technical chapters, although informative, tended to be long and drawn out. I'm sure a techy would have loved them or perhaps even thought they were a bit "light".
One thing about this book is, other than security risk, the author does not address the topics of using IoT for "evil". Warfare and criminal activity can be a huge market for IoT.
This one was certainly more technical that the last one I read and this book extended its range beyond just consumer goods to industry.
The technical chapters, although informative, tended to be long and drawn out. I'm sure a techy would have loved them or perhaps even thought they were a bit "light".
One thing about this book is, other than security risk, the author does not address the topics of using IoT for "evil". Warfare and criminal activity can be a huge market for IoT.
July 24, 2024
I needed to come up to speed quickly on IoT and OT in preparation for a consulting job, and this book proved helpful. Bruce Sinclair does a good job of breaking down the basics and leading with value creation while covering the actual technology as well. I would have liked something a little more recent (as technology changes fast), but my initial research indicated that the content of this book is still very applicable today.
January 30, 2018
Excellent introductory book
Key IoT concepts for business are well presented and complemented with clear examples from different industries. The evolution to the outcome business model and Outcome Economy lets the reader follow the huge value creation through the process.
Key IoT concepts for business are well presented and complemented with clear examples from different industries. The evolution to the outcome business model and Outcome Economy lets the reader follow the huge value creation through the process.
May 29, 2017
This book is a practitioner’s manual.
Far from being solely an academic piece of work or looking at the IoT phenomenon from a theoretical perspective, Bruce Sinclair draws on real world examples to guide the reader towards the central point of value creation enabled by the Internet of Things: business outcomes. In his words ‘the Internet of Things’ killer app is outcomes’.
It is not about the obsessively used example of the connected fridge, it is not about connecting everything to the internet just because you can but about starting the journey with a rigorous value analysis. According to Sinclair, that analysis should look at how your current products can get enhanced capabilities, how they can be better supported and/or operated or even how complementary innovative products can be developed. All from a ‘value engineer’s’ perspective instead of software, hardware or data engineer’s point of view as the author puts it.
The book is addressed to Execs and Managers that want to get a ‘just-enough’ in-depth understanding of how IoT can be used to improve the bottom line or even, subsequently, the top line. Equally it is addressed to software and hardware engineers that want to use IoT for more than just a hobby.
As the book is split in three parts, the first two cover the business end of IoT and the analysis of your business from an IoT lens whilst the third section is dedicated to a dive-in into technical aspects. This reinforces the main theme of using IoT for the right (business) reasons but at the same time equips the reader with key technical characteristics of an IoT solution so that you are able to have meaningful conversations with both the company Board members as well as with the Engineering team or third party System Integrators or Design Houses.
Every step of the way is illustrated with real-world examples mainly from the authors’ own IoT consulting business, which again reinforces the applicability aspect of the book. Whether you are new to IoT or curious on getting another opinion or perhaps a validation on what it is actually about beyond the current hype, I believe this book would make an excellent reference point.
Far from being solely an academic piece of work or looking at the IoT phenomenon from a theoretical perspective, Bruce Sinclair draws on real world examples to guide the reader towards the central point of value creation enabled by the Internet of Things: business outcomes. In his words ‘the Internet of Things’ killer app is outcomes’.
It is not about the obsessively used example of the connected fridge, it is not about connecting everything to the internet just because you can but about starting the journey with a rigorous value analysis. According to Sinclair, that analysis should look at how your current products can get enhanced capabilities, how they can be better supported and/or operated or even how complementary innovative products can be developed. All from a ‘value engineer’s’ perspective instead of software, hardware or data engineer’s point of view as the author puts it.
The book is addressed to Execs and Managers that want to get a ‘just-enough’ in-depth understanding of how IoT can be used to improve the bottom line or even, subsequently, the top line. Equally it is addressed to software and hardware engineers that want to use IoT for more than just a hobby.
As the book is split in three parts, the first two cover the business end of IoT and the analysis of your business from an IoT lens whilst the third section is dedicated to a dive-in into technical aspects. This reinforces the main theme of using IoT for the right (business) reasons but at the same time equips the reader with key technical characteristics of an IoT solution so that you are able to have meaningful conversations with both the company Board members as well as with the Engineering team or third party System Integrators or Design Houses.
Every step of the way is illustrated with real-world examples mainly from the authors’ own IoT consulting business, which again reinforces the applicability aspect of the book. Whether you are new to IoT or curious on getting another opinion or perhaps a validation on what it is actually about beyond the current hype, I believe this book would make an excellent reference point.
May 21, 2017
I run an ICT Data Analytics company and took part in peer review of this book. It has no equal in the field of IoT.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to be up to date with the latest high-tech trends in Silicon Valley and aware of their far-reaching consequences to the Global Economy. Bruce Sinclair will give you the appropriate mindset and tools you need to become a successful pioneer of the IoT Market (no matter if you’re based in the US or anywhere else).
The Author explains business nuances and technical complexities in simple words and provides many valuable examples based on his own professional experience. Engineers will learn about best practices of IoT Product Development, whereas Managers will get a Practical Guide to prepare and accelerate their IoT Initiatives, step by step. Anyway, it will help you build a common language and mutual understanding with your colleagues once you decide to launch your IoT business for good.
To me, reading this book was a sheer pleasure, comparable to a good SF literature! But it’s not SF. IoT is Real and it’s already here. We can either lag behind it, or become part of this fascinating game... Have a nice read!
I recommend it to anyone who wants to be up to date with the latest high-tech trends in Silicon Valley and aware of their far-reaching consequences to the Global Economy. Bruce Sinclair will give you the appropriate mindset and tools you need to become a successful pioneer of the IoT Market (no matter if you’re based in the US or anywhere else).
The Author explains business nuances and technical complexities in simple words and provides many valuable examples based on his own professional experience. Engineers will learn about best practices of IoT Product Development, whereas Managers will get a Practical Guide to prepare and accelerate their IoT Initiatives, step by step. Anyway, it will help you build a common language and mutual understanding with your colleagues once you decide to launch your IoT business for good.
To me, reading this book was a sheer pleasure, comparable to a good SF literature! But it’s not SF. IoT is Real and it’s already here. We can either lag behind it, or become part of this fascinating game... Have a nice read!
May 22, 2017
This is a book that can be used by business strategist as well as techno geeks but what sets this book apart from other IoT books is how Bruce has encapsulated all of his learning and direct experience through years, the many podcasts and different view points, to truly showcase the unique aspects in the business of IoT.
Many experts have said Data is the new Oil and this comes out strongly in both the uniqueness and during the creation of new IoT products and services in the book. IoT is complex, this book is a must read for all business leaders and companies embarking on the IoT journey.
As a product manager, I would recommend this book to all product managers to use it as a guide to ensure all aspects IoT is taken in to account when you are working on a new product and bringing it to market. It was a pleasure to read... and I know I will re-reading it quite often
Many experts have said Data is the new Oil and this comes out strongly in both the uniqueness and during the creation of new IoT products and services in the book. IoT is complex, this book is a must read for all business leaders and companies embarking on the IoT journey.
As a product manager, I would recommend this book to all product managers to use it as a guide to ensure all aspects IoT is taken in to account when you are working on a new product and bringing it to market. It was a pleasure to read... and I know I will re-reading it quite often
May 29, 2017
Whether you are new to IoT or a business manager who is leading the IoT transformation in your organization, you will find this book highly relevant to you. I have been in the IIoT space for the last three years, devoured many a books on this topic and enthusiastically vouch that IoT Inc. gives the most comprehensive and in-depth view of this space. I just bought a few copies for my team at work as I think they should read it too! and oh, it is an incredibly easy to read breaking down complex technical concepts to easily understandable stories / terms by both technical and managerial audiences.
May 7, 2019
A wonderful read for CxOs to plan Strategy and Execution of IoT
to build new Value Propositions and Tangible value creation for business in emerging Outcome based economy. Quite Holistic and Useful for to Consumer, Industrial, Commercial and Industrial IoT applications.
to build new Value Propositions and Tangible value creation for business in emerging Outcome based economy. Quite Holistic and Useful for to Consumer, Industrial, Commercial and Industrial IoT applications.
June 21, 2017
Includes a few interesting points but otherwise it's mostly self-promotion of the author.
May 7, 2021
https://www.iot-inc.com/internet-of-t...
Software define (digital twin), hardware define (sensor), network fabric (IOT platform), external system, analytics, cyber security
Software define (digital twin), hardware define (sensor), network fabric (IOT platform), external system, analytics, cyber security
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews