What is the Internet of Things (IoT)? 

Internet of Things or popularly known as IoT is a part of our technology through which numerous devices embedded with sensors are connected and a strong network is built among them to share data and files. IoT utilizes sophisticated technologies to make more responsive networks and lead towards digital intelligence. An IoT works in a technical ecosystem made up of interrelated ingenious devices with sensors or any hardware used for communication. Internet connection is not obligatory on all things as this link is autonomous of human assistance. 

Applications of IoT 

Are you scanning QR codes to make payments from your bank accounts or do you use Fitbit to track your health progress? Yes, there is IoT, helping you to ease your way of doing things. As illustrated with the two examples, there are millions of applications of IoT in different sectors. 

1. Retail – In retail stores, now companies have installed smart shelves and furniture with sensor alerts, which send the collected data and information to their systems. It also notifies when the stock is too low to refill it and provide an engaging customer experience. 

2. Manufacturing – Proactive maintenance of equipment by installing sensors and devices to track their progress and notify about their failures. This way, manufacturing firms can plan their expenses, reduce their cost of repairs, and improve equipment performance.

3. Healthcare – Healthcare sector needs IoT sensors to track healthcare assets whether they are vacant or not, or where they are located at a particular time. This will ensure seamless access to hospital assets at the required time. 

4. Automotive – In the automotive industry, there is a huge need for IoT sensors installed in different parts of vehicles to alert the driver in case of system failures. This will help in reducing accidents and other contingencies arising on account of system breakage. 

Career Opportunities in IoT

Exploring IoT trends and technologies might be an interesting task for many tech students. We want to compliment that if IoT fascinates you, then there are some trending jobs which you can take and earn a reputation as well as dream pay. Since we have seen that network connectivity with sensors and technology is on verge of continuous expansion in the coming decades, the career possibilities are also going to extend. 

Popular job profiles for IoT professionals in India and abroad are: 

• Data Scientists

• Network professionals

• Embedded Programs Engineer

• Security experts

• Device and Hardware experts

• Software Program Engineering

• Sensors And Actuator Professional

• User Interface

• Network and the Networking Structure

• IoT/Cloud Software Developer

• IoT Infrastructure Architect

• IoT Systems Administrator

• Vulnerability/Cyber Engineer

• Test Engineer

Salary trends

You might be astonished by the fact that the salary of IoT professionals is 76% higher than that of experts in IT. We have figures to justify the fact by the median salaries of both profiles- 

IoT Professionals –  ₹15.2 Lakhs p.a.

IT Professionals – ₹8.65 Lakhs p.a.

According to the experience years of an IoT expert, the following are the approximate salaries: 

0-5 years or entry-level – ₹3.5 – ₹6 Lakhs p.a.

Above 5 years or mid-level –  ₹10 – 25 Lakhs p.a.