ODON, Ind. – Purdue@WestGate will host John McDonald, a Forbes Technology Council member to discuss the impact of Internet of Things, or IoT, technology across industries at 3:30 p.m. EST, Tuesday (April 3) at WestGate Academy. The event is free and open to the public.
Internet of Things technology refers to the ability to connect devices, including everyday objects, to the internet, and use these connections to enhance data collection.
McDonald, the chief executive officer for ClearObject, will present on the broad impact of Internet of Things on security, education and jobs across Indiana.
“As the amount of software in everyday things grows, the things become smarter and capable of sending data about how they are being used by people,” McDonald said. “The data doesn’t replace the thing or object but enhances its value greatly.”
McDonald explains data is already becoming a major, if not primary, differentiator between manufacturers. He said entire companies and business models are being launched simply to collect and understand data from things, without having to actually manufacture any physical object.
“The implication is that if you make, move or grow things,” McDonald said, “you must already be building data-driven services around those things, or your competitors who are already doing so will shortly make your offerings irrelevant.”
McDonald serves on the Purdue Polytechnic Dean’s Council, is a statewide leader in Internet of Things technology. McDonald’s presentation is part of Purdue@WestGate’s monthly program series, News before Brews. The program includes Free Co-work Day, a technology demonstration featuring the latest energy innovations at the Battery Innovation Center, a showcase from Tesla and the Spirited Entrepreneur at WestGate Academy. RSVP or learn more at bit.ly/IoTJohnMcDonald.
About Purdue@WestGate
Purdue@WestGate is an economic development accelerator formed by the partnership between WestGate Authority, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane), Purdue University and Purdue Research FoundaPution. The Indiana-based collaboration combines strengths to advance educational, research and development and technology commercialization across Indiana and elsewhere. Purdue@WestGate offers tools for startups, entrepreneurial experts, programs, educational opportunities and workforce development to help southern Indiana businesses grow and thrive. For more information about the resources available to businesses, visit Purdue@WestGate.
About ClearObject
ClearObject is an IoT systems innovator dedicated to bridging the gap between a customer’s innovative ideas and the perceived limits of their technology stack. ClearObject provides the industry expertise and development power to help organizations navigate the complex solution design process, implementing their solutions with as little disruption as possible and quick ROI. ClearObject is based in Fishers, Indiana with satellite developer labs in Chicago, IL and the Indiana IoT Lab.
