The GSMA said Wednesday it has launched an “IoT Big Data API Directory” to make harmonized data sets from multiple sources worldwide available to developers and third parties, enabling them to create “innovative” new Internet of Things (IoT) services.
According to GSMA, the directory is the first of its kind, and is designed to encourage a common approach to data sharing that will help the IoT to realize its full potential and encourage the development of new projects across transport, the environment and smart cities.
The IoT Big Data API Directory provides details of IoT and context data sets covering machines, devices, automotive, roads, environment, smart home and agriculture. All of the data sets are harmonized and can be viewed on github.
“The IoT generates a huge amount of data that is currently retained in vertical silos. However, in order for the IoT to reach its full potential this data needs to be released and made available to developers and third parties,” said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA. “A common, collaborative and interoperable approach to big data will remove the commercial and technical barriers to capitalizing on the IoT opportunity and usher in a new era of IoT solutions that will help the market to scale.
Global mobile operators China Mobile, China Unicom, KT Corporation, Orange and Telefónica have already implemented solutions enabling them to share harmonized IoT data.
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with almost 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organizations in adjacent industry sectors.
