Finding Success in the New IoT Ecosystem: Market to Reach $3.04 Trillion and 30 Billion Connected "Things" in 2020, IDC Says

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--()--While most everyone agrees that the Internet of Things (IoT) is poised for explosive growth and represents boundless opportunities – billions of connected things driving trillions in revenue – understanding where the revenue opportunities lie across different technology layers has remained elusive. A newly released IoT ecosystem forecast from International Data Corporation (IDC) provides much needed clarity, defining the hardware, software, services, connectivity, and security that make up the evolving IoT ecosystem. The worldwide IoT market is forecast to grow from $1.3 trillion in 2013 to $3.04 trillion in 2020 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13%.

IDC defines the Internet of Things as a network of networks of uniquely identifiable endpoints (or "things") that communicate without human interaction using IP connectivity – be it "locally" or globally. IDC's view of the IoT ecosystem includes intelligent systems, network equipment, connectivity services, data integration, and often other types of software, applications, services and security. As IoT moves beyond the hype and promise, a variety of vendor strategies and key players will emerge to find success in meeting customers' needs as well as growing new revenue streams from this net new market opportunity.

"The opportunities presented by IoT are driving widespread attention among both traditional and non-traditional ICT vendors looking to take advantage of emerging revenue opportunities," said Vernon Turner, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Infrastructure, Consumer, Network, Telecom and IoT Research. "We're still in the early stages of maturation and IoT represents unparalleled opportunity in government, consumer, and enterprise environments."

The homogeneity of connectivity needs has allowed the North American market to sidestep border-driven IoT adoption challenges and set the groundwork for IoT market growth. In addition, government mandates and more openly eco-conscious cultures will drive Western Europe and Asia/Pacific to outpace North America in terms of IoT revenues and installed base through 2020.

"There will be no one leader in this market," said Carrie MacGillivray, Vice President, IoT and Mobile Service & Infrastructure. "The market will rely on partnerships, federation, and innovative services to create truly valuable IoT solutions."

Additional findings from IDC's new forecast include the following:

  • In the IoT market, a collection of vendors, service providers and systems integrators must co-exist and integrate products and solutions to realize success.
  • The installed and connected base of IoT units will reach approximately 30 billion in 2020.
  • Startup vendors are working feverishly to carve out their strategies to attack this market and will drive the innovation pace of larger vendors.

The IDC study, Worldwide Internet of Things 2014-2020 Forecast: Forecast Update and Revenue by Technology Split (IDC #252330), analyzes the Internet of Things (IoT) market at a worldwide level and provides forecasts for IoT installed base and revenue opportunity by technology segment as well as by region. It provides an update to the worldwide IoT market outlook published in Worldwide and Regional Internet of Things (IoT) 2014-2020 Forecast: A Virtuous Circle of Proven Value and Demand (IDC #248451, May 2014). It updates the worldwide IoT units installed and revenues. The full breadth of the IoT ecosystem revenue is put forth in the revenue forecast, encompassing revenue from the IoT system shipments themselves as well as revenue from connectivity, infrastructure, purpose-built IoT platforms, applications, security, analytics, storage, servers and services attributable to the base of installed IoT systems. The study discusses the key themes contributing to and characterizing the worldwide and regional growth of the IoT. To purchase these studies, please contact IDC Sales at 508-988-7988 or sales@idc.com.

On November 20th, IDC will host a Web conference that presents the latest primary research on enterprise perceptions and plans around the Internet of Things. Details and registration for this event can be found at http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=IDC_P31679.

Click here to view IDC's IoT Taxonomy Map.

About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. In 2014, IDC celebrates its 50th anniversary of providing strategic insights to help clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC.

Contacts

IDC
Vernon Turner, 508-935-4132
vturner@idc.com
or
Denise Lund, 207-252-8563
dlund@idc.com
or
Carrie MacGillivray, 508-494-8473
cmacgillivray@idc.com
or
Michael Shirer, 508-935-4200
press@idc.com

Release Summary

According to a new forecast from IDC, the worldwide Internet of Things (IoT) market will grow from $1.3 trillion in 2013 to $3.04 trillion in 2020 and contain nearly 30 billion connected "things."

Contacts

IDC
Vernon Turner, 508-935-4132
vturner@idc.com
or
Denise Lund, 207-252-8563
dlund@idc.com
or
Carrie MacGillivray, 508-494-8473
cmacgillivray@idc.com
or
Michael Shirer, 508-935-4200
press@idc.com