We cannot build the Internet of Things without open standards

Below is IP Europe Executive Chairman Mogens Peter Carl’s letter to the Financial Times editor, published 30 June 2017. The original is available at this address.

Sir, Ed Crooks’ Big Read article “Industrial futures” (June 28) quite rightly recognises the importance of machine connectivity to the internet of things.

Connectivity standards have been developed through the system of open standards. Without these standards, your smartphone, tablet or computer would not connect with other devices, or wirelessly to the internet. All the services that we enjoy — including online messaging, music downloads, mobile payment and e-ticketing services — have been made possible by these standards.

Open standards should be fundamental to the development of the internet of things, but are under threat from a cabal of Silicon Valley companies. Having already succeeded in undermining the system of open standards in the US, they are looking to impose a similar model on Europe. They want a global system based on proprietary connectivity technologies and platforms. They want to become the gatekeepers for the internet of things.

Do we want the internet of things to be built on strong open standards and interconnectivity that encourages innovation and competition, or do we want it to be dominated by a small group of technology giants? Our answer to this question will have a huge impact on the evolution of the internet of things and the benefits it delivers to business and consumers.

Mogens Peter Carl

Executive Chairman,

IP Europe,

Brussels, Belgium