The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to be a game changer and the economic potential is real, according to Microsoft.
In a blog post written by the firm's IoT Industry Team, the firm said that any time a new disruptor emerges, many wonder whether it is just a fad or actually signals a new direction that will "fundamentally change our lives and the way we do business".
Microsoft said it knew that the technology "was no fad" and said it has been pioneering the technologies that power IoT for the last two decades.
"IoT represents game-changing potential enabled by the integration of devices, networks and data to support everything from the smallest sensors to the most complex and vital systems we use every day," the firm said.
"And the economic potential is real: In addition to business ROI, the World Economic Forum recently pointed out six ways that the IoT will either create new jobs or transform existing ones."
It said that IoT's "pervasive and critical" nature meant that it would "remain a top priority for Microsoft and our vision for the mobile-first, cloud-first enterprise, continuing to encompass the products and services we offer today and in the future."
It said that as part of its strategy, it would focus on communicating its plans for IoT via its new blog on the subject as well as reaching out on social media via its dedicated Twitter page and on YouTube.
Microsoft yesterday made public its foray into fitness with the launch of its new Microsoft Band. The wearable technolog which sports embedded IoT-type technology puts it in competition with the Apple Watch and Samsung's S Health as well as Google Fit which was unveiled the previous day.
