Smart Cities - Overcoming the Integration Barrier

SUMMARY

The Smart City concept involves the integration of cutting edge technologies that include the Internet of Things, augmented reality, Artificial Intelligence and others. To achieve the vision of improving quality of life through accessibility, connectivity and inclusiveness, the model requires the ability to quickly and seamlessly integrate a wide range of data sources to enable real-time communication with citizens. The problem is, because common platforms and clearly defined standards are lacking, the myriad data systems supporting an urban infrastructure – such as fire, police and transportation departments, utilities and school systems – can’t readily communicate with one another. In the absence of accepted standards, city administrators and their technology partners must develop focused strategies to integrate disparate platforms, systems and applications and realize the promise of the Smart City model.