The Tech Savvies Workgroup 2017 – a focus on the Internet of Things (IoT)
Les Rodgers
 
Considering the “Techsavvies” subgroup’s previous decision of purpose:  

"The purpose of the group is to identify new products and services suggest how they might be used for the benefit of U3A Benalla and its members. To do this we would

• Monitor the various sources of information identified in google, such as various online magazines, reports, NBN, Telstra etc
• Work in with members to follow up on their needs and also new items that they might identify.  (We are not necessarily the smartest kids on the block)
• Provide feedback to the Tech Savvy group when there is something worthwhile to report by preparing brief reports (bullet point form)"

 
I would suggest changing it (additions in italics), assuming the others agree to:
 
"The purpose of the group is to identify new technological products and services likely to be of interest to members related to the Internet of Things (IoT) and suggest how they might be used for the benefit of U3A Benalla and its members.  To do this we would

• Monitor and research the various sources of information available including google, various online magazines, reports, NBN, Telstra etc
• Work in with members to follow up on their needs and also new items that they might identify.
• Keep members informed by presentations, papers in Dropbox, using Twitter to advise members of useful papers and links etc.
• Provide feedback to the Tech Savvy group when there is something worthwhile to report by presentations or reports, videos etc"

 
The Internet of Things (IoT), a term first used  in 2014, is now ubiquitous although there are several definitions.  In effect it is all embracing and covers all technologies and delivery mechanisms and can mean whatever you want it to mean. It does not limit what the TechSavvies subgroup can do unless we want it to.  There may be an educational role here or at least sharing of information.
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The ITU (International Telecommunications Union) version of the IoT is shown in this diagram on the next page.   As you can see it covers just about every eventuality.   

​In the first instance Telstra is talking about narrow band IoT integration (see ‘Telstra Launches Home Platform’ ).   Everybody seems to think IoT is a “good thing” but the regulatory bodies are still wondering what to do with it.  It will get really interesting when broadband is involved especially with 4g LTE and 5g mobiles.
 
Recommended reading:
Gutierrez, Peter (2016) ‘Telstra Launches Home Platform’ http://iothub.com.au/news/telstra-launches-smart-home-platform-421230
Recommended website:  IOT Hub  http://www.iothub.com.au/news