The first ever Connected Things Forum took place at the Microsoft Campus in Bryanston, Johannesburg, on the 13th of August 2019, with over 100 people in attendance. IOT industry players, analysts, and some businesses keen to hear about where things are going.Master of Ceremonies was Patrick Shields, CTO Africa of Software AG (and now CTO Global Alliances and Channels). Patrick is on the IOTIC exco, along with Deon du Preez of Britehouse, Johann van Niekerk of Nerospec and Paul Vermaak of Microsoft.Kieran Frost from IDC giving a market overview for adoption in the southern African market.Lyle Brady, supply chain executive for Massmart, gave a view from the customer side — the consumers of the technology.Jeanette Morwane, Deputy Director General of the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services providing a view from government on IOT and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR),Our panel of speakers together giving analyst, government and enterprise their views on the future of IOT in South Africa. The event wrapped with a “Speed Dating” session to drive the network effect of a small but rapidly growing industry that will need to scale quickly. Helping IOTIC members(and prospective members) find real value is a key reason for belonging to the organisation.
