41 billion missing IoT devices: The biggest prediction miss in the history of IT?

41 billion IoT connected devices have failed to materialise, potentially representing the biggest missed prediction in the history of IT, Eseye a leader in ubiquitous global IoT connectivity, has uncovered.

In 2010, Ericsson predicted that 50 billion devices would be connected by 2020, a prediction echoed by Cisco in 2011. Yet, despite the enthusiasm for IoT, current estimates identify the true figure to be closer to 9 billion, with many of those being mobile phones. Eseye has subsequently identified six key challenges that IoT must overcome in 2020 to reach its potential.

It’s now clear that successful IoT deployments are much harder than previously thought and substantial complexities have been glossed over. This is borne out by recent research from Cisco Systems which has found that more than 75% of IoT deployments fail. A lot of the damage happens before the devices even go live, however. Microsoft estimates that 30% of IoT projects fail at the Proof of Concept (PoC) stage, while eight out of ten IoT projects fail before they are even launched, says Gartner.

From hardware design and testing to connectivity, data management and global technical support, there are many obstacles to overcome.

Nick Earle, CEO of Eseye, said: “41 billion missing IoT devices is a monumental miscalculation and arguably is one of the biggest misses in the history of IT forecasting! The two questions that must be asked now, however, are why this happened and what can be done to rectify it? In our view, the ‘why’ primarily comes down to organisations underestimating the complexities of IoT deployments.

“The intricacies involved in creating specialist IoT device hardware, establishing access to global connectivity and the ability to manage vast amounts of data effectively and efficiently, are just some of those complexities. This was recognised by Gartner when it predicted in 2018 that 75% of IoT projects would take twice as long to deliver. Removing the complexities and barriers to IoT development and deployment will see a greater uptake on a global scale. We predict that 2020 will be the year that global IoT rollouts will take off, provided our six key challenges to IoT success in 2020 are overcome.”

For more security news visit here.

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Product Spotlight - HID

Product Spotlight – HID

Access control is evolving into a smart, responsive platform—integrating embedded apps, IoT, and cybersecurity to deliver…
Genetec

Genetec brings new capabilities to Security Center SaaS

Genetec announced new updates to Security Center SaaS, the company’s enterprise-grade Security-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution..
I-Pro

i-PRO Launches Revamped EMEA Partner Program

i-PRO announced a major expansion of its EMEA Partner Program. The move supports i-PRO’s long-term growth strategy and…
ASIs international

ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

ASIS International, a leading authority in security standards, is excited to announce the release of its revised American National Standards.
Gallagher Security and Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Company Limited sign MOU in Riyadh

Gallagher Security MOU with Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Company

Gallagher Security is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Company…
Mike Hurst - Security Buyer

Zygal appoints Mike Hurst CPP CPOI

Zygal, which produces cutting edge AI cloud VMS and monitoring solutions for connecting, managing, and monitoring assets…
Secure Logiq

Secure Logiq expands into APAC

Secure Logiq is heading into the Asia-Pacific region with big plans and a clear focus on Australia and New Zealand. Helping to steer…
Sophos

Sophos Enhances Protection and Incident Response

Sophos announces an update to its Sophos Firewall, now including Sophos NDR Essential, which is free for all customers with an…
Dallmeier

Tenerife Airport relies on video technology

Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna Airporthas significantly improved its safety by installing state-of-the-art video technology..
ICT

ICT announces Stewart Meyer as Chief Marketing Officer

Integrated Control Technology (ICT®), a leading provider of intelligent access control, intrusion detection, building automation and…
Scroll to Top