At first, the term “smart cities” may sound like just another bit of fluff — another one of the data industry’s fascinations. It did to me. But I’ve been reading about it, and I’ve come to think that the reality may hold real benefits for the data industry — more than just a new market for bright, shiny products.
Definitions vary, of course, but the term seems to boil down to this: It’s the use of data from the Internet of Things and other sources to squeeze more use, more security, and even more pleasure from city facilities, utilities, roads, transit, and other public resources.… Read the rest “Why “smart cities” is interesting, first look”