Intel's profitable 2014 sheds light on IoT in the data center

A floundering personal computer marketplace left Intel on its heels at the end of 2013, and CEO Brian Krzanich promised to help guide the chip manufacturer in a better direction over the next year. Krzanich can comfortably say he delivered on his word - Intel brought in record-breaking revenues during the fourth quarter of 2014 to top off a profitable year. While Intel benefited from a stronger PC market in 2014, the company also jumped on the right trends throughout prior to 2014. By making investments in Internet of Things technology and the data center market, Intel was able to remain relevant and act as a leader in both segments.

Data center and IoT revenues stood out last year
According to eWeek, both data center and IoT earnings stood out as major contributors to Intel's very successful business year in 2014. Intel generates over $2 billion from IoT revenues last year, nearly a 20 percent increase over interconnected technology sales in 2013. By working with leading brands in the wearable industry, Intel was able to get its feet wet in the IoT market without over-committing its resources. Likewise, the chip maker's Data Center Group took in an 18 percent year-over-year revenue increase compared in 2014.

Considering that Intel continues to generate a healthy percent of its revenue from data center services, it seems like just a matter of time before the begins to combine its IoT and data center development strategies. Tiny components developed for IoT apparel could easily be cross-applied to improve the functionality of data center components - look for Intel to release IoT-compatible gear specifically for use in the interconnected data center. Thanks to the wide accessibility of tools like Serial-to-Ethernet converters, manufacturers can develop for the IoT future while devoting fewer resources to compatibility challenges.

IoT enjoys confirmation in the form of interoperability standards
Intel has also take a leadership role in developing an industry standard for IoT connectivity, said EnterpriseTech. As a member of the Open Internet Consortium, the chip maker has championed and helped to outline common interoperability specifications for devices meant to connect seamlessly into a data center. With the backing of over 50 fellow corporations, including Samsung and GE, it seems that the rise IoT in the data center has received a green light from the industry. Expect to see even more connectivity between devices in data facilities if these new standards become official.

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