Geordie Hagerman is a seasoned executive with over 14 years of experience in wireless and high-tech industries. His expertise spans marketing, sales, product management, operations, and corporate development, particularly in the telecommunications sector. Notably, Geordie served as VP of Business Development at Pravala Networks, where he led highly successful marketing, fundraising, and sales initiatives. These efforts were pivotal in the company's eventual acquisition by Carnegie Technologies.
Hagerman will be joining the 28th annual CONNECTIONS conference in Dallas, Texas, May 7-9. He will be speaking on the interactive panel "Why Interoperability Matters" May 8th, 4:30 PM CT. Register here and join us for this meaningful conversation!
What strategies do you recommend for businesses to navigate the complexities of the connected home market and stay ahead of the competition?
At the heart of the connected home is the user. In such an intimate space, delivering a seamless experience with easy setup and a friendly interface is absolutely crucial. IoT customers choose devices to enhance their lives, not to introduce more frustration. A key question for businesses to consider is: “How quickly can users set this up?” Value-added features like advanced analytics, personalized recommendations, and robust data privacy measures further bolster customer trust. Ensuring proactive customer feedback mechanisms will then contribute to the longevity of your solution.
Collaboration is key in driving innovation. Can you discuss some successful partnerships or alliances that have accelerated the adoption of connected home technologies and enhanced consumer engagement?
Service providers, particularly those already present in the home, like internet service providers, are partnering to invest in new technologies aimed at upgrading existing products and enabling security and aging in place use cases. This initiative not only introduces valuable new services to customers but also does so seamlessly by leveraging existing hardware, with Wi-Fi Sensing being a prime example. The recent success of the Wi-Fi Sensing standard, 802.11bf, nearing completion in the IEEE, has played a crucial role in facilitating the deployment of Wi-Fi Sensing by providing a standard interface, allowing millions of new devices to leverage this technology.
What are the biggest challenges facing businesses in the IoT industry, and how can they be overcome to unlock the full potential of connected living?
As the number of smart home device users continues to increase, IoT manufacturers grapple with differentiating their products and establishing data-sharing business models. WiFi Motion emerges as a pivotal solution, seamlessly integrating into various devices and networks to add value without inflating hardware expenses. This technology not only enhances offerings but also enriches user experiences, tackling the challenge of product differentiation while maintaining data security. Successful connected living hinges on robust partnerships and collaborative efforts to deliver outstanding user experiences. If the industry continues to prioritize this, the value and demand for products with closed ecosystems are likely to diminish over time.
