In addition, the lack of technical standards for the component technologies could hinder its evolution.

BBC: NEWS | Technology | UN predicts 'internet of things'

It makes up the data buoy component of the Joint WMO-IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology.

UNESCO: Indigenous Peoples

But when technical problems occur with a key hardware or software component all business can indeed grind to a halt.

FORBES: What's More Disruptive? A Crashed Computer Or A Sick Employee?