Internet of Things – What’s the hullabaloo about it? While the entire web space is talking about it, IoT as it is popularly called, definitely makes for an interesting discussion to understand what it means for email marketing.
Wait! Apart from the ubiquitous connectivity among devices it implies, which in simple words refers to the larger vision of a connected world – let’s delve a little deeper into the world of Internet of Things.
IoT & Emails – Empowering the Connected World
IoT enables instantaneous communication between machines and is all set to unfurl a new revolution for email marketers.
Besides a physical item and the Internet, the Internet of Things includes an “intelligent” computer processor (controller) that uses sensors to interact with the real world and produces results through actuators. The physical item can be anything found in everyday life, whether at work, at home, or worn on your body.
The whole idea of IoT is that in addition to laptops, tablets and smartphones, ordinary things like alarm clocks, shoes, refrigerator, etc. can be made to serve a purpose.
For instance, your car has been driven for 12,000 miles and is due for service. In case you forget, your car sends out an email reminder to you regarding the same. Doesn’t it sound like a great idea?
If there’s snowfall in your city and the road you take is blocked, you can expect an email conveying the same to you. This would be possible by devising sensors in the concrete. Ultimately, the information you receive will influence the next action you take.
That’s “Internet of Things”. The Internet is used to send out the information but it is not a “GADGET” that’s connected to it. It is a thing (your vehicle or concrete) devised for a purpose.
At the 2012 Open Internet of Things Assembly in London, Russell Davies remarked on a lighter note: “I can’t understand why teddy bears did not have wifi before. A bear without wifi is barely alive, a semi-bear”
Jokes apart, email service providers are bringing in new features to incorporate IoT principles in email…
So, how can it be applied to an email marketing strategy? MailChimp, back in 2013, sent Freddie, their Chimpanzee plushy to stratosphere and received email updates from miles above the land.
Case Study: Mailchimp’s date with IoT
MailChimp started working on this project in 2013 which was finally successful after intense efforts and months of technical trials. Kudos to them!
Git Satellite Communications provided an Iridium 9522a satellite modem along with the required connections and cables for Freddie’s journey to the stratosphere. Along with that, a hydrogen balloon, foam coolers, temperature sensors, GPS, a webcam, packing foam around the payload, and a few other devices were included for this EPIC project.
A PHP script using the Haversine formula was used for the calculation of distance traveled.
Their mission was successful and they were delivered 14 emails from the stratosphere. It all revolves around the concept of IoT.
WOAH! Now, that’s something incredible!
Perfect alignment of Emails and IoT, I would say!