Innovative networking company Cisco launched the Intelligent Urbanisation initiative today in order to help cities use networks to become more socially, environmentally, and economically productive and responsible.
The first project is a pilot program to build an “intelligent, smart and sustainable” city in Bengaluru, India. Cisco will draw on its own products and expertise in tandem with with partners to focus on creating sustainable solutions for transportation, buildings, public safety and security, energy, healthcare and education.
From Wim Elfrink, chief globalization officer and executive vice president for Cisco Services (bold emphasis mine):
“The Internet is quickly expanding from mobile devices and computers to become the ‘Internet of Things,’ as it begins to encompass not only the consumer and business internet, but now the industrialisation of the Internet.”
“Cities that are run on information will transform the quality of life for citizens, drive economic growth and improve city services and management. Particularly in these tough economic times, cities that use the network to accelerate and multiply their infrastructure investments will be those who not only survive challenges but thrive and lead into the future.”
“The network is also key to addressing one of the 21st century’s most significant issues -environmental sustainability,” continued Elfrink. “While technology contributes to about 2 percent of the world’s carbon emissions, it can be a substantial part of the solution. It is estimated technology can reduce carbon emissions by 15% by 2020; an environmental savings of 1 ton of CO2 per capita that translates into US$946 billion dollars in financial savings. Additionally, cities that run on information can improve their energy efficiency by 30% within 20 years.”
Cisco has been working in the United States over the past year as well, rigging a San Francisco public bus with Wi-Fi so people can check email or find the arrival time for the connecting bus. In Amsterdam, the company is devising a Personal Travel Assistant, a GPS handheld that keeps tabs on all public transportation in the city. The idea is to make alternative transportation solution other than cars attractive in order to minimize carbon consumption.
You can check out the Intelligent Urbanization launch video below and head over to Cisco for a wide range of resources.
Read–Network as the Next Utility for “Intelligent Urbanisation”
Read–Cisco Unveils “Intelligent Urbanisation” Global Blueprint
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