CEOs surveyed by Gartner predict that 20% of their revenues will come from machine-generated orders by 2030.
Cars will order up new tyres when they become worn, fridges will re-stock standard items, internet-connected machines in factories will order replacements for worn component parts, service companies already angle for automated subscription renewal, Amazon pushes automated renewal ordering etc etc.
Every single one of the 17 billion connected Internet of Things devices – from PCs to phones to smart assistants – has the potential to act as a machine customer.
‘C’mon my son’ I tell myself, ‘you can’t sit on the sidelines while this boodle boom explodes round your ears.’
I get Greaser on the burner blower.
“Can that bunch of crypto-crooks you’ve got up there get a bot into 17 billion IoT devices?”
“Surely you can’t be referring to Scunthorpe Analytica,” replies Greaser.
“Yep – that bunch of crypto-crooks.”
“ What’s this bot supposed to do?“ asks Greaser
“Whenever an Internet-connected device executes an automated purchase, it sends a micro-percentage of the price to a bank account controlled by us,” I tell him.
“Tricky, Ed, these devices are very well protected.”
“I can slip you some official identifiers which might help get the bot past the protections,” I tell him.
“Wishful thinking Ed, no one trusts governments. We won’t bag up 17 billion but we might get into enough IoT nodes to make it a worthwhile exercise financially.”
“50-50?”
“You’re joking.”
“60-40?”
“In the real world Ed, you get ten points for the idea and ninety for carrying it out. All you’ve contributed is the idea.”
“So. . . . . . .”
“Your share is ten per cent.”
