Networking Testimonials
Why be involved with SNC?
The primary benefit of the SNC includes two semi-annual meetings as well as individual connections and follow-up activities. Our experience has shown that our members derive maximum value from the involvement of one to three company members often representing a combination of research, engineering and/or marketing functions.
The following statements, made by our members, describe the value of the SNC:
* Working with academics, vendors, and end-users through the SNC provides exposure to the long-term issues and agendas in the sensor networking area. It helps us identify, even anticipate, concerns with the evolution of this space.
* The SNC helps us grasp and play a role in the technology agenda for the sustainable development of this industry.
* Academia tends to lead the industry sector in innovative ideas while the industry players bring real-world requirements. It is a great combination that has brought value to us.
* Boston University graduate students have this cutting edge knowledge.
* SNC provides exposure to industry’s view of technology adoption.
* SNC members ask some very intriguing questions….that translate to research problems …..and because of the flexibility [in academia], industry can really guide the research.
* I don’t know of any other consortia, especially on the East Coast, that brings both academic and industry players together in the sensor network space like SNC does.
* SNC’s geographic location is a huge draw. The East Coast is a hotbed for wireless technologies, and being active in this area enables us to stay in tune with the major academic and industry players out there.
* Boston University fosters discussions among individuals who are not usually on the same side of the table – researchers, customers, systems integrators, etc. – people across a broad spectrum.
* The SNC functions as a sort of neutral zone. The SNC environment allows for more open dialogue than typical business interactions.
* Having this extra exposure [at the SNC] adds that much more value for building strategic relationships.
* The SNC has a very interesting mix of companies: small startups who are revolutionizing this space with new technology, long-established companies who are using sensor networks for strategic advantage in new products and services, and niche companies in defense or healthcare, for example.
* This mix of industry players has helped us to address two of the most central challenges that I see: requirements and standards.
* We are interested in sharing industry perspectives. The cost of technology is important but also how it is installed and serviced is key. It’s a balancing act. Sometimes you think the technology is actually the easy part.
* What’s crucial is understanding what’s coming next. The SNC can give me information that can help me estimate what’s coming down the pipeline, and how we can prepare for it.
* The SNC fosters the necessary patient conversations that will help transition this technology and ultimately tap the promise of sensor networks.