Press Release Flexeye recognised as a Gartner Cool Vendor for cutting-edge IoT project

28th April 2014 Flexeye has today [28 April 2014] been recognised by the worlds leading IT research and advisory company Gartner as a Cool Vendor 2014. This places Flexeye firmly on the map as a global pioneer in the Internet of Things. Cool Vendors are described by Gartner, which advises global technology business leaders in over 13,000 organisations, as small vendors heralding big changes in the way we use and govern our technology choices. Gartner suggests that a broad range of industries should look at Flexeyes Internet of Things architecture to build a real-time, data-driven environment, such as resource management for manufacturing or management of electricity grids. It says organisations will find Flexeyes scalable and secure data models, and the cost efficiency in data management capabilities, of great value. This recognition comes directly in response to Flexeyes Eyehub project. Eyehub demonstrates how the Internet of Things (IoT) a network of physical objects accessed through the Internet can be used to make a real difference to people everywhere, informing future city development across the UK. Andrew Tyrer, who heads up the Technology Strategy Boards 8m Internet of Things demonstrator programme, said: Were delighted that Flexeye, who lead the Eyehub demonstrator, one of the eight funded demonstrators under our funding programme, have been recognised by Gartner for their excellent, pioneering work into making the Internet of Things a reality. The Eyehub consortium led by Flexeye and funded by the UKs innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board (www.innovateuk.org), used cutting edge IoT technology to develop multiple applications, including: MeteorIOT OfficeGuardian MyGuardian CityGuardian
Flexeye, Hays House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4HJ, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1483 306060

When an object (a thing) can represent itself digitally, it can then be controlled from any location. This connectivity (via the internet) means that data can be gathered from virtually anywhere. Eyehub has focused on safety and security by creating applications that enable the use of smart data like this by means of an IoT ecosystem. MeteorIOT The MeteorIOT application displays climatic conditions temperature, humidity, wind speed, gusts and air quality in a particular location in London. It displays results with spectacular promptness, allowing you to plan your outdoor activities better. OfficeGuardian The OfficeGuardian application enables you to safeguard conditions in your office by monitoring data from multiple sensors. These sensors measure noise, temperature, light intensity and motion so you can take action if any one of these exceeds its threshold. MyGuardian The MyGuardian application secures the safety of students and staff at the University of Surrey using smart tags placed across the campus. Students leaving a campus building can scan these smart tags to let friends and family know when theyre leaving, when they expect to arrive home, and when theyve arrived home safely. CityGuardian The CityGuardian application uses sensors to measure and map noise across a city, and has enabled Guildford Borough Council to monitor noise levels around the town and use this information to improve conditions for its residents. Justin Anderson, Chairman and CEO of Flexeye, said: Its a good feeling for Flexeye to be recognised by Gartner as a leader in transforming the way people operate and engage with technology via the Internet of Things, which creates unique opportunities to increase efficiency and improve safety and security for people everywhere. Sophie Peachey, Director of Insight and Innovation at Axillium, the technology research company that managed the Eyehub project, said: We built a fantastic team to respond to this challenge set by the Technology Strategy Board and Flexeyes achievement is a matter of pride to all of us. Our strong focus on data security resonates with industry and citizens alike, and we look forward to applying this innovation for their benefit, delivering return on investment to the taxpayer, as we progress the project further. Gartner says that while some early trials of IoT can seem too specific in their application to be attractive to a wide audience, IoT can add value in almost any business environment. Gartner has cut through the noise by suggesting four basic ways business and IT leaders can use IoT to their advantage:
Flexeye, Hays House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4HJ, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1483 306060

1) Manage look at the status of an asset to improve its use Use IoT to optimise the way an asset is used in its environment. E.g. a single sensor detecting if a room is occupied or vacant can save hotel housekeepers time, or multiple connected sensors reporting data that improves the efficiency of a jet engine can reduce running costs. 2) Monetise charge for use of the asset on an incremental basis Measure the use of a potentially very expensive asset so you can develop a value model and charge per use. E.g. monitoring engine hours, actual load, fuel use etc. of a piece of equipment enables you to charge for use against actual wear and tear. 3) Operate use the asset to control its surroundings Apply technology to an asset so it can control its own environment. This means theres less need to visit the asset physically, which may be hazardous. E.g. Use one sensor to control a valve, or use multiple sensors to manage an entire water supply or irrigation system. 4) Extend provide additional digital information or services through the asset A supply chain usually ends with the delivery of an asset (or product). However, if that asset is digitally connected, the supply chain extends to additional products and services that can be applied digitally. E.g., paid downloads of firmware to improve the capabilities of a product or advice on imminent part failure, excessive wear or overheating of a device. Ends Editors Notes Media Contact Gemma Bessant, PR Manager, Flexeye e: gb@flexeye.com t: +44 (0)1908 385307 m: +44 (0)7779 247508 Chairman and CEO of Flexeye, Justin Anderson is available for interview. Gartner (www.gartner.com) is an American IT research and advisory firm headquartered in the US. Gartner delivers technology research to global technology business leaders in over 13,000 distinct organisations, allowing them to make better-informed decisions on key initiatives. Eyehub (www.eyehubiot.com) is a Flexeye-led consortium funded by the Technology Strategy Board to tackle IoT challenges through the pioneering use of connected technologies. Eyehub enables third party developers to use open APIs (application programming interfaces) to write apps that use sensor data to monitor and control devices. Apps are built on a secure IoT cloud platform. Information about things is collected via sensors and control devices and the n sent to this secure cloud platform via gateways. Smart data and analytics are created on
Flexeye, Hays House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4HJ, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1483 306060

the platform to develop applications that can make a real difference to people everywhere by using the collected data. Flexeye 4 integrates directly with Eyehub to allow more advanced applications to be deployed within an enterprise. The Eyehub consortium includes the following UK partners: Flexeye Axillium Research Designswarm Eseye Guildford Borough Council ManagePlaces The Open Data Institute The National Physical Laboratory (NPL Management Ltd) The University of Surrey Flexeye (www.flexeye.com) is a global software company that helps enterprises and governments unlock business value from their operational data using its Smart Data Platform. The Technology Strategy Board is the UKs innovation agency. Its goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation. Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Technology Strategy Board brings together business, research and the public sector, supporting and accelerating the development of innovative products and services to meet market needs, tackle major societal challenges and help build the future economy. For more information please visit www.innovateuk.org. Axillium Research (www.axillium.com) is expert at managing complex, collaborative, multi-disciplinary and multi-sector research programmes that deliver step-changes in technology and capability readiness. Known for delivering the TSB-funded i-Composites Grand Challenge, Axillium works across sectors, with academia and government agencies. Designswarm (www.designswarm.com) is an Internet of Things consultancy based in London that organises communities, events and workshops and design services. Eseye (www.eseye.com) makes things talk. Whether its a smart meter to a mobile phone or a blood sugar monitor to a hospital computer, Eseye helps its customers develop and deploy world class M2M solutions to connect and manage their devices. Guildford Borough Council (www.guildford.gov.uk) is one of the largest district councils in England, serving 60,000 households and 135,000 people, with responsibility for almost 170 million of public funds. The Council seeks opportunity and choice for future generations and supports this project, which it will help promote locally.

Flexeye, Hays House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4HJ, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1483 306060

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL Management Ltd) (www.npl.co.uk) is the UKs National Measurement Institute and a world -leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate measurement standards, science and technology available. Open Data Institute (www.theodi.org) catalyses an open data culture that has economic, environmental and social benefits. It unlocks supply, generates demand, creates and disseminates knowledge to address local and global issues. ManagePlaces (www.manageplaces.com) develop innovative algorithms and internet-based software for enterprise. The MangePlaces platforms allow for seamless workflow, asset and sensory information management and reporting, through the use of intelligent positioning technology. University of Surrey (www.surrey.ac.uk) is a top 10 UK University located in the city of Guildford, Surrey in the South East of England. The Centre for Communication Systems Research (CCSR) at the University has established itself as a research leader in Europe in the area of Internet of Things, setting technology trends for this emerging industry.

Flexeye, Hays House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4HJ, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1483 306060