GP PRO Talks IoT

Georgia-Pacific Professional (GP PRO) and Peer Insight Ventures recently convened a select group of leaders from firms considered pioneers of the next wave in the Internet of Things (IoT). The invitation-only event drew 15 participants from nine corporations, including Cox Communications, NCR Corporation, Goodyear, DTE Energy, Owens & Minor, and Georgia-Pacific Professional. The one-day “unconference” was held at Georgia-Pacific headquarters in Atlanta in late June.

The dialogue focused on how to commercialize new IoT applications. “There are plenty of ways to connect things to the Internet,” said Tim Ogilvie, founder of the innovation accelerator Peer Insight Ventures. “But not every IoT application solves an urgent customer problem or has a scalable business model. That’s what these IoT pioneers want to solve.”

The Peer Insight unconference format is unique: no competitors, no presentations, and no selling. That puts the emphasis on direct, candid dialogue among admired peer firms.

“We have strong IoT offerings, but IoT platforms are early in their development,” said Mike Slawson, vice president and general manager, Georgia-Pacific Professional. “We brought these firms together to explore what’s possible, and to push ourselves to the next level.”

The meeting participants chose a handful of commercialization challenges such as revenue model validation and partnering for proof of concept. Peer Insight moderated the sessions by asking participants what’s working, what’s missing, and what’s next. The interactive format inspired candid contributions from every participant.

According to Venkat Ramamurthy, general manager, NCR Managed Services Product Management, “The industry has a responsibility to enhance the value created by IoT.”

“I’m convinced that together, we can collaborate and make a difference when it comes to IoT expansion and advocacy,” concluded Mark Vigoroso, vice president, NCR Managed Services Product Management.