The document discusses how open source can enable the network effect in the Internet of Things (IoT). It argues that as more physical resources are connected via machine-to-machine communication, their combined management as a system can create exponential value, realizing the network effect. However, today's vertically integrated silos for IoT devices make this difficult. An open, horizontal platform using common data models and APIs could connect diverse domains and resources, achieving web-scale interoperability and allowing the network effect to be realized in the IoT. The platform would be built openly through a community consortium like OSIOT.org, similar to how open standards and software fueled growth on the internet.
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