The internet of things (IoT) presents us with enormous opportunities to positively affect the world around us —everything from increasing air quality to easing traffic to saving water and electricity.

We are all familiar with the schism between hype and reality. For example, your favorite baseball team signs a hyped prospect who scouts are projecting will be “the next Mays,” but unfortunately, he winds up hitting more like Shirley Mays than Willie Mays and is never heard from again.