by John Rossman ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 2016
A futuristic yet pragmatic work that provides a peek into Amazon’s IoT prowess.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
An insightful study of Amazon.com’s Internet of Things practices that aims to help guide business leaders in applying this emerging technology.
While some executives may perceive that the “Internet of Things” is merely a catchphrase, Rossman (The Amazon Way, 2014) thinks differently. He cites studies that suggest that nearly 20 billion devices will be connected via the internet by 2020 and that as much as $11 trillion annually will be saved through IoT–related efficiencies by 2025. As a former Amazon executive, Rossman has an insider’s perspective on exactly how that company has been pursuing its IoT strategy. Before he explores “the Amazon way,” however, he offers a cogent, detailed overview of IoT itself, which he characterizes as “the ability to create digital awareness of the physical world we live in.” He provides several illustrations of how cities are already employing IoT to improve the lives of ordinary citizens; people in Santander, Spain, he notes, use a smartphone app that offers “services like parking search, environmental monitoring, the digital city agenda, and deals from local merchants.” This background helpfully demonstrates that IoT is far from theoretical. The bulk of the book is centered on 10 principles, one per chapter, that Rossman believes represent Amazon’s strategic use of IoT. He describes each in detail and supports it with numerous specific examples of Amazon’s own applications. For instance, Principle 1, “Reinvent Customer Experiences with Connected Devices,” discusses Amazon’s obsession with its customers, highlighting breakthrough features such as customer reviews, free everyday shipping, one-click shopping, and Prime membership. Particularly interesting is the behind-the-scenes detail surrounding two newer innovations, “Dash buttons,” which allow automatic orders by the pressing of a single button, and drones. Other principles, which include “Do the Math: How IoT Enables Data Collection, Metrics, and Algorithms” and “How to Become a Platform Business Using the Internet of Things,” are no less intriguing. Rossman’s observations throughout are really the heart of the book, as he breaks each principle down into logical steps and, more importantly, counsels readers about how to apply Amazon’s lessons to any business. Sagacious advice, such as “Successfully innovating with the Internet of Things requires a big and powerful vision, but to reach that vision, you’ll need to create and learn from a series of small, agile experiments,” is both sensible and reassuring.
A futuristic yet pragmatic work that provides a peek into Amazon’s IoT prowess.Pub Date: Oct. 28, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-692-73900-6
Page Count: 168
Publisher: CreateSpace
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2016
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Share your opinion of this book
More by John Rossman
BOOK REVIEW
by John Rossman
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
Share your opinion of this book
More by E.T.A. Hoffmann
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis
by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
Share your opinion of this book
More by Ludwig Bemelmans
BOOK REVIEW
developed by Ludwig Bemelmans ; illustrated by Steven Salerno
BOOK REVIEW
by Ludwig Bemelmans ; illustrated by Steven Salerno
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.