What is the most accurate acronym? I had just about made up my mind that I preferred Cisco’s IoE – the “Internet of Everything” more than the more universal IoT – the “Internet of Things.”

Then yesterday, I learned of two new acronyms: IoY and IoEE.

I read a short Popular Science article which referred to a “wearable network of gadgets, an Internet of You.”  I like that emphasis – of a person closely integrated with a broad array of sensors and gadgets.

Then I read a paper by Martin Kuppinger, where he referred to the “IoEE (Internet of Everything and Everyone).”

The IoEE – sometimes also referred to as IoT (Internet of Things) – is about connecting users and devices of all kinds.

I like that emphasis even more – recognizing that it is the integration of things and people that most effectively describes this rapidly emerging new wave of technology.  It isn’t just the explosive proliferation of connected sensors and actuators that matters.  It is the convergence of connected things, mobile technology, social networks, big data and people to provide innovative ways to enhance our lives.

So, which acronym should I use?  IoT seems to be winning in the popular vernacular.  But on a purely descriptive basis, I think IoEE is best.  It will be interesting to see which term comes out ahead.