Even the way Nest talks about its own connectivity solution is markedly different than Intel and Qualcomm. Thread, Nest’s mesh network for devices, is designed to let devices “talk to each other in subtle ways,” says Chris Boross, a Nest product manager who heads the Thread Group. For example, a smart lock could tell the lights to turn on when it is unlocked. This approach is focused on the user experience, which is the IoT’s most vital component.

Thanks to its proprietary nature, Thread probably will not be the solution to the standard’s woes. One reason is that some big names were part of the working group that developed Thread. These include Samsung and ARM Holdings, among others.

But the market is going to take the path of least resistance, so it is up to companies that can make it as easy as possible to deploy and manage connected applications. Companies such as Nest have a better handle on this potential because the IoT is what it does.

As shown with Thread, established companies will have a role in shaping IoT’s future, but that role likely will be purchasing or partnering with innovative startups. Examples include Google snatching up Nest and Samsung picking up SmartThings. The innovation will come from the smaller guys, but the bigger guys still have the resources to deliver the technology to the masses.

In the IoT, there are no established rules or patterns for success, and that is what makes it a true frontier. If you look at today’s global tech leaders, they were completely unknown just a decade ago. A real standards winner probably will not be seen for at least five years as competing platforms come and go. Just remember that the IoT revolution did not begin with the Ciscos and General Electrics of the world, and it will not end with them, either.

Alex Brisbourne is president and CEO of KORE.