Aggressive growth forecasts are helping to fuel interest in both the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), but details on what is required to make either a reality are still a bit hazy. Within the industrial sector, connecting disparate devices from multiple manufacturers is a key first step to creating the IIoT and is made possible through protocol conversion. After defining protocol conversion, this white paper will explore how this fundamental IIoT building block helps organizations connect devices, monitor processes and control operations to extend equipment lifespan.