Intercloud aims to create a cloud of clouds in order to enable interconnection between heterogeneous clouds. Objectives are to share resources, support extreme workload, efficiently process big data and place data and compute power closer to places where they are needed more. Intercloud can also minimise the vendor lock-in problem so that users can use services offered by multiple clouds.

Intercloud can be used in a wide spectrum of applications including the IoT. For instance, according to the Cisco's Internet of Things Business Unit, Cisco plans to enhance IoT services through Intercloud in order to localise compute power and data processing where these are needed more ─ e.g., "sensors on a cargo ship can monitor whether the containers on board have shifted en route or gotten too hot or too cold. All those readings may add up to more data than is economical to send in real time to a data center half a world away via a narrowband satellite link” (Computerworld).

The objective of the International Symposium on Intercloud and IoT (ICI) is to discuss and develop new models, methods, and techniques in order to realise the true vision of Intercloud and IoT services. It aims to provide a forum for researchers and practitioners in order to discuss ideas and share knowledge on various issues related to the theme of the symposium.