# Best IoT Analytics Platforms for Small Business *By [Bijou Barry](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/bijou-barry)* Products classified in the overall IoT Analytics Platforms category are similar in many regards and help companies of all sizes solve their business problems. However, small business features, pricing, setup, and installation differ from businesses of other sizes, which is why we match buyers to the right Small Business IoT Analytics Platforms to fit their needs. Compare product ratings based on reviews from enterprise users or connect with one of G2's buying advisors to find the right solutions within the Small Business IoT Analytics Platforms category. In addition to qualifying for inclusion in the IoT Analytics Platforms category, to qualify for inclusion in the Small Business IoT Analytics Platforms category, a product must have at least 10 reviews left by a reviewer from a small business. ## How Many IoT Analytics Platforms Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 141 ### Category Stats (Jun 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.41/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product**: TRACTIAN (+0.13%) - Among all products in this category, TRACTIAN recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month *Last updated: June 24, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank IoT Analytics Platforms Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 2,400+ Authentic Reviews - 141+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. --- **Sponsored** ### 1oT 1oT is your one-stop shop for global IoT connectivity. We combine everything that's needed to run a global IoT company - 1 SIM card for your global IoT deployments, 1 platform to manage SIM cards and connectivity, and 1 invoice for all the SIMs, wherever they are. 1oT Terminal is a self-service platform for managing global IoT deployments from one interface. Its base features offer full control over your SIMs, and customizable premium features help you save money and simplify fleet management. Our SIMs are used in 2.5 million IoT devices in 173 countries. Go global with a single connectivity partner - 1oT. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1772&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=1773&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=neighbor_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=1773&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=166968&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1772&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fiot-analytics-platforms%2Fsmall-business&secure%5Btoken%5D=f9088bb83f1e27f68dbd7450b2524bcd54adbc1e641eba68296db5a404f4fde2&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2F1ot.com%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=company_website) --- ## What Are the Top-Rated IoT Analytics Platforms Products in 2026? ### 1. [Google Cloud IoT Core](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-iot-core/reviews) A fully managed service to easily and securely connect, manage, and ingest data from globally dispersed devices **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 29 **How Do G2 Users Rate Google Cloud IoT Core?** - **Ease of Use:** 7.7/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Google Cloud IoT Core?** - **Seller:** [Google](https://www.g2.com/sellers/google) - **Year Founded:** 1998 - **HQ Location:** Mountain View, CA - **Twitter:** @google (31,899,995 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1441/ (341,888 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:GOOG **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 47% Small-Business, 33% Mid-Market #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Google Cloud IoT Core? **"[Google Cloud IoT Core Analytics feature is nice!](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/google-cloud-iot-core-review-7212836)"** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars *— Deepak Kumar N.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/google-cloud-iot-core-review-7212836) --- **"[Google Cloud IoT Review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/google-cloud-iot-core-review-6911727)"** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars *— Alexander K.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/google-cloud-iot-core-review-6911727) --- #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Google Cloud IoT Core? - [What is Google Cloud IoT Core used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-google-cloud-iot-core-used-for) ### 2. [Insights Hub](https://www.g2.com/products/siemens-digital-industries-software-insights-hub/reviews) Insights Hub is a solution for Data-Driven Manufacturing. It is designed to help users harness the power of data generated from assets and operations within smart manufacturing environments and implement a continuous improvement process. It leverages AI to transform raw data into actionable insights, enabling organizations to continuously enhance their manufacturing processes and make informed decisions that drive operational excellence. Targeted primarily at manufacturers and industrial operators, Insights Hub serves a diverse audience that includes equipment manufacturers, facility managers, and production teams. The solution addresses a variety of use cases, such as asset monitoring, performance optimization, quality improvement, and maintenance streamlining. By utilizing Insights Hub, organizations can gain a comprehensive understanding of their operations, identify inefficiencies, and implement strategies that lead to enhanced productivity and reduced costs. This makes it an essential tool for businesses looking to stay competitive in an increasingly data-driven industry. Insights Hub encompasses several key features that cater to specific operational needs. For instance, Insights Hub Monitor allows users to track asset performance in real-time, providing critical data that can inform maintenance schedules and operational adjustments. This feature is particularly beneficial for organizations aiming to minimize downtime and maximize the availability of their equipment. Insights Hub OEE focuses on overall equipment effectiveness, helping organizations analyze performance metrics to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. Additionally, Insights Hub Quality Prediction enhances quality inspection processes by utilizing predictive analytics to identify potential defects before they occur, thereby minimizing rework and waste. Insights Hub Asset Health and Maintenance is tailored for equipment manufacturers and operators, offering tools to streamline maintenance services and extend asset lifecycles. Insights Hub is also providing dedicated solutions to improve sustainability, leveraging Machine Learning to reduce energy and resource consumption. It also enhances traceability and facilitates containment of issues, avoiding negative impact on customers. By integrating these features, Insights Hub delivers significant value to its users. Insights Hub not only improves operational decision-making through data-driven insights but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within manufacturing environments. The expanded portfolio, which includes software, IoT-connected hardware, and related services, allows customers and partners within the Siemens Xcelerator ecosystem to develop industry-specific applications tailored to their unique operational challenges. This adaptability ensures that Insights Hub remains relevant and effective in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape, positioning organizations to thrive in the era of smart manufacturing. **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 59 **How Do G2 Users Rate Insights Hub?** - **Ease of Use:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Insights Hub?** - **Seller:** [Siemens Digital Industries Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/siemens-digital-industries-software) - **Company Website:** https://www.sw.siemens.com/ - **Year Founded:** 1980 - **HQ Location:** Plano, Texas - **Twitter:** @siemenssoftware (36,972 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/28423178/ (20,941 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Industrial Automation, Food & Beverages - **Company Size:** 37% Enterprise, 35% Small-Business #### What Are Insights Hub's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Ease of Use (8 reviews) - Features (7 reviews) - User-Friendly (7 reviews) - Easy Integrations (6 reviews) - Custom Dashboards (5 reviews) **Cons:** - Learning Curve (6 reviews) - Limited Customization (4 reviews) - Navigation Issues (4 reviews) - Poor Usability (4 reviews) - Difficult Navigation (3 reviews) ### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Insights Hub? *AI-generated summary from verified user reviews* **Pros:** - Users find Insights Hub **extremely easy to use** , streamlining data management and enhancing decision-making with its intuitive interface. - Users love the **easy customization and dynamic dashboards** in Insights Hub, enhancing data visualization and collaboration. - Users find Insights Hub extremely **user-friendly** , simplifying data management and enhancing decision-making without technical expertise. - Users appreciate the **easy integrations** of Insights Hub, facilitating seamless data consolidation and accessibility across teams. - Users appreciate the **custom dashboards** of Insights Hub, which are intuitive, structured, and enhance decision-making effectively. **Cons:** - Users find the **learning curve steep** , highlighting the complexity and overwhelming nature of Insights Hub's features. - Users find the **limited customization** options frustrating, wishing for more flexibility to suit diverse business needs. - Users struggle with **navigation issues** , finding the interface complex and the learning curve steep, especially for new users. - Users find Insights Hub's **poor usability** challenging, with a steep learning curve and a complex interface for newcomers. - Users find **difficult navigation** in Insights Hub challenging, especially for those lacking IoT/Cloud knowledge, requiring additional support. #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Insights Hub? **"[Effortless Insights and Seamless Collaboration with Insight Hub](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/insights-hub-review-12029050)"** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars *— tanmay D.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/insights-hub-review-12029050) --- **"[Efficient Tool for Monitoring and Reporting](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/insights-hub-review-11921221)"** **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars *— Rajendra M.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/insights-hub-review-11921221) --- ### 3. [SAP Business Technology Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-business-technology-platform/reviews) SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) is a multi-cloud platform-as-a-Service optimized to work with SAP solutions. It is a unified platform of technologies SAP uses for its own innovation, to extend and integrate business applications, and to infuse artificial intelligence and context-aware business data. SAP BTP brings together intelligent enterprise applications with database and data management, analytics, integration and extension capabilities into one platform for both cloud and hybrid environments, including hundreds of prebuilt business content and integrations for faster time-to-value. It can be used to create personalized experiences across business processes, build applications, analytics, and integrations faster, and to run mission-critical innovation confidently on major cloud providers' infrastructure fully managed by SAP. SAP BTP offers a range of capabilities and services that: - offers fit-for-purpose tools and services that are optimized for SAP applications along with composable bespoke business processes - provides an open environment with pre-built connectors to 3rd party apps and the availability to run on leading hyperscaler IaaS Clouds (AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.) connects AI & ML into business processes to enhance intelligence, automation, and productivity - delivers security and improved insights by keeping contextual data close to core business processes and applications - enables future-proofing by keeping core systems clean, greatly reducing technical debt to take advantage of cloud economics **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 396 **How Do G2 Users Rate SAP Business Technology Platform?** - **Ease of Use:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) **Who Is the Company Behind SAP Business Technology Platform?** - **Seller:** [SAP](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sap) - **Company Website:** https://www.sap.com/ - **Year Founded:** 1972 - **HQ Location:** Walldorf - **Twitter:** @SAP (297,052 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/sap/ (141,955 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Who Uses This:** Software Engineer, System Engineer - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer Software - **Company Size:** 39% Enterprise, 36% Mid-Market #### What Are SAP Business Technology Platform's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Ease of Use (132 reviews) - Integrations (128 reviews) - Easy Integrations (115 reviews) - Features (103 reviews) - Data Management (78 reviews) **Cons:** - Learning Curve (97 reviews) - Complexity (88 reviews) - Expensive (69 reviews) - Learning Difficulty (68 reviews) - Difficult Learning (57 reviews) ### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About SAP Business Technology Platform? *AI-generated summary from verified user reviews* **Pros:** - Users appreciate the **ease of use** of SAP Business Technology Platform for integrating data and app development seamlessly. - Users value the **seamless integration** capabilities of SAP BTP, enhancing efficiency through a unified platform for data and apps. - Users love the **seamless integration** capabilities of SAP Business Technology Platform with various external applications and systems. - Users appreciate the **comprehensive suite of tools** in SAP BTP, enabling streamlined integration and agile development in one platform. - Users appreciate the **centralized approach to data management** of SAP BTP, enhancing integration and analytics seamlessly. **Cons:** - Users highlight the **steep learning curve** of SAP BTP, noting its initial complexity for newcomers to the platform. - Users experience a **steep learning curve** with SAP BTP, finding its complexity challenging for newcomers to navigate. - Users find SAP BTP **expensive** due to complex pricing structures and lack of cost transparency in usage monitoring. - Users experience a significant **learning difficulty** with SAP BTP, finding it complex and lacking beginner-friendly resources. - Users find the **difficult learning** curve of SAP Business Technology Platform overwhelming without prior training, affecting initial usability. #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of SAP Business Technology Platform? **"[Scalable platform for building and integrating enterprise applications](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sap-business-technology-platform-review-12388393)"** **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars *— Dharamveer p.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sap-business-technology-platform-review-12388393) --- **"[Powerful Integration with Moderate Learning Curve](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sap-business-technology-platform-review-12905606)"** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars *— Navin M.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sap-business-technology-platform-review-12905606) --- #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About SAP Business Technology Platform? - [What is SAP Leonardo used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-sap-leonardo-used-for) - 2 comments, 1 upvote - [What is SAP Leonardo IoT?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-sap-leonardo-iot) - 1 comment ### 4. [TagoIO](https://www.g2.com/products/tagoio/reviews) TagoIO is a full-stack IoT platform that simplifies how teams build and scale IoT applications, freeing them to focus on innovation instead of infrastructure. The platform combines ease of use with enterprise-grade capabilities, enabling businesses to connect, manage, and analyze device data at scale while maintaining full control over their solutions. Trusted by over 20,000 developers across 130+ countries, TagoIO powers IoT solutions in Agriculture, Energy, Buildings, Industrial, and Logistics. The same platform that accelerates a quick proof of concept can scale to millions of data points in global production, without lock-in, and with real human support along the way. Create a free account and start turning your ideas based on sensors, data, and analytics into solutions. For more information, visit www.tago.io. **Average Rating:** 4.9/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 55 **How Do G2 Users Rate TagoIO?** - **Ease of Use:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) - **Quality of Support:** 9.7/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) **Who Is the Company Behind TagoIO?** - **Seller:** [TagoIO](https://www.g2.com/sellers/tagoio) - **Company Website:** https://tago.io - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** Raleigh, US - **Twitter:** @tagoio (878 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/tago.io (26 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Industrial Automation, Farming - **Company Size:** 78% Small-Business, 14% Mid-Market #### What Are TagoIO's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Ease of Use (22 reviews) - Flexibility (17 reviews) - User-Friendly (16 reviews) - Custom Dashboards (15 reviews) - Easy Integrations (13 reviews) **Cons:** - Learning Curve (9 reviews) - High Pricing (8 reviews) - Complexity (4 reviews) - Limited Customization (4 reviews) - Poor Documentation (4 reviews) ### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About TagoIO? *AI-generated summary from verified user reviews* **Pros:** - Users commend the **ease of use** of TagoIO, appreciating its intuitive interface and helpful documentation. - Users appreciate the **flexibility** of TagoIO, enabling easy project setup and accessible dashboard sharing. - Users value the **user-friendly interface** of TagoIO, allowing for quick onboarding and efficient project execution. - Users value the **custom dashboards** of TagoIO for their ease of use and seamless integration, enhancing monitoring capabilities. - Users value the **easy integrations** of TagoIO, enabling quick and seamless connections for various IoT devices. **Cons:** - Users find the **learning curve steep** due to TagoIO's extensive features, posing challenges for newcomers navigating the platform. - Users find the **high pricing** of TagoIO's plans a barrier, suggesting costs could be more affordable. - Users find TagoIO's **complexity** daunting due to rigid dashboard building and challenging configuration tasks. - Users feel the **limited customization** in TagoIO hinders their ability to create tailored applications efficiently. - Users experience **poor documentation** for advanced features, leading to challenges in understanding and troubleshooting processes effectively. #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of TagoIO? **"[Solid uptime and open JSON integrations with powerful LoRaWAN support](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tagoio-review-12643862)"** **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars *— Central N.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tagoio-review-12643862) --- **"[Fast and Flexible IoT Development for Mining Applications](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tagoio-review-12436606)"** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars *— Alexandre D.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tagoio-review-12436606) --- ### 5. [SensorCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/sensorcloud/reviews) MicroStrain’s SensorCloud™ is a unique sensor data storage, visualization and remote management platform that leverages powerful cloud computing technologies to provide excellent data scalability, rapid visualization, and user programmable analysis. **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 23 **How Do G2 Users Rate SensorCloud?** - **Ease of Use:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) - **Quality of Support:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) **Who Is the Company Behind SensorCloud?** - **Seller:** [Lord](https://www.g2.com/sellers/lord) - **Year Founded:** 1924 - **HQ Location:** Cary, NC - **Twitter:** @LORDCorporation (1,917 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/lord-corporation/ (2,448 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 57% Small-Business, 26% Mid-Market #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of SensorCloud? **"[One of a kind Sensor data visualization remotely with little anomalies](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sensorcloud-review-7249819)"** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars *— Nitin S.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sensorcloud-review-7249819) --- **"[Enhance IoT Analysis with SensorCloud](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sensorcloud-review-7232407)"** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars *— Devansh R.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sensorcloud-review-7232407) --- ## What Is IoT Analytics Platforms? [IoT Management Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-management) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to IoT Analytics Platforms? - [IoT Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-platforms) - [IoT Device Management Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-device-management-platforms) - [Manufacturing Intelligence Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/manufacturing-intelligence) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right IoT Analytics Platforms? ### What You Should Know About IoT Analytics Platforms ### What are IoT Analytics Platforms? Data analytics is at the core of the Internet of Things (IoT), alongside [process automation](https://www.g2.com/categories/process-automation) and [asset management](https://www.g2.com/categories/asset-management-f3e79baa-6f93-4d40-b734-16e9b562fc14). Equipping machinery, office space, transport vehicles, and other things with smart sensors allows organizations to gather more data and glean more insight than ever before. Additionally, it shows how various assets perform and interact with one another. IoT analytics platforms help business leaders unlock actionable insights so they can learn about their operations and how to effectively optimize them from every angle. For a connected business, there might be hundreds or thousands of advanced data sets to ingest each day. This data might include information about how devices are used, working conditions, and prescriptive analytics. The platforms in this fast-growing category offer methods for visualizing, analyzing, organizing, and exploring real-time and historical data generated by disparate IoT devices. Most businesses collect overwhelming amounts of enterprise IoT data. These solutions help determine the most relevant and actionable insights based on connected applications and their corresponding strategies and goals. Key Benefits of IoT Analytics Platforms - Synthesize data generated by a network of smart devices and IoT sensors - Maximize ROI for diverse connected platforms across an organization - Shape operational strategies using prescriptive and predictive analytics - Identify the most relevant insights for data analytics and translate them into visualizations for easy consumption and analysis - Make noteworthy data points from IoT networks searchable and accessible for future reference ### Why Use IoT Analytics Platforms? Digital transformation is increasingly focused on connected devices, [artificial intelligence](https://www.g2.com/categories/artificial-intelligence), and other solutions to make workplaces automated and efficient. Smart devices—from factory machinery to office appliances—can assist with task automation as well as reveal insights about a company, building, employees, and customers. Connected assets help track details related to output, performance, and engagement with software platforms, employees, customers, and other applications connected to a network. IoT analytics solutions empower business users to sort and make sense of these findings. They can learn more about their business operations from the perspective of everyday “things" used across the company, regardless of their cost, size, or function. Many platforms in this category offer tools to view and convert raw data into shareable formats. In some cases this entails integrations with [data visualization software](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization), [business intelligence platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/business-intelligence-platforms), or other tools used for data analytics. In addition to gathering and preparing valuable data from smart devices, some platforms provide tools for real-time monitoring and reporting, helping users make instant decisions based on momentary events. The real-time streaming of powerful insights helps decision makers adjust and improve processes when these devices are involved, without waiting for lengthy reports. Thanks to modern edge computing technology, the data gathered on these platforms can be processed and stored on the edge of company networks rather than centralized data warehouses. This helps deliver the right data at a faster rate, without eating into the bandwidth of critical systems. To establish an edge computing scenario for IoT devices and the data they collect, a business must configure edge devices (e.g., routers, integrated access devices or IADs) that control the flow of data. As a company builds out their IoT, analytics platforms help unlock the full potential of these devices without compromising the performance of their assets or IT infrastructures. A number of [IoT platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-platforms) include analytics solutions or certain reporting features, but dedicated analytics platforms such as those in this category offer deeper insights related to IoT devices, networks, and more related functions in an organization. ### Who Uses IoT Analytics Platforms? The extensive insights from IoT analytics platforms are valuable to everyone in an organization; these insights influence strategic decisions and help the company improve business outcomes. However, only select individuals are typically trained to use these platforms, understand the data, and communicate the findings. The following teams or individuals are the most likely users of IoT analytics platforms. **IoT specialists —** As the popularity of IoT grows, so does the need for dedicated experts within an organization. New positions such as IoT architect and IoT engineer are prioritized in thousands of tech-forward businesses. Individuals taking focused courses or training on smart technology and its applications may be recruited by an organization to fill an emerging role. In many cases, managers train existing employees so they can take on new responsibilities related to IoT strategy, such as tracking and comprehension of IoT analytics. The exact job titles of these individuals may vary based on the company’s unique approach to the focus area. Internal IoT specialists likely use platforms in this category. These platforms are essential for maximizing the value of IoT investments and making strategic decisions based on smart object activity. If a company designates one or more employees as IoT specialists, the right analytics tool can make a significant impact and convert IoT activity into actionable insights. **Data scientists and analysts —** Depending on the size and scope of a company’s IoT infrastructure, they may not designate team members to be purely focused on IoT. In these cases, they may distribute related tasks and responsibilities to different teams or employees. Analytics experts, such as data analysts and data scientists, might be tasked with observing IoT data and determining appropriate responses to these findings. In addition to their existing [analytics software](https://www.g2.com/categories/analytics) and other business tools they use, data experts utilize IoT analytics platforms to observe, sort, and share unique insights generated by smart devices and any asset configured with an IoT sensor. In some cases, these findings are exported to other platforms for further studying, storing, or sharing. An IoT analytics platform can be essential for consuming the continuous stream of data connected devices produce, such as time-series data and streaming data from critical equipment on a factory line. Additionally, these platforms assist with modeling and blending unique data sets for optimal analysis. **IoT development firms —** [Internet of things developers](https://www.g2.com/categories/internet-of-things-iot-developers), or IoT developers, are agencies that specialize in designing and deploying smart applications to use in an organization. These experts offer custom manufacturing of IoT objects and help configure new IoT networks. When working with one of these agencies, a business may need additional assistance with testing, troubleshooting, and tracking devices and IoT activity. IoT development teams might leverage a data analytics platform to visualize the findings of connected objects at any point in the customer experience, so customers can yield desired results with their IoT strategies. ### IoT Analytics Platform Features The diverse platforms in this category offer a unique set of tools to assist with IoT data analytics. The following are primary features common in this category of software platform. **Data models and customization —** IoT analytics solutions often come with data models for organizing and standardizing information generated by connected devices. Data modeling is useful for revealing relationships between large sets of unorganized data so users can draw conclusions. With some platforms, users can customize data models or configure entirely new models to fit their particular needs. Models may be useful for observing logical relationships within data sets, and determining how data is retrieved, stored, and formatted. **Ingestion and filtering —** IoT sensors enable objects to generate limitless data; this increases based on the portfolio of devices in the network. IoT analytics platforms usually include filtering and ingestion tools, allowing users to collect the most relevant data points. When determining how data is ingested from IoT devices, users can decide whether specific types of data will be used immediately or filed away for later use. In some cases, users can create dashboards for real-time data streaming including location and what settings are most beneficial at the time. **Event scheduling and alerts —** Along with determining which data should be collected, users of IoT analytics platforms can determine when to generate reports. Scheduling analytics readings could revolve around a specific time schedule, or particular events. Users might track IoT data in response to alerts such as environmental changes or equipment issues. In other cases, they may simply want to schedule data ingestion for a particular time to make basic observations about patterns and performance. Companies can elect to pull data in a variety of ways and adjust their analytics strategy over the course of their IoT campaign. The platforms in this category offer a number of configurations for reporting to suit these needs. ### Potential Issues with IoT Analytics Platforms **Data gaps —** In addition to taking systems offline at unexpected and inconvenient times, random lapses in connectivity cause inconsistencies in time-series data. For example, you may notice several hours between two data points where there would normally be a steady, uninterrupted time line of data. These random gaps can be a source of frustration when it comes to studying and drawing conclusions. To prevent this, IT experts should monitor edge networks and routers and proactively address any issues. **False or corrupted readings —** The more end points a company adds to its IoT stack, the greater the potential for transmission issues from an individual sensor. This is an unfortunate risk of any new technology, when it comes to IoT, these possibilities are multiplied by the number of devices they enable. A false reading can happen for a number of reasons, inaccurate data point can corrupt the integrity of data sets. It’s important to perform audits on data and run as many tests as possible to quickly identify issues, before problematic devices contribute additional false readings. Regular software updates are critical to keep distributed smart devices updated, reducing the chances of incomplete or inaccurate data. ### Software and Services Related to IoT Analytics Platforms Realizing the benefits of smart technology is a significant undertaking. There is a great deal of planning, training, and investment that goes into an IoT initiative, including collecting and securing data from distributed platforms. Business leaders should do considerable research on the different types of [IoT management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-management) and services on the market, and work with a consulting firm to determine which solutions to prioritize. The following are professional solutions that complement IoT analytics tools. They all help companies collect insights about their modern systems, and optimize their operation using groundbreaking technology. [**Stream analytics software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/stream-analytics) **—** Stream analytics, also known as streaming analytics, is the study of data transferred between applications and exchanges, both historically and in real time. Stream analytics software enables the capture and analysis of this information. These platforms allow users to understand the flow and retrieval of data by disparate end points. A major use case for this is monitoring IoT telemetry across end points and the events pertaining to information exchange. If data is not received correctly, users of stream analytics tools can be notified and given insights into streaming issues. The platforms in this category are a natural complement to IoT analytics platforms, ensuring companies stay informed about the continuous flow of information between connected objects so devices can reliably execute tasks and generate their own insights. [**Big data analytics software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/big-data-analytics) **—** Big data analytics involves the consumption of massive data clusters, culling the most notable findings using advanced data queries. Big data and [big data software](https://www.g2.com/categories/big-data) are increasingly common across a number of industries. With the rise of IoT, substantial data clusters are the focus of big data analytics and include observable information that can be exported from smart devices. If a business desires to analyze IoT data as part of a larger pool of data, they might consider a big data analytics tool such as those featured in this category. While IoT analytics solutions offer actionable insights into specific data generated by connected platforms, big data analytics can study these findings in relation to other critical data collected from various sources. This practice paints a more complete picture of relevant data patterns across the operation. Users can create detailed visualizations and record their queries into data sets to share discoveries with internal teams, business partners, and investors. Some platforms offer specific features for monitoring IoT data and collections of big data. [**IoT device management software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-device-management) **—** Depending on the size and scope of IoT strategy, hundreds or thousands of devices are configured to work together and communicate information with one another and the network itself. Proper management, troubleshooting, and updates to these devices is essential for accurate data collection. This ensures each device performs the expected actions and generates the right insights. After designing and deploying an IoT network using [IoT platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-platforms), businesses may use IoT device management tools to monitor the state of their devices and maintain them as needed. At the very least, these platforms assist with pushing software and firmware updates required with certain devices and sensors. IoT device management tools provide assistance with device permissions and device vulnerability tracking, among other things. To receive the best possible data from smart devices, IT administrators need to make a consistent effort toward device tracking and organization. IoT device managers help prepare teams for success and ensure they maintain visibility and control over a company’s IoT infrastructure. [**IoT security services providers**](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-security-services) **—** The power of IoT and device analytics comes paired with the responsibility of keeping these systems protected from unwanted access, theft, viruses, and other threats. Smart connectivity is a term used to describe the reliable connection of complex networks, including those used in edge computing and IoT networks. This connectivity requires reliable, uninterrupted transmission of data, and the ability to withstand environmental influences and malicious activity. Companies might require lots of outside assistance to supplement internal efforts and maintain a high degree of reliability. This is where IoT security services can help. IoT security providers are specialized firms that help companies configure IoT systems for optimum performance and consistency in the face of untold threats. Cybercrime is evolving, especially as new vulnerabilities are introduced. The specialists in this category can be enlisted to keep systems updated, adding or adjusting layers of protection based on the changing landscape of potential dangers. When mapping out a security strategy, businesses might also consider [data security services](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-security-services) to bolster internal defense efforts. Data security experts can assist with protecting large volumes of critical business data, up to and including data sets generated by smart objects. A number of IoT security services providers offer solutions for protecting IoT data from external threats. A company might desire a more comprehensive program that touches on all aspects of data protection and the various groupings of data a business might collect. Data services providers can offer strategic advice, train employees on security practices, and assist with the implementation of [security software](https://www.g2.com/categories/security) so teams can maintain a consistent level of protection for data and company systems using internal resources. In some cases they can remotely monitor and respond to data-related threats in a business. In the current age, there is no limit to the security measures a company should consider, especially as operations are increasingly built on a foundation of technology. Compromised data, including IoT-related analytics, can be detrimental to a business and also place its employees and customers at serious risk. When adopting an IoT strategy, managers should take measures to keep assets and business data as safe as possible.