Learn More About IoT Operating Systems
What are IoT Operating Systems?
When an internet of things (IoT) sensor or microcontroller is embedded into a physical object, that piece of hardware is effectively converted into an internet-ready computer, capable of connecting to a local network and running code-based applications. Just as smartphones and tablets have been normalized as "computers" in their own right, so are these embedded devices, from home appliances (e.g., smart fridges and thermostats) to enterprise assets (e.g., smart factory equipment). IoT operating systems allow developers and business teams to engage with these embedded objects, program their functionalities, and track the data they produce as part of IoT applications, with processing capabilities at the scale necessary for continuous, stable performance. Just as standard operating systems like Linux, iOS, and Windows help users perform functions and manage software on a computer, IoT operating systems allow users to perform computer functions within connected devices.
IoT operating systems may be referred to in a number of ways, including IoT OS, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and embedded operating systems (embedded OS). Many of the platforms in this category are offered as open source, allowing any user to review the code and modify it as needed for the IoT projects. To realize the full benefits of smart technology, embedded systems require an IoT OS for processing applications, storing data, and staying protected against unwanted access. Due to the nature of the IoT space, vendors constantly update their products to be in line with the latest capabilities, security threats, and hardware integrations. Developers can manage these software and driver updates along with other critical information on a device’s RTOS, manually executing software or reconfiguring device settings whenever necessary. Users can also leverage these platforms to schedule specific workflows on individual devices, such as automated processes or the powering down of certain features as needed to save battery power.
Key Benefits of IoT Operating Systems
- Connect sensor-embedded devices to cloud services, edge devices, or in-use IoT applications
- Manage software and data on individual IoT devices
- Modify programming of each asset for optimal use in an IoT architecture
- Ensure consistent connections and rapid process execution with minimal delay or downtime
- Conserve power and resource utilization across IoT hardware
Why Use IoT Operating Systems?
Increasingly, businesses across the spectrum of industries are making IoT strategies a priority. Connected devices and objects can optimize operations as well as the customer experience in ways not previously possible. With that being said, these initiatives are no small undertaking, and may require a substantial investment of resources to embed physical assets with the necessary hardware, design applications on IoT platforms or development tools, and oversee device processes once a project is deployed. IoT operating systems are an essential step in this journey, giving developers access and control over individual devices and helping to execute the intended applications for each asset or system of devices. If your business is considering an IoT project to connect distributed objects, enable new capabilities, and uncover actionable data across the operation, an IoT OS is a critical tool for completing this digital transformation.
A core capability of an IoT OS is the rapid execution of a task in response to triggers or specific data that is generated by the embedded sensor or shared from another device on the network. These software platforms are often referred to as real-time operating systems or RTOS because of this reliable, real-time processing with minimal buffer delays. These platforms are built for low resource utilization, with constraints related to size, memory, power, and processing capacity. By investing in the right IoT OS, you can set up your IoT devices for success in whatever scenario you deploy them. Because of the open-source nature of many of these tools, your team can tweak these systems per the demands of your particular IoT framework and assets. The active development community surrounding IoT also empowers users to find custom code that is created by others to help with a wide variety of use cases, as well as sharing of your own custom code across the community. IoT operating systems help users bridge the gap between embedding physical objects with intelligent sensors and bringing them to life in fully realized sensor networks.
Who Uses IoT Operating Systems?
The IoT products in this category are configured and managed with source code, and are compatible with different programming languages (for example, C and C++), depending on the solution. As such, experienced developers are the ideal users for these products. A number of IoT OS solutions are open source, allowing developers to view the complete source code and modify it as necessary for its applications within their business, whether for implementing security measures or developing unique data and process flows. Users may be able to find, utilize, and share custom code on vendor-supported community forums. Wherever an IoT project is deployed, it serves to benefit employees and clients across the operation, while delivering actionable insights that can impact overall business strategy and processes. With that being said, a company’s developers—whether in dedicated IoT roles or general development teams—will be most directly engaging with the IoT OS products that are deployed across connected fleets of devices.
IoT Operating Systems Features
Closed-source or open-source RTOS are made available with various features and specifications that are important for businesses to consider. These may include connectivity, processing, memory, and security features, as well as limitations. The following are some primary features to consider during research.
Integrated development environment (IDE) — IoT operating systems may provide an integrated development environment or IDE on which developers can modify source code and build custom code for deploying their OS as needed across connected devices. These interfaces may be available online or as downloadable software tools. Depending on the solution, it will offer support for one or more modern programming languages (C++, Rust, Python, etc.). In some cases, these solutions will allow users to export projects into other IDEs for continued development.
Device and component support — For an IoT OS to work in a programmer’s intended environment, it must offer compatibility with the various hardware assets in the development stack as well as the connected device architecture. These can include development boards, sensors, and microcontrollers, as well as the various embedded architectures that may be at use in electronic products. The solutions in this category typically offer hardware support for a range of common assets being used in IoT projects; however, specific capabilities vary from platform to platform.
Developer community — A number of the IoT OS vendors featured in this category provide access to an online community where users can exchange custom source code and discuss any experience, issues, or advice related to these applications. Vendors themselves may contribute to the discussions in these developer communities, with insights into user feedback, assistance with troubleshooting, or announcements about new product features or versions. These communities are especially common for those solutions that are free and open source. In situations where an online community is not available, these vendors may offer regularly updated user guides and product documentation to provide assistance with using their IoT OS solutions.
Software and Services Related to IoT Operating Systems
When planning an IoT project, it is important to consider the various solutions that can play a role in a successful launch and the continuous tasks related to IoT management. The following solutions can help with the primary challenges of an IoT initiative, and go hand in hand with IoT operating system technology in unlocking the potential of smart technology.
IoT development tools — IoT development tools enable the programming of custom IoT applications or application features for use across wireless sensor networks and devices. These solutions are utilized by development specialists to transform distributed assets into a fully operational fleet that gathers data and performs actions in harmony with each other, based on the specific needs of the business managing the project. Solutions in the IoT platforms category allow for the creation of basic systems and applications through low-code or no-code interfaces, so that users of any background can deploy a fleet of IoT devices for their business or customers. IoT development tools, on the other hand, are designed for use by software programmers and are compatible with various coding languages. These products enable a greater range of IoT capabilities, and are the necessary solutions for designing complex applications or features. Developers can utilize these tools alongside IoT operating systems to build the best possible IoT solution for their business without limitations.
IoT device management Software — Once a fleet of smart devices is off and running, IoT device management software provides a real-time registry of devices for convenient tracking and analysis. These solutions can display basic identifying information about each and every device on the network, along with its operational status and basic data related to its performance and usage. In some cases, businesses can use these solutions to keep tabs on device software and deploy over-the-air (OTA) patches or updates. IoT device managers may also provide alerts about device issues, such as downtime or dangerous conditions, so that system managers can proactively address these issues before they cause significant problems. Depending on the size and scope of your IoT initiative, it may entail hundreds or even thousands of distributed assets. These solutions offer a bird’s-eye-view of these assets wherever they are located, so teams can quickly locate devices and ensure they are in good health and performing as intended.
IoT security software — The importance of thorough security measures cannot be overstated when it comes to connected assets, whether the project is for use in industrial IoT, smart retail, or anywhere in between. Adding internet connectivity to physical assets opens them to the vulnerabilities of other connected endpoints, such as unwanted access, data theft, and malware. IoT security software is designed to reinforce these objects and their wireless sensors against potential threats, with features such as vulnerability assessments, data encryption, and incident response. Because of the advanced technology at use in these devices and the unique challenges involved, the IoT security market is evolving quickly to meet these demands. A number of broader IoT solutions include some components of IoT security; in other cases, proper security measures for a company's IoT devices and networks may require a standalone solution.
To help address the many security issues in IoT technology, there are a fast-growing number of services providers that offer assistance with protecting IoT devices and responding to issues as they arise. If a business desires to outsource these efforts, it can enlist the help of one of these IoT secuity services providers. Even if a team decides to implement an in-house security software tool, working with these specialists can help ensure comprehensive protection and remediation if necessary. Additionally, when preparing to launch connected devices, an IoT testing services provider can perform audits of devices, gateways, and applications to ensure they will function as intended in various conditions and are adequately protected from cyberthreats.
Internet of things (IoT) developers — There are countless scenarios where an in-house team does not have the expertise or resources required for designing and deploying a connected systems architecture or the applications that power it. That should not stop these businesses from joining the fray of smart technology users, and discovering the benefits of an IoT service for its workforce, partners, and customers. IoT developers offer any range of services related to the design of these applications and creation of smart devices for use in the business context, working with a company's decision-makers and development teams to deliver tailored solutions.
IoT implemenation services can also benefit companies that are proactively seeking assistance with configuring, deploying, and troubleshooting their projects. These services providers may also assist with embedding physical assets with the necessary hardware so they may join an IoT network and any IoT applications being used across the operation.
Managed IoT services — Managed IoT services take project outsourcing a step further, by handling some combination of the tasks involved with an ongoing IoT project. These capabilities may include fleet monitoring, data collection and analysis, and deploying device software updates when necessary. In some cases, these providers may also assist with IoT device security services. An IoT project is far from over when a fleet is deployed and performing the functions of an IoT application, and will require a continuous effort to draw insights from the devices and optimize their performance within an intelligent framework. A managed IoT services provider can offload these responsibilities from an in-house team and deliver results as needed, providing peace of mind and allowing teams to focus on other tasks.
