Best IoT Platforms

What is IoT Platforms Software?

Why Use IoT Platforms Software?

Who Uses IoT Platforms Software?

IoT Platforms Software Features

The products in this category offer diverse tool kits for building custom IoT applications. With the help of smart sensors and routers, a business can leverage these platforms to transform objects into smart objects, which can perform a variety of intelligent tasks and generate actionable insights across the operation. An IoT platform comparison can be especially challenging, as IoT platform providers each take a unique approach to the design and deployment of these applications. The following are some primary features users may encounter during when deciding on the best IoT hub.

Application development — The core functionality of these advanced platforms is assistance with syncing internet-enabled devices and connecting them to the cloud so they can generate and share data, as well as trigger actions, send alerts, and automate tasks. This is accomplished through the development of proprietary applications that work with a particular fleet of devices, so they can perform to a company’s desired specifications. IoT platforms typically include a development interface in which users can build out these applications, or at least lay the groundwork, with little or no advanced coding. A number of platforms offer varying levels of development assistance, so complex modifications can be easily achieved with a higher degree of coding. These tools are often designed to help teams with limited IoT experience connect and assign protocols to their smart devices, regardless of the device type.

Rules engine — Once a fleet of devices is established and successfully connected to the network, users will need to determine a set of rules for the devices to follow. These frameworks are put in place to ensure each device reaches its potential as part of an IoT environment, from operational analytics to time sensitive actions in response to events and observations. Using an IoT platform, business teams can write and deploy these rule sets and assign different rules to distributed devices as needed. As IoT efforts are launched and optimized over time, users can adjust the protocols for each device based on outcomes and changing business needs.

Permissions and access — When adopting an IoT strategy for a business, it is essential to consider who will be granted access to the backend with regard to connecting new devices, management of devices and workflows, and handling of data. Not only is this required to ensure the successful deployment and utilization of smart devices, but to prevent unwanted access or modifications. IoT platforms may provide various settings for controlling who has access and to what extent they can make changes to an open IoT architecture. As new employees are assigned to IoT responsibilities or roles change within an organization, administrators can update system permissions and the specific details of each user account.

Device management and analytics — Making the most of a functional IoT fleet will entail a number of tasks, ranging from device audits and firmware updates to cleaning and sorting of device data. Depending on the platform a company uses, these ongoing efforts may require additional software applications or involve tools that come included on the IoT platform. When researching potential solutions for a business, take note of its device management and data analytics features to determine which additional solutions users will need to consider. In situations where certain features are not included, IoT platforms will typically integrate with other applications that perform these functions, and can work together to create a complete IoT stack.

Potential Issues with IoT Platforms Software

Hardware issues — Getting an IoT project off the ground requires more than a quality software program. It hinges on the objects themselves, and the smart sensors used to enable their IoT connectivity. Building out this fleet and maintaining its health can be an outsized challenge, and present a litany of unexpected hurdles over the course of an IoT launch campaign. Furthermore, these various hardware issues can interrupt the work being done on an IoT platform, and force delays or changes related to an IoT application. It is important to keep this in mind and allocate the necessary resources to device enablement, testing, and troubleshooting when deploying an IoT fleet.

Network issues — In addition to the devices themselves, an IoT program is reliant on a high-powered, stable connection that unites devices to each other and the internet. With regard to the IoT, this typically requires specialized routers, modems, and network plans. Despite the advanced capabilities of smart devices and the technology woven through it all, there is still an ever-present possibility of network issues such as dropped signals and other disruptions, not to mention technical problems with network devices. Network difficulties during or after the build-out of an IoT architecture can be a roadblock for those in charge of a company’s IoT efforts. They might also create larger problems for the company or customers down the road as the company integrates the IoT into everyday operations. Any business considering an IoT investment should ensure that primary and edge networks are thoroughly tested in relation to the particular bandwidth and performance required of the IoT infrastructure, and upgraded as necessary for optimal strength and reliability.

Software and Services Related to IoT Platforms Software

A new IoT project is a significant undertaking for any business, involving a great deal of resources. There are a fast-growing number of solution vendors in the IoT space, and if considering an IoT initiative, there are a variety of products and services users might consider.

IoT device management software — IoT device management platforms provide a hub for monitoring and managing physical IoT devices after they are programmed and active within an IoT framework. While an IoT platform assists with the design and deployment of the frameworks that bring these devices together, IoT device management tools are built around the devices themselves, with real-time information on the entirety of connected objects. Through the use of these tools, IT specialists can track performance metrics of these devices, push critical updates for software and firmware, and control access to devices as needed, among other things. Certain IoT platforms offer some device management capabilities, but in some cases users might need separate solutions to achieve the desired level of visibility.

IoT development tools — IoT development tools are various developer-friendly solutions that assist with building and optimizing IoT applications. Whereas IoT platforms are often low- or no-code solutions for deploying a network of smart objects, IoT development tools are geared toward developers with experience writing code. A number of these solutions can be used to connect and control sensor-enabled devices, and may allow for greater customization or complexity in an IoT application than IoT platforms. Depending on the size and scope of an IoT project, users may decide to work with third-party IoT developers or assign ongoing IoT development to an employee or team on staff. These individuals may use one or more IoT development tools to continue expanding, optimizing, and pushing the limits of an IoT infrastructure, or assist with other tasks related to IoT management.

IoT analytics software — A fleet of smart devices has the potential to unlock boundless insights across an operation, on matters from equipment performance to customer behavior. IoT analytics software is designed to help reveal this information, consuming large volumes of real-time data from device sensors and assisting with sorting, blending, and visualization of the most relevant findings. Depending on the types of devices, as well as their placement and assigned functions, users may choose to focus on any number of data variants. These can include environmental conditions, machine maintenance recommendations, and consumer product usage or interactions, among many others. IoT platforms may offer some form of reporting capabilities related to IoT networks or devices, but a standalone solution may be required for uncovering the full spectrum of insights that are possible with IoT-enabled objects.

IoT security services — By connecting physical assets to an IoT network, a business is also creating new vulnerabilities for data theft, malware, and other digital security threats. It’s vital to take preventative measures with any IoT initiative, while being prepared for reactionary measures in the event of a data breach or another unwanted event. A third-party agency that offers IoT security services may be able to help with security recommendations or timely assistance with protecting IoT devices and the network as a whole. Internal teams may also utilize some form of IoT security software to bolster the security of smart devices and user hubs, from user authentication to alerts about interrupted communications. Several IoT platforms and device managers offer some form of IoT security, but when mapping an IoT strategy for a business, users should consider additional services and software tools to properly safeguard devices and the critical business data they will collect.

Iot developers — Building a custom IoT application and enabling a fleet of connected devices may require more time, resources, or expertise than a business has to spare. Fortunately, there is a fast-growing community of professional developers that offer assistance with building smart devices and the applications that power them. If a company is considering an IoT project and would benefit from third-party assistance, they should consider reaching out to an IoT development services provider for a consultation and to learn how they might help their business along its IoT journey.