While you can do IoT without an IoT platform, it certainly aids getting an IoT solution up and running quickly and probably at lower cost than alternative approaches. Middleware is needed to enable communications between the OT (operation technology) domain where data is generated and the business IT (information technology) domain where it is used. That’s the baseline function of an IoT platform. Middleware is also employed to facilitate secure monitoring, control and analysis of device and sensor behaviour in the field. IoT platforms are therefore a key enabling product. Their functionality largely determines the performance and efficiency of IoT solutions.
Given the prognosis for the growth of IoT it is hardly surprising that a plethora of platform vendors have thrown their hat into the arena. Depending on what the term ‘IoT platform’ covers, right now there are upwards of 500 in the market in all shapes and sizes. That means the market is ultra-competitive and it is also confusing because vendors make similar, often overhyped claims for their product. In addition, it is hard to make apples versus apples comparisons since the platforms often address different requirements. A solution that employs over a hundred thousand devices will need a platform that is communications centric. One that requires integration with existing enterprise systems required will require a robust device management capability.
Those are two of five major categories that Beecham Research employs. In addition to device management and connectivity they include security, application development and data management/analytics as well as vertical market-specific platforms, such as Smart City oriented and developer-oriented. Vendors will typically focus on their area of expertise, but platform strengths have to align with solution needs: it’s a make or break issue. Therefore the requisite solution may involve a combination of different platforms covering different layers in the overall IoT stack.
Replacing confusion with clarity
Evaluating the performance of 500 platforms is clearly a difficult, time-consuming process and it becomes an even more significant issue when two or more platforms are required. Users may elect to “play safe” and go with one of the heavy hitters. However – which one? This can also result in a platform that is expensive, over-engineered and not optimised for the particular solution requirement.
Beecham Research recognised the emergence of this issue and created a comprehensive database on the various platforms as well as a matching tool known as IoT Pilot. Users enter their baseline requirements and IoT Pilot is then employed to navigate the database and give the user a list of vendors whose products match the performance criteria.
Performance parameters are analysed and presented in a structured way for all products, which facilitates comparisons. In addition, there is background information on the relevant vendors, bullet points on the key strengths and categories, together with a “heat map”. This is a 5 x 5 matrix (example above) comprising performance indicators mapped against generic platform functionality. These maps allow users to see a platform’s functionality and performance parameters and thereby obtain a holistic, memorable impression.
In a nutshell, the service replaces multiple product confusion with insightful clarity.
October 19, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
(Sponsored News) — COLOGNE, 10/15/2018 – 1NCE, the provider of the world’s first IoT Device Lifetime Flatrate (powered by Deutsche Telekom) has announced a new partnership with Digital Republic, a Zurich-based specialist for the IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.
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October 17, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
(Sponsored News) – COLOGNE, 10/2018 – 1NCE, the provider of the world’s first IoT Flat Rate (powered by Deutsche Telekom) has launched a comprehensive Partner Ecosystem to expand its reach within the international IoT market. The partner network comprises renowned IoT companies like Quectel, Codico and many others. It forms the basis for the company’s continuous growth track and enables its partners to better respond to market demands and increase their customer loyalty through constant innovation.
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October 15, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
October 10, 2018
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October 9, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
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October 5, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
(Sponsored News) In the short time since their connectivity offering went to market, 1NCE has gained global recognition for pushing boundaries in the IoT sector, by addressing the need for simple and affordable connectivity.
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October 2, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
Event date: February 26-28, 2019
Nürnberg, Germany
The embedded world Exhibition & Conference is the world’s leading meeting place for the embedded community.
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Posted by: IoT global network
Realising the potential of the Internet of Things and the often-quoted promise of 50 billion connected devices by 2020, relies on the very tangible challenge of enabling affordable connectivity to low-bandwidth use cases. (more…)
September 26, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
