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
The fourth edition of the IoT Solutions World Congress (IoTSWC) –international reference event on the innovations of the Industrial Internet of Things–, will bring together, between 16 and 18 October in the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona, (more…)
October 12, 2018
Posted by: Anasia D'mello
Software AG announced an extended partnership with Dell Technologies in which the company will bundle Software AG’s Cumulocity IoT Edge with a selection of Dell’s servers. (more…)
October 11, 2018
Posted by: Anasia D'mello
The second edition of the European GNSS Agency’s (GSA) GNSS User Technology Report has been published and is now available for free download, providing an exhaustive review of all the latest GNSS trends and developments. There are now more than 100 GNSS satellites now available over our heads. (more…)
October 9, 2018
Posted by: Anasia D'mello
The Internet of Things (IoT) has not left out any industry with its challenges and has paved a way for them to come out with more opportunities. (more…)
October 5, 2018
Posted by: Anasia D'mello
Versa Networks – the company behind a software platform that integrates cloud, networking and security services – is highlighted as a key market driver for its Secure Cloud IP architecture by analyst Futuriom. (more…)
October 3, 2018
Posted by: Anasia D'mello
“Telcos could talk to enterprise customers about applications and security,” one vendor advises.
“And I could become a Princess,” says one analyst sarcastically.
As revenues from core connectivity services continue to collapse many network operators are turning to other value-added services (VAS) to shore up their balance sheets. (more…)
September 28, 2018
Posted by: Anasia D'mello
IBM has introduced new Watson solutions and services pre-trained for a variety of industries and professions including agriculture, customer service, human resources, supply chain, manufacturing, building management, automotive, marketing, and advertising. (more…)
September 27, 2018
Posted by: Anasia D'mello
Device Authority, a provider of Identity and Access Management (IAM) for the Internet of Things (IoT), announced its solution for securing Enterprise Blockchain infrastructure, powered by KeyScaler. (more…)
September 26, 2018
Posted by: Anasia D'mello
As demand for high-speed mobile broadband and smart data services is rapidly increasing, interworking between new broadband services and traditional mission-critical radio systems is essential. (more…)
September 25, 2018
Posted by: Anasia D'mello