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, 10/2018 – 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.
(more…)
October 15, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
October 9, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
Event date: October 25 – October 25, 2018
London, UK
Join us in London, UK on October 25th as we tour throughout Europe to share ideas and best practices around industrial connectivity.
Choosing suitable connectivity solutions that deliver the right data at the right time to make the right decisions is essential to turn IIoT concepts into a profit for your business.
Want to learn more about leveraging the IIoT to increase your profits? If so, then we invite you to join us for Moxa Solution Days in collaboration with Microsoft and our distribution partner Impulse Embedded Limited to see how our edge-to-cloud connectivity solutions can bring real-world successes.
This is a great opportunity to discuss with our experts on site how to converge the OT and IT and how to leverage today’s technology for tomorrow’s business.
September 26, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
Event date: 14-15 November 2018
Philadelphia, United States
Tech & Data: The Key to Deliver Personalized Campaigns and become a Valued Healthcare Partner
Digital is dead. Theoretical discussions about the power of technology are obsolete. But pharma has the potential to transform its customer relationships given the right tools. (more…)
September 25, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
Event date: 6-7 November 2018
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, Burlingame, CA United States
September 18, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
[Sponsored]
Focusing on the low bandwidth area of IoT, 1NCE have brought to market a SIM card that offers multimode connectivity. Their ground-breaking connectivity platform aggregates LPWA and Narrowband technologies and traditional technologies, such as 2G and 3G with the ability to connect to all of them on one SIM card. (more…)
Posted by: IoT global network
Event date: November 26-27, 2018
Dubai, UAE
GSMA Mobile 360 Series – MENA in Dubai celebrates the impressive commitment made by the Middle East & North Africa region’s mobile operators, technology industry and governments to invest in transformative technologies such as AI, Blockchain and 5G. (more…)
September 14, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
Event date: October 16 – October 18, 2018
Barcelona, Spain
The IoT Solutions World Congress is where real digital transformation happens. A unique event dedicated exclusively to joining IoT providers with industry in order to help the latter increase productivity via this disruptive technology. The next edition will take place 16–18 October, 2018 in Barcelona! The event will focus in 7 dedicated areas: Connected Transport, Manufacturing, Energy, Healthcare, Buildings, Open Industry & Enabling IoT, and will also have 2 co-located events: Blockchain Solutions World & AI & Cognitive Systems Forum. (more…)
August 22, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network
Event date: October 29 – October 30, 2018
Hyatt Regency, Atlanta, USA
Industrial IoT World is here to rescue you from IIoT pilot purgatory! Join 600+ tech professionals and 80+ visionary speakers in Atlanta, October 29 – 30, for use cases and expert guidance from Shell, Kimberly-Clark, DHL, Siemens, Colgate-Palmolive, Coca-Cola, Rio Tinto, FedEx, Walmart, Monsanto, and more to supercharge your business and operations with Industrial IoT. This is your place to learn what’s working and what’s next in IIoT, meet new technology partners, and network with your peers in the manufacturing, supply chain, and industrial space. (more…)
August 21, 2018
Posted by: IoT global network