An IoT (Internet of Things) platform is a form of a middleware, which sits between the layers of IoT devices and IoT gateways. The IoT platform is important part of IoT deployment. It enables IoT device connectivity and network management, processing and analysis, security and access control, and application development.
IoT accomplishes a single mission which is interconnectivity. Whichever IoT platform is picked up for devices products connect to the cloud, based on that platform. Choosing IoT platform is a daunting task as IoT is enshrouded with mysteries and marketing buzzes. Following are some of the ways to choose the right IoT platform:
Measuring ROI (return on investment): Choosing the right platform for IoT device development is directly related to the ROI of the company. They should make a roadmap for the IoT development before opting for a platform. The total sum of expenditures for the IoT platform should be lower than the total revenue of the company.
Retrofitting the platform: Companies should not focus on single IoT device for development. They should ensure that their platform of choice is capable of being retrofitted for different purposes. IoT platforms provide numerous opportunities for networking between devices to retrofit the code to suit the need of the company.
Checking the update consistency: IoT platforms need constant updates as they can stagnate without it. Companies should check the update and development history of the IoT platform before committing to any of them. They should opt for popular, up-to-date, and flexible platforms to not to worry about development updates. Also, the development team behind the platform should be able to deliver bug fixes, customer support, and new features.
Delivering with versatility: Companies should not rely on one form of data delivery with IoT platforms. Problems as the power outage, connection error, a bad firmware update may happen and devices may become unusable. IoT platform that any company opts for, should have several delivery methods available as cloud, on-premise, and edge deliveries.
An unexpected update may corrupt the code and customers may get their data breach. Companies should have plans regarding the IoT platforms in advance.
