Translated by: iot101
Author: Adrian Caceres
(CTO, VP of Engineering, and Co-founder, Ayla Networks)
IoT Think Tank Published
Please cite the source and origin when reprinting
—— [Introduction] ——
How to choose an IoT platform to speed up the creation of your connected products? This article provides some suggestions.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is not a new technology, but rather the application of existing technologies in new contexts and use cases. For this reason, it is easy for people to think that creating a connected product is not that difficult. This assumption is extremely wrong.
The IoT is, in fact, a network of interconnected systems. Implementing IoT requires coordinating communication and operations among all these systems, which is extremely complex: enabling sensors to connect products, various cloud platforms and networks, and using mobile or web applications to control connected products and monitor their status.
More importantly, IoT products themselves lack the computing, memory, and storage capabilities similar to connected computers and mobile devices.
Based on these challenges, manufacturers are best advised to choose a comprehensive IoT platform when designing and building IoT products. A good IoT platform technology will specifically address the required functionalities of IoT products, allowing manufacturers to focus on their core competencies to build the best connected products.
Eight Questions to Ask IoT Platform Providers
Finding answers to some key questions can help you choose a suitable IoT platform to speed up your creation of connected products. Here are some questions to consider:
What is your IoT security strategy? Question 1
Undoubtedly, security is a primary concern for almost every manufacturer when building IoT products. From connected products to cloud platforms to mobile or web applications, IoT platform technology must consider enterprise-level security based on the overall architecture of the platform.
Some end-to-end integrated, standards-based technologies should include:
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AAA-level security
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Network security from device to cloud
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User app security to wireless networks
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Cloud platform security
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Device security including authentication and up-to-date certificates
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Application authentication
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Data encryption
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Data protection locally, in transit, and in the cloud
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Secure session initiation
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Specific dialogues for secure upgrades, including wireless (OTA) communication
How do you handle mobile/web application development? Question 2
Too many manufacturers overlook application development during the IoT product development process, which is a significant mistake. Because mobile/web applications determine the user experience of IoT products, customers will judge the success or failure of connected products based on them.
IoT platform providers do not need full-time mobile application developers, but an ideal IoT platform should include tools to accelerate and integrate application development, as well as other IoT technologies. It is also best to have an ecosystem specifically for application developers, who can customize and personalize applications.
Additionally, IoT platform providers should offer role-based access control (RBAC) capabilities. This allows connected products to accept control based on different individual “objects” – whether in an organization or a household – or based on conditions such as time and place.
Does your IoT platform have enough flexibility for unknowns in the future? Question 3
Generally speaking, technology, especially IoT technology, is advancing rapidly. It is a process of discarding the old and constantly facing challenges.
IoT platforms must have flexibility and technology that will not become obsolete. No matter what new features, protocols, or even new technologies are needed or emerge in the future, an IoT platform should ensure that your connected products will not be stuck in a technological dead end.
Agile IoT platforms will be based on open standards – their vendors should clearly commit to keeping up with the evolution and development of IoT technologies, protocols, and standards.
IoT platforms are designed to provide end-to-end software, enabling device manufacturers (such as refrigerator and thermostat manufacturers) to not only develop smart products but also provide end users with simple, reliable IoT services.
What happens when we want to significantly increase the number of our connected products? Question 4
Connecting a few products is already challenging enough, so when the scale of connected products increases to thousands, millions, or even IoT devices predicted to reach hundreds of millions in the next five years, the situation becomes even more complex.
The scalability of IoT is not only reflected in the number of devices but also needs to be reflected in the cloud, software applications, data, security, reliability, latency, user experience, and even support levels.
How long does it take to launch a connected product? Question 5
An IoT platform provider should be able to accelerate your time to market for connected products, but be wary of unrealistic time estimates.
Do not plan your connected product’s timeline based on experiences from traditional products. The design process of IoT products must consider all factors, including firmware development, wireless communication, cloud operations, mobile/web application development, and end-to-end security.
An ideal IoT platform provider has a good standard: a single connected product may take 9 months to a year to reach the market, while products using gateways may take 12 to 18 months.
Additionally, ensure there is sufficient time for field testing. For simple connected products, leading IoT platform providers should spend at least three months on field testing, while more complex IoT solutions may require six months. Rigorous field testing is the only way to discover errors and security vulnerabilities.
How will our connected products interoperate with other connected products, various cloud infrastructures, and third-party services? Question 6
For IoT products to fully realize their potential, they must interoperate as widely as possible with other connected products, including different manufacturers and services like energy management, weather forecasting, environmental conditions, and traffic reporting.
Like scalability and security, interoperability is built-in and cannot be “added” later. When evaluating an IoT platform, the one that can provide clear and definitive answers to the question, “How will your connected products interoperate with other connected products, other devices and services, and other future possibilities?” is the one you should be looking for.
What will happen if there are issues with power or network connectivity? Question 7
When there are issues with power or network connectivity, scheduled arrangements and instructions cannot be disrupted. An IoT platform needs to have an “self-care” operational design, even without network access.
For example, end users should trust that their door locks will not fail to let strangers in (or block authorized persons out), and they should still be able to turn lights on or off even during a network failure.
Who owns the data generated by our connected products? Question 8
The answer you should get from the IoT platform provider is very simple: You should own the data generated by your connected products. Ensure that the IoT platform provider does not retain ownership of any aspect of your data. Otherwise, the greatest value hidden behind the data of IoT will not be accessible to you as a manufacturer.
There are still more questions:
Of course, there are many other important questions to ask IoT solution providers, such as latency and responsiveness, customer support, how to handle data generated by connected products, and more.
It is also important to note that potential platform providers should ask you questions. They should try to understand your use case, your expectations, your budget, and your overall IoT strategy.
The IoT is a big deal. Deploying it casually without proper planning could lead to a disaster of money and time. However, if done right, it can help you gain market share, generate new revenue streams, and even design and build products in a completely different way.
Asking the right questions from the start will help you choose the right path.
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