Introduction to IoT and Its Significance
The process of consolidating devices into virtual pools and providing users with their functionality significantly enhances the productivity of these devices compared to traditional models of information-isolated applications. This opens up new opportunities for implementing business models such as equipment lifecycle contracts, transportation as a service, security as a service, and more.
The Role of IoT Platforms
These platforms are a key element of the Internet of Things, acting as intermediaries. Devices and components can transmit data in various formats using a variety of communication protocols. Through an abstraction mechanism, the acquired information can be used in other parts of the value creation chain.
Cloud Management and Its Capabilities
IoT represents a complex of interconnected cloud-based services that manage connection objects without human intervention. This cloud management includes functions of both basic and enterprise management systems. In other words, IoT serves as a universal tool for integrating and implementing the most complex management algorithms.
Programming Interfaces and Data
Open programming interfaces (APIs) allow connecting various devices and automated control systems (ACS) to the cloud management service without the need for modification. This also simplifies the processing of data that comes to the cloud service using templates or standard application development tools. The IoT platform accumulates historical data from devices and ACS and uses machine learning technologies to automate the modernization of management algorithms, which is unavailable to traditional information-isolated systems.
Transition to IoT: Changes and Challenges
Transitioning to IoT does not require significant changes in existing devices or substantial investments in their improvement or replacement. However, it is necessary to reconsider approaches to using devices, transform the methods of accumulation, storage, and processing of device information, as well as rethink the role of humans in data collection and device management processes.
Classification of IoT Platforms
According to the classification by Berg Insight and First Analysis, a significant part of IoT platforms falls into one or more of the following categories:
- Platforms managing communications;
- Platforms managing networks/data/subscribers;
- Platforms managing various types of devices;
- Platforms that enable application functionality (Application Enablement Platforms, AEP);
- Platforms for application development (Application Development Platforms, ADP).
Major IoT Platform Manufacturers
The major manufacturers of IoT platforms include companies such as PTC, SAP, Microsoft, and Telit.