As you probably already know, IoT and Cloud Computing offers very distinctively features.
Both present a set of unique paths in today’s technology world.
Yet, these two are closely associated. When combined, they deliver compelling and unique innovation that will continue to alter how we store, manage, and interact with information as well as how we use our devices.
But before we venture into in-depth details on how cloud computing influences IoT or the other way round, we should clarify briefly on what is IoT and cloud computing.
Brief History on IoT and Cloud Computing
IoT in more specificallythe Internet of Things has been labeled as the next industrial revolution.
It’s a system where devices synchronize and provide users with the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-device interaction.
In other words, it has transformed the way we live, as well as how you interact with others today.
Quick Fact:
According to analysis firm Gartner, the number of IoT devices will hit 20.8 billion by 2020.
And here’s what makes cloud computing interesting.
It’s basically the backbone of everything IoT has to offer. Cloud computing allows IoT devices to store the data.
AMD & Gartner predicted that there will be more power to the Cloud by 2025.
It runs applications through a virtual system over a secure internet connection.
To know more about the cloud, you should definitely check out our guide.
Quick Fact:
Cloud computing is a collection of networked mainframe hardware that works together to provide many features of computing in the formation of online services.
As more businesses embrace IoT devices into their infrastructure, they will also have to alter the way they think about cloud computing.
In other words, what do companies have to prepare if they are looking to use IoT devices?
Do they have to use cloud computing as well?
Yes.To answer your question, yes; they have to.
To solve the problem of transferring vast amounts of data and minimizing stress, it is imperative to adopt cloud computing.
How Cloud Computing Can Resolve IoT’s Challenges
As IoT continues to grow, it will put a lot of strain into computing resources to support the high level of connectivity and data storage that IoT devices require. Not to mention, other important issues such as scalability, security, and other challenges will emerge.
Hence, the question – how do you deal with the level of resources needed to launch an IoT device?
Here’s how cloud computing can help.
We have identified a few insights on how cloud computing can resolve these issues.
1. Scalability and Visibility
There have been increased interactions between IoT devices and large volumes of data generated. This means that businesses using IoT devices must find a way to be cost-efficient to access, store and process data and scale resources to handle peaks of demand when necessary. So, this is where cloud providers come in. They ensure that their cloud software works adequately with these IoT devices. The cloud providers also ensure that they provide flexibility and scalability solutions to ensure that these IoT devices can produce extensive amounts of data and inconsistently manage infrastructure resources.
2. Smart Security
Data security will always be a concern when it comes to IoT devices. We are all constantly worried about sensitive data stored in our devices. Each of these IoT devices can be used as a gateway to access these confidential data. With the cloud, it emerges as a solution to improve data security with the detective, corrective, and preventive measurement controls. It also includes robust security criteria by implementing effective authentication and encryption protocols, so users do not have to worry. Not to mention, securing and managing the identity of users using IoT products can be achieved with the help of biometrics.
3. Efficient Collaboration
Another benefit of adopting cloud computing is that it enables productive collaboration that allows developers to store and access data remotely. By using the cloud, the developers can always access the data immediately and work on IoT development projects without delay.
Now, let’s take a look at the top cloud platforms that are being utilized and adopted for IoT development.
Top 11 Cloud Platforms for IoT
1. AWS (Amazon Web Services) Cloud Computing Services
Amazon is one of the top cloud providers in the world, and there’s a reason why they are. Besides their cloud storage services, they also offer reliable and scalable services for developers to collect data from IoT and Internet-connected products. They collect and send data to the cloud and then, analyze the information to manage the devices. We did a review on the Amazon cloud drive here.
Advantages
● Excellent integration with last offering.
● Flexible and open
Disadvantages
● A big learning curve for AWS
● 3 interruptions in the system in the last 2 years
● Not safe and secured for hosting critical enterprise applications
2. Thingworx 8 IoT Platform
Thingworx is one of the foremost IoT platforms for global industrial companies. Known to provide secure connectivity for IoT devices, it provides a faster and better experience that offers the functionality to develop, deploy, and increase industrial projects and apps.
Advantages
● Simple web page designs for customers
● Easy to control and manage devices
● Manageable connectivity solutions
Disadvantages
● Challenging to work with custom programs in C #
● Challenging to manage complex systems.
● There is a limitation to install edge program on a custom platform.
3. Microsoft Azure IoT Suite
Microsoft Azure is known to offer multiple services to construct IoT solutions. Its services enhance your productivity and profitability with pre-built connected solutions. It also analyzes untapped data to transform businesses. Azure Suite can efficiently analyze and execute on new data.
Advantages
● Offers third-party services such as SAP, Salesforce, Oracle, WebSphere, etc
● Scalable
● Secure
Disadvantages
● Requires constant management
● Pricey
● No support for bugs
4. Google Cloud’s IoT Platform
Google’s platform is one of the best platforms we currently have. Similar to Azure, it provides a platform for IoT solutions. It enables you to connect, store easily, and manage IoT data. This platform also helps you to scale your business. One of the main highlights of using their platform is that it can make things easier and faster.
Advantages
● Fastest input and output
● Access time is lesser
● Enables integration with other Google services
Disadvantages
● Most of the elements are Google technologies
● Limited choices in the programming languages
5. Oracle IoT Platform
Oracle presents the real-time Internet of Things data analysis and end-point management, as well as ‘high speed messaging’ where the user can get real-time notification directly on their devices. Oracle IoT cloud service is a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), cloud-based offering that supports you to make critical business decisions.
Advantages
● Secure and scalable
● Real-time insight
● Integrated
6. GE Predix IoT Platform
GE Predix is known to be the world’s first industrial platform. It was designed to target industrial factories and presents a simple ecosystem. It can also directly analyze data from the machine and store. Similar to Oracle, GE Predix is a Platform as a Service (PaaS). Their platform is secure and scalable.
Advantages
● Optimize operations and assets
● Presents key performance data
● Decreases unplanned downtime
● Real-time operational data
7. IBM Watson IoT Platform
IBM Watson’s robust platform is backed by IBM’s Bluemix and hybrid cloud PaaS development platform, which securely connects, manages, and analyzes IoT data. They provide easy sample apps and interfaces for IoT services and make it accessible for beginners. You can try out their sample to see how it works. This one of their unique features that makes them stand out from other IoT cloud platforms.
Advantages
● Real-time data exchange
● Secure Communication
Disadvantages
● Need a lot of maintenance
● Watson integration takes time
● Switching cost is high
8. Cisco IoT Cloud Connect
Cisco offers a cloud-based mobility suite that accelerates digital transformations, progress, and developments from your data. Slightly different from the other cloud providers, it provides solutions for mobile operators who are looking to develop extraordinary IoT experience.
Advantages
● Flexible deployment options for your devices
● Voice and data excellent connectivity
● Device and IP session report
9. Salesforce IoT Cloud
Powered by Salesforce Thunder, it collects information from websites, devices, and applications to trigger actions for real-time responses. A lot of IoT brands partner with Salesforce to improve customer service.
Advantages
● Real-time event processing
● Improved data collection
● Enhanced customer engagement
● Real-time event processing
● Easy User Interface designs
Disadvantages
● Limited flexibility in using the product
● Security liability limited
10. ThingSpeak IoT Platform
It is an open-source platform that enables you to store and collect sensor data to the cloud. It also comes with an app to visualize and analyze your data in the MatLab. You can either use Raspberry Pi, Beaglebone, or Arduino to transmit sensor data.
Advantages
● Easy to use visualization
● Enable additional features such as Node.js, Python and Ruby
● Event scheduling
Disadvantages
● Upload data is limited for API
● The API can be difficult for beginners
11. Kaa IoT Platform
Similar to Thingspeak, Kaa is “open-source. multipurpose, middleware platform for complete end-to-end IoT development and smart devices ”. One of its main highlights is that it can reduce risk, cost, and market time. Kaa also offers a range of IoT tools that can be quickly adopted and implemented for IoT uses cases.
Advantages
● Decrease development time
● The source is open and free
● Reduce marketing time
● Can handle millions of devices
● Ease of use
● Allow Third-party integration
● Excellent Data security
Disadvantages
● Can’t deploy PaaS model Applications
Final Thought
The integration of IoT and cloud computing is definitely one of the next big leaps in the world of the internet.
All of the above have one thing in common. Which is the usage of networking.
Without proper network infrastructure securitythe IoT will not be working.
New applications are overflowing due to his combination as they are opening further avenues for businesses and research.
Let’s hope that this unique combination will unveil a new paradigm for the future of multi-networking and open service platforms for all users.
We hope that as of now, you have understood what kind of role cloud computing plays as a technology that supports IoT’s true potential.
Cite Sources:
https://www.thorntech.com/2017/02/cloud-computing-foundation-internet-things/
https://solutionsreview.com/cloud-platforms/how-the-internet-of-things-will-affect-cloud-computing/
https://businessimpactinc.com/blog/how-the-cloud-iot-work-together/
https://dzone.com/articles/10-cloud-platforms-for-internet-of-things-iot
https://blog.resellerclub.com/what-is-the-role-of-cloud-computing-in-iot/
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