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Understanding IoT Platforms: Basics, Vendors, and Companies

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This page provides an introduction to IoT platforms, covering the basics and listing some key vendors and companies in the space.

Definition:

In general terms, an IoT platform refers to the software components that provide an interface between sensors and applications.

  • It helps in deploying applications within the IoT domain.
  • These applications monitor, control, and manage IoT devices.
  • The platform facilitates remote data collection from IoT sensors.
  • The IoT platform also helps establish secure connectivity between IoT devices.

IoT Platform

As we know, IoT devices and IoT applications are individually connected to the IoT cloud. The IoT platform makes it possible for them to communicate, thus enabling interoperability between devices and applications.

Figure 1 depicts the key components of an IoT platform, including the sensor interface, application programming interfaces (APIs), security features, and adherence to standards based on various wireless technologies.

IoT Platform Vendors | IoT Platform Companies

The following table lists several IoT platform vendors and companies along with their respective product offerings.

IoT Platform Vendors or CompaniesDescription
AmazonAmazon Web Services (AWS) provides a device SDK and secure device-based gateway. It helps connect different types of sensors from various application profiles with the cloud.
MicrosoftAzure IoT Suite incorporates previous Azure stream analytics capabilities, which helps in processing large amounts of data.
IBMIBM Watson helps in device management, secure communication, real-time data exchange, and data storage.
CiscoCisco IoT Cloud Connect provides data and voice connectivity for mobile operators, among others.
SalesforceThe Salesforce IoT platform solution assists in customer engagement. It helps in pushing messages to customers after collecting data from websites, sensors, and other IoT devices.
OracleThe Oracle Internet of Things Platform enables real-time analysis of IoT data. It collects data from IoT applications and provides notifications to IoT-connected devices automatically.
General ElectricPredix is an IoT platform that aids in the development of applications that use real-time data for further analysis and accurate decision-making in a shorter time period.