Choosing the right IoT cloud service provider can be confusing if you’re looking for one to advance your business and technology ecosystem.
Choosing the right IoT cloud services provider is more than choosing based on cost. A quality IoT partner should offer you everything from a strategy that adds value to your business to well-supported devices, reliable installations, and responsive customer service when you need it.
The thing is, finding a great partner can be easy work. You shouldn’t have to trawl through the Internet to find your business’s best Internet of Things (IoT) cloud service provider.
Read this article, and we’ll point you in the direction of the top IoT service provider companies out there. Then, it’s up to you to decide which fits your needs and budget best.
You should read this post to understand what the Internet of Things is, why it is important for advanced businesses, How to choose the right IoT cloud service provider, and make an informed conclusion.
Understanding "Internet of Things (IoT)" Technology
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a scenario in which objects, animals, and humans are all given unique identifiers (IP addresses) and the ability to communicate over a network without needing human-to-human or human-to-computer contact. The Internet, micro-electromechanical systems, and wireless technologies have given rise to the Internet of Things.
An object in the “IoT” ecosystem can be a human with a heart monitor implant, an animal with a biochip transponder, or a car with built-in sensors that inform the driver if something is wrong. Put another way, it can be any natural or artificial item assigned an IP address.
It serves as a secure link between devices and the Internet. This platform provides a suite of tools for managing remote devices. The IoT cloud platform should be able to handle large amounts of data generated by various devices.
The user can configure the devices with a cloud system for bilateral communication. It can allow users to move data from their devices to the cloud and vice versa.
This bidirectional data transfer method should be simple and secure for a suitable IoT cloud platform.
IoT is Changing the Game
The revolutionary aspect of the “Internet of Things” is not the internet itself but rather the ever-changing nature of the “things” we create. Connecting things is developing new value in ways that were not conceivable just a few years ago. In various domains, such as business, service, and innovation, IoT supports the development of new landscapes that will foster innovation and economic growth.
Unlocking the Potential of IoT
“If you think the internet has changed your business and life, think again about it. The Internet of Things (IoT) will change it again!”
IoT allows businesses to enable and expand digital business scenarios and connect customers, processes, and M2M assets more effectively. Using IoT, companies can utilize data more effectively.
IoT focuses on increasing machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity based on cloud computing and networks of information-collecting sensors. It is a mobile, virtual, and immediate connection. According to experts, “The Internet of Things” has all the features that enable people to make intelligent decisions and live better lives.
Factors to Consider for Choosing IoT Provider
There are a few basic features that you may use to compare different IoT cloud platforms.
An excellent IoT cloud service provider should be able to cover all bases, remain adaptable, and appropriately store and stream data. Below are some variables to consider while comparing and selecting the best.
Scalability
An IoT cloud platform’s job is to simultaneously support millions of device connections. Users should be able to set up devices for machine-to-machine communication. Each service provider claims that it can handle millions of data connections.
However, you must proceed cautiously here, opt for a platform with a proven track record of good uptime, and be open about downtime. To check the uptime, visit the service provider’s platform status page. You should also look into how they handled previous downtimes.
You should be aware of the types of customers they deal with. The ideal service provider keeps track of the performance of the clients’ devices and assists them with scaling as needed.
Features of Devices Management
When looking for the best IoT cloud service provider, consider how well the platform can monitor, manage, and segregate edge devices. You’ll need a device management solution to get the correct data and information from your devices.
This device management solution should be able to communicate with IoT devices’ native software and microprocessors. To have comprehensive control over your remote machines, check for the following fundamental features:
- Cloud API: It allows you to separate your fleet for granular control, check the health of your devices in real-time, and appropriately organize each unit.
- Device command and control: A cloud-based service lets you control events and variables using an API structure.
- Developer tools: A set of tools or a central interface that allows you to reprogram and manage your IoT devices remotely.
- Event logs: Using this interface, you may monitor the operation of your devices in real-time and retrieve valuable data.
- Remote diagnostics: This function allows you to actively check the health of your devices and take preventative measures in the event of warnings or faults.
Over-the-air Firmware Updates
Over-the-air (OTA) firmware is remotely updating code on an embedded device. It’s one of the most critical aspects of an IoT cloud platform. With this option,
- You can test new features by updating one or more linked devices.
- With this unified and smooth interface, you can save money by managing firmware across your whole fleet of devices.
- Developers may reliably deploy products more frequently and evaluate their functionality when firmware upgrades are released.
- They can improve product scalability by adding additional features and infrastructure.
Some IoT cloud platforms may claim to provide this function but to get the best, you must check all these factors. OTA capabilities must be integrated with embedded devices and device management systems to perform correctly.
You should speak with the service provider’s sales representative to determine whether the OTA update feature works properly. It involves intricate coordination of device firmware, IoT hardware, IoT device cloud, and network connectivity. To avoid any temporary disturbance, you should get it tested with the help of an IoT cloud expert.
End-to-end System Integration
You must ensure the IoT cloud provider can integrate all the complicated features and components required for a complete IoT system. Carriers, cellular modems, firmware updates, device diagnostics, cloud connections, application layers, RTOS, and security are examples.
This should be combined into a simple bundle, so your team is not concerned about anything. You can ask your specialist engineers for assistance in understanding the comprehensive system integrations and comparing them to other providers.
Security
Integrating data streams and IoT sensors processes terabytes of data, which could lead to a slew of security and privacy vulnerabilities. The challenge of maintaining, owning, and safeguarding numerous data points should be considered.
You should investigate how your IoT cloud service provider addressed previous privacy and security concerns. Some of the most significant security features to consider when selecting a service provider are:
- Two-factor authentication: Your account must be protected by the IoT cloud platform. Choose an IoT cloud platform that requires two-factor authentication for users to access devices.
- Hardware keys: Each connected device should have its private key to prevent unwanted access.
- Controls for role-based access: In real-time, you’ll need an interface to assign and manage role-based access to your team members.
- No open ports: No incoming ports should be available to allow for data theft or attack.
- Encrypted messages: Ensure that every message sent between devices is secure and encrypted.
Data Management
You’ll need IoT solutions with all the data management systems built in. It should be capable of storing, processing, and analyzing data efficiently. A good IoT cloud platform can aggregate data from various devices to provide comprehensive corporate insight and analytics.
Ensure that the cloud platform’s architecture allows for the smooth integration of device data with current services.
Conclusion
With the support of cloud professionals, one must conduct significant research and assess each function and tool. Individuals or businesses that go through these research methods can choose the best option and make sure that their IoT services run well.
The Internet of Things is a fast-growing technology. There is potential to increase revenue and profits, improve efficiency and flexibility, enhance customer experience and satisfaction, and gain a competitive edge.
Cocolevio is one of the reputable IoT cloud service providers in Texas, among others. The company is best known for its broad range of technology services in oil and gas, transportation, hospitality, healthcare, banking, and other sectors.
