IoT (Internet of Things) reflects both challenges and opportunities. In the next few years, revenue from IoT will be doubled. This means that companies involved in IoT are going to make a lot of money. Do not make false assumptions because getting rich quickly isn’t a shortcut.
Only jump into the field with an understanding of the best practices. This could be the cause of your failure. It’s not rocket science, but you will get better results if your team is well-prepared and educated. This is the place to be if you want to learn about IoT.
According to FMI-Future Market Insights, the IoT sales in the product development sector are estimated at US$35 billion. It is expected to grow at a 14.5% CAGR between 2023 and 2033[1]. By the end of 2033, the IoT market will likely increase in value by 155.8 Billion.
Statisticians predict that 75 billion IoT-connected devices will exist by 2020. This explosion of IoT devices has now spread to every corner of the globe. The majority of IoT-connected devices are media and consumer IoT. Understanding the IoT ecosystem’s rapid growth and how it can be integrated into business processes is essential. In product development, the Internet of Things (IoT) can improve operational efficiency, provide data-driven insights, and enhance customer experience.
Why is IoT important?
The Internet of Things (IoT) comes with considerable challenges and a great opportunity. IoT revenues and devices are expected to double in the next few years. Companies that develop IoT devices are set to reap the benefits quickly.
However, IoT is not a scheme to “get rich fast” or rush into the gold rush. IoT projects that are launched with the knowledge of best practices will succeed.
You’ll have a much better chance of success if you prepare and educate yourself and your team. Discover everything you need to succeed in your product development with this Guide to IoT app development Frameworks and Best Practices. You’ll find:
- Best Practices
- Development paradigms
- IoT development frameworks
- Use cases
Defining IoT!
What is the Internet of Things? What is the relationship between it and other buzzwords, such as machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI)?
IoT is the term used to describe the vast network that allows devices to connect to the Internet and exchange data in real-time. IoT also includes “traditional” computing tools such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. The term is most commonly used to describe hardware that has Internet connectivity.
It includes cardiac monitors, biochips, industrial sensors, security cameras, and TVs. IoT consists of any device with an IP address that sends and receives data via a network.
IoT and artificial intelligence are closely connected and influence one another. IoT collects data via smart applications that are connected to physical assets. Machine learning then uses this data to create better artificial intelligence. IoT will improve as AI advances since devices can now use AI to perform more complex tasks.
IoT simplifies, eases, and improves your life by adding Internet connectivity to previously “dumb” gadgets. IoT has a significant impact on the way people work, live, and play.
Smart home devices like light bulbs and thermostats can be programmed to turn on and off automatically. You can, for example, turn your thermostat off during the day to save money and energy. Turn it on again as soon as you get home from work.
Small monitors and sensors mounted on manufacturing equipment can detect warning signals and performance declines before humans notice them. It helps prevent unscheduled maintenance, reduces downtime, and improves manufacturing efficiency.
IoT devices for healthcare can provide physicians with real-time updates of patients’ vital indicators. Examples include blood pressure cuffs and glucose meters.
Open-Source and Premium IoT Frameworks
You can choose between various IoT frameworks, including premium options like Amazon Web Services IoT (AWS IoT) and Microsoft.NET, or open-source alternatives like Zetta and ThingSpeak. These services are cloud-based desktop and cloud-based desktop applications that offer everything you need to create, deploy, and manage IoT infrastructure and devices. Some services help you manage, secure, and control your devices from the cloud.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both premium and open-source options. Premium options are usually easy to install, have great support, and guarantee uptime. On the other hand, open-source options offer more flexibility and are less dependent on one vendor but require more effort to set up. Your unique situation, budget, and resources will determine your best option.
Examples of IoT Transforming Markets
Self-service beer kiosks are just one example of an IoT solution that could transform the industry. This section will discuss some more innovative IoT uses.
Consumer Internet of Things
Recently, we partnered with Koller Products to create the first Internet-connected desktop Aquarium. Pet fish owners can check the temperature of their aquarium remotely, adjust the color and schedule of the lighting, etc., using a mobile application.
The team at Very needed to combine their hardware, software, and firmware knowledge to build the Smart Tank. Koller and Very held daily meetings and a series of sprints at the start of the project. They were able to develop a solid product roadmap. Our developers used C++, React Native, and iOS/Android to develop a mobile application that met our clients’ needs, wants, and objectives.
IoT & Customer Experience
IoT can benefit not only you but also your employees and customers. You can create a great real-world experience by gathering data from smart devices.
Businesses can use IoT devices to provide personalized options to customers. Regular customers of a local café might receive a message from the “smart coffee machine.” The coffee machine will ask if the customer wants their order ready tomorrow morning.
IoT consumer products are designed to reduce the daily grind. Smart fridges or pet food dispensers may contain sensors to order your favorite brands if you run out automatically. Smart cars can also detect possible part failures in advance. They can then contact a mechanic and set up an appointment.
Industrial IoT (IIoT)
IoT will have a significant impact on homes and offices. As we move towards Industry 4.0, the manufacturing sector is expected to be shaken.
The “smart factory” concept is what Industry 4.0 means. IoT systems can monitor physical processes, create virtual copies of the real world, and make decentralized decisions. Industrial IoT is the use of IoT for manufacturing and industry.
IIoT devices, for example, facilitate the use of digital twin technology. This is done by making it easy to collect and curate data about a device’s current state and performance.
GE’s Predix platform was used to deploy almost 1 million digital twins, from jet engines to turbines. Companies can create intricate virtual replicas using 24 sensors that track thousands of parameters. It is easier to predict the engine’s behavior and plan preventive maintenance.
By monitoring workers’ behavior on the job, IoT devices can also improve their efficiency, safety, and productivity.
What to Look For in an IoT Development Framework?
What is essential to one person may not be relevant to another. You should look for some qualities in any IoT solution, no matter what framework it is.
Security
A network of IoT devices must have a high level of security. IoT devices are responsible for storing, processing, and collecting all data types, including personal and business information. These include customer records, bank statements, invoices, and transactions. If this information is misused, the IoT company will be held responsible.
Invest in an IoT Framework with all the features you need to protect your IoT Data (e.g., data encryption, minimum requirements for password strength, automated security policies).
Flexibility
Select an IoT Framework that allows you to scale quickly and with little effort. It means that you can instantly add, remove, and modify services without jumping through hoops to get to where you want. You should be able to control the way your IoT framework works.
Future-Proof
Select an IoT Framework that will add value to your company over the long term. It is essential to choose a framework that will last as long as your business needs it. If a venture fails, many players in the technology industry will discontinue products or services. It is especially evident in the IoT sector, where companies like Google have decided to retire their Google Cloud IoT Core services.
Price
Ensure you understand the pricing model for the IoT framework you plan to use. Some frameworks have a fixed monthly fee, while others are pay-as-you-go, meaning you pay only for what you need.
Open-source platforms can be completely free. This may sound appealing at first, and in some cases it is. However, this comes at the expense of developer support.
Waterfall Vs. Agile: IoT Development
Agile and Waterfall are the two main frameworks used for IoT software development. The waterfall is a framework that requires a linear development process. A series of steps accompany every phase of the project.
The Agile framework was created for Waterfall critics. The sceptics suggested that it is possible for a problem to be overlooked once the project is complete. The Agile IoT framework allows teams to break each element into its smallest, controllable units and create value over time.
Agile Development
A report claims that some developers created the Agile manifesto to protest the Waterfall framework. The document was a comprehensive list of everything they wanted in the IoT product development process. The authors noted explicitly what they would like to have.
- Above all (tools or techniques), people and connections are the most important.
- The document titled Functional Operating System is lengthy.
- Instead of fighting over an agreement, try to work with your customers.
Accepting changes is better than sticking to a plan.
These were the concepts that guided the Agile methodology. Agile is a method that prioritizes adaptability, speed, and collaboration with cross-functional platforms.
Agile breaks down the IoT into small chunks or sessions called sprints. These usually last between 1 and 4 weeks. The task is then assigned to each team member during the sprint. The most important thing is that team members coordinate their daily tasks with each other. If any issues arise, they resolve them immediately.
How IoT products are developed will majorly impact the final result. Agile, when compared to the other model, is more flexible and adaptable. Agile models prioritize user testing and feedback while delivering working products quickly.
Waterfall Development
The Waterfall framework has been used for years to develop IoT hardware and software. According to this framework, development proceeds sequentially. It looks like a Waterfall pouring over a sharp crest. There is only one way to move forward if the current stage or first phase works. It’s highly unlikely that you will ever move to the previous stage.
The stages of the Waterfall Framework are:
- Gathering requirements
- Plan and analyze
- Designing
- The Development of the Developing Countries
- Testing
- Deployment
Waterfall IoT development frameworks define the result early and map the entire process from beginning to end. This project can help you achieve a more organized look on edge. You can identify the Waterfall’s shortcomings. You may need to start over if you decide to expand your project scope or if there is a significant problem. It won’t accept any feedback from customers or clients.
If we are talking about testing, it is best to do this as soon as your project has been completed. Group members can only be sure that the output they receive is real and usable once the project has ended. This implies that working with the Waterfall Framework can be dangerous.
Agile and IoT Go Together Perfectly
There are better choices than waterfall when developing IoT. Agile is preferred when developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The MVP is a proof-of-concept showing your idea’s viability and feasibility. It is a great way to get feedback from users and clients.
Using the previous example, imagine you wanted to design and build a car entirely from scratch. In the traditional development model, you would simultaneously design and manufacture components like the engine and chassis. This method would not deliver a functioning product until late in development.
Think about why you are building the vehicle: to travel from one place to another.
Start by building an MVP that can transport users (e.g., an electric skateboard). You would then add new features and create intermediate products (e.g., Scooters and motorcycles). This may seem expensive and time-consuming for physical products, but it is the most efficient method of building an IoT system.
Yes, IoT solutions do involve physical products. A proper IoT is not dependent on any particular hardware. IoT is more of a software-based system.
Look at the problem in its broadest context when planning an IoT-based solution. You will likely find that commodity hardware is the best solution for your immediate needs. Remember that this only works when the software performs properly and provides the best user experience.
It will be easy to swap out new hardware once the software infrastructure has been set up. This will allow for quicker product release cycles.
Top Frameworks to Develop IoT
This list includes some of the most common IoT frameworks available today. This list, which includes proprietary IoT Frameworks and open-source IoT Frameworks, will allow you to better understand each framework’s unique features and ideal use-case scenarios.
Kaa IoT
Kaa IoT is an open-source framework that offers flexible IoT app development services for users to set up their IoT Infrastructure. They include services for device connectivity, management, data collection and processing, data analytics, data visualization, alerts, notifications, configuration management, and more.
Open-source software allows users to customize existing Kaa functions, add new ones, or replace them with selected third-party features. Kaa’s flexible microservices-based architecture allows users to customize each service to suit their needs.
Microsoft.Net
Microsoft.NET, an open-source IoT Platform, is used to build, test, and deploy cloud platform applications and IoT applications. Users can build C# and.NET applications that run on single-board computers like Raspberry Pi, HummingBoard, and Pine A64. .NET offers a variety of libraries that developers can use to build IoT apps that are compatible with third-party and proprietary IoT devices like sensors, gateways, and input devices.
After users have developed and deployed IoT apps, they can connect, monitor, and manage their IoT devices on the Microsoft Azure IoT Suite. This centralized dashboard allows real-time bi-directional communication from browser to server.
Amazon Web Services IoT
AWS IoT Core, one of the many proprietary IoT Frameworks, provides a wide range of services that help users set up, deploy, and manage their IoT Solutions.
The services can be divided into device software, connectivity and controls services, and analytics. IoT software allows users to connect and manage connected devices at the edge. Connectivity and control services enable users to secure, manage, and control their devices via the cloud. Analytics services would allow users to quickly and easily gain insights from IoT data.
Users can manage all of these services from the AWS Management console. AWS IoT has a unique feature known as the rules engine. This allows users to receive, filter, and analyze raw data and then direct it to multiple sources.
Zetta
Zetta is an open-source platform that allows users to build Application Programming Interfaces for IoT systems. It is free to download and use, but it requires some knowledge of Node.js. AddWeb Solution has experience with this programming language. Zetta allows users to define their IoT devices as state machines. This means the devices will respond to user inputs based on their current state.
It is also beneficial for IoT since there are many situations in which IoT needs to respond to user inputs or situations. For example, a sensor installed on a car that must alert a fleet manager of an engine problem. Users can use Zetta to expose WebSocket Endpoints. This lets them send information between a browser and server in real-time.
Thingspeak
ThingSpeak, an open-source platform, allows users to create applications based on the data collected from their sensors. The platform allows creating applications that help with real-time data gathering, visualization, and processing.
ThingSpeak Channel is one of the most essential features. It’s a set of proprietary channels that allow the user to choose where their data will be sent and stored. Each channel has up to eight fields, including a status field, three location fields, and 8 data fields. The user can distribute data to the desired channel, then process it and retrieve data at any point. ThingSpeak is a perfect solution for IoT owners who want to protect their collected data.
Top Software for IoT Development
If you want to build and release reliable IoT applications for comfort and solving problems, then quality IoT development frameworks and procedures are necessary. The developers must have experience building IoT apps, from choosing suitable cloud systems and programming languages to defining IoT architecture settings.
Many developers have already surpassed the competition in terms of upskilling themselves to stay relevant and future-proof their careers. Imagine you are a developer who wants to get into IoT development services. You must know a few programming languages to enter the IoT application development services.
Python
Python is a popular language for IoT development due to its easy syntax and code understanding. It is compatible with all types of programming, including object-oriented, functional, and structured.
Python is compatible with other languages such as Java, C++, and Windows. It can also be used with programming languages like Java or C++. Thanks to its extensive library and community support, Python is the developer’s favorite language. Python is perfect for IoT development tasks that require extensive data analysis.
Java
Java is most commonly used for IoT application development. It was the most widely used programming language in 2019, with an aggregate rating of 16.61 percent. This programming language has been used to power nearly three billion gadgets.
Java is popular because it allows code to be run anywhere and on any device. With Java, programmers can write code once and run it on any device (from mobile phones to wearable devices) that supports the language.
Java is also object-oriented and can be used to develop cloud and edge software using node JS. Java’s extensive library and interoperable functionality make it an excellent programming language for IoT services.
Lua
Wasn’t Lua the programming language you expected to find on this list? It is still unavoidable because of its capabilities and qualities for the IoT ecosystem.
Lua, for the uninitiated, is a high-level, general-purpose programming language. Its primary purpose is to support the embedded software systems market. The host client can only use the programming language.
Lua’s frameworks, like Node, are among its most essential features. Developers can use this framework to create IoT apps and integrate IoT capabilities into systems. This includes, for example, portability and battery efficiency.
The Key Takeaway
IoT is a benefit to businesses, consumers, and the government. Intelligent speakers, 5G, and machine learning are all new technologies and tools to improve efficiency at home and in the workplace.
The IoT will continue to grow and radically impact every business. The IoT industry is expected to grow to more than 3 trillion annually by combining all everyday objects with an internet connection.
AddWeb Solution, a leading IoT application development company specializes in the development of IoT framework. We develop advanced user solutions to meet both low-level requirements and high-level purposes. We strive to provide IoT products that are feature-rich, high-quality, and secure.
We offer firmware development, including BIOS settings, API utilities, and interconnected IoT systems. We can also help you migrate your existing device drivers to another hardware platform or a different operating system.
