It is a time when having access to cutting-edge technology is now an option, and this is the age of the Internet of Things, which is modern-level technology at the forefront. The Internet of Things is gradually expanding, allowing businesses and industries an advantage. With the introduction of the IoT Development Platform, IoT devices have proved their value and created many new possibilities for companies and consumers. An IoT platform that manages and automatizes IoT devices. IoT platforms are software that brings all physical devices online. They bridge the gap between the hardware and the software. Due to the increasing demand for IOT platforms, you can expect price rises, making it difficult for any business to advance.
According to the reports, it’s expected to reach $13 billion in 2026. The cost of IOT is no longer a concern since various gratis IOT platforms are accessible. Various excellent free IOT platforms on the market are set to surpass your expectations by 2024. Keep reading for the complete list of IOT platforms for 2024 that can deliver high-quality services to companies.
What Do You Mean By IoT Platforms?
IoT platforms function as an essential middleware layer, facilitating communications, data processing, and application development for IoT devices. They are a complete system for connecting, capturing, and analyzing data, making developing and implementing IoT applications easier. These platforms are essential in the diverse IoT ecosystems and provide an ideal foundation for creative solutions.
An IoT platform controls the device’s connectivity and lets developers create innovative mobile applications. It helps acquire information from devices and allows businesses to transform. It connects various components and ensures a constant exchange of information between devices. The IoT platform assists in understanding the customer’s demands better and allows for the development of products to meet their needs. This platform gives companies more insight and transparency into business operations, allowing for more effective decision-making.
Benefits Of Using IoT Platforms
With the ever-changing landscape of technology in a rapidly changing world, the Internet of Things (IoT) is emerging as a transformational technology. It connects sensors, devices, and other systems to facilitate seamless data exchange and automatization. When industries and businesses harness IoT’s capabilities, it becomes clear that the value of solid IoT platforms is becoming increasingly apparent.
Streamlined Connectivity
IoT platforms function as a central platform that allows different gadgets and sensors to connect effectively. Whether it’s a group of industrial equipment or a cluster of smart devices for your home, an integrated IoT platform will ensure an uninterrupted data exchange and help create an integrated network.
Enhanced Data Management
IoT produces a vast quantity of data. Effective management of that information is essential to obtaining valuable data. IoT platforms offer advanced instruments for managing data that allow companies to organize and store massive amounts of data and then analyze them. This improves decision-making and will enable companies to spot patterns, trends, and abnormalities to aid in developing a strategic plan.
Improved Efficiency And Automation
With the help of IoT platforms, businesses can attain unprecedented productivity and efficiency. The platforms allow for the creation of automated processes and workflows that reduce the need for manual intervention and human error. As a result, whether it’s optimizing the logistics of supply chains, gauging the efficiency of equipment, or even regulating the consumption of energy, IoT platforms contribute to increased efficiency and effectiveness across various areas.
Real-Time Monitoring And Control
IoT platforms provide users with live monitoring and control features. Whether monitoring the effectiveness of devices connected to them, the progress of a manufacturing process, or assuring security for an intelligent home system, the devices offer instantaneous information. Data can help make quick, real-time decisions and enable a proactive approach to problem-solving and optimizing.
Scalability And Flexibility
The ever-changing nature of IoT requires scalability and adaptability in solutions. IoT platforms are built to scale quickly and can accommodate the introduction of new functions and devices without affecting current operations. This ability to scale ensures that companies can adapt to changes in requirements and expand their IoT deployments according to the need.
Increased Security
Security is an essential issue because IoT ecosystems require exchanging sensitive data. IoT platforms have solid security functions, such as data encryption measures, access control, and authentication methods. These security features protect the integrity and security of data while minimizing the dangers associated with unauthorized access and cyber-attacks.
Cost Efficiency
Implementing IoT applications with a central platform is simple and inexpensive. IoT platforms simplify the creation, implementation, management, and deployment of IoT applications, thus reducing the time and costs required to develop them. Additionally, the centralization of these platforms enables efficient resource use and optimizes operating costs overall.
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List Of The Top Free IOT Platforms
Suppose you’re looking to leverage the capabilities of IoT platforms to improve your company’s performance. In that case, this is the complete list of Best IoT Platforms that you can look through and compare the benefits of each platform to make the right choice.
ThingsBoard
ThingsBoard is recognized as an open-source solution designed to support ambitious ideas. Whether a beginner or a veteran developer, ThingsBoard provides a wide range of tools for managing, connecting, and analyzing the devices you connect to without putting a dent in your pocket.
Key Features:
- Monitor, register, identify, and manage your IoT devices, from actuators and sensors to industrial and gateways.
- It is easy to collect and save data from your devices regardless of which communication protocol they employ (MQTT, HTTP, LORA, etc.).
- Develop insightful dashboards and reports that display your real-time data, monitor trends, and detect patterns.
- Create automated notifications and actions based on the information you have to enable proactive control of your data and help you make decisions.
- Get timely notifications for critical incidents and abnormalities, ensuring rapid problem responses.
- Your data and infrastructure are safe with robust security procedures and an adaptable platform capable of accommodating massive deployments.
- Enhance the platform’s functionality by adding custom widgets or integrations with external services such as analytical tools and databases.
OpenRemote
The OpenRemote platform is a free IoT platform that allows you to create crowd control, energy management, and other apps. The software’s capabilities include auto-division provisioning for Android and iOS, multi-tenancy, multiple accounts, and the ability to edit flow. The IoT platform has a standard interface to manage the data, sensors, and controls associated with each of them.
Key Features:
- Integration of asset types across a broad range of kinds of assets.
- Support for MQTT and HTTP standard protocols and specific protocols like KNX, which are used to connect IoT devices.
- It’s a simple interface you can personalize to control, automate, and manage processes, apps, and appliances.
- The smartphone application connects to the push notification system and other phone services.
Kaa IoT Platform
Kaa IoT Platform stands out for its comprehensive and scalable solution to bring your IoT designs to fruition. The platform provides tools to manage, connect, and analyze data from connected devices while offering a platform to build and run effective IoT applications.
Key Features:
Register, onboard, and track your device collection on various platforms and protocols. Set up device behaviour, transmit commands via remote, and then implement firmware and software updates over the air.
- Use secure and reliable communications protocols such as MQTT, HTTP, and CoAP to guarantee seamless data exchange between devices and the cloud.
- Store, organize, analyze, and display device information using pre-integrated dashboards and tools. Use this valuable information to improve operations, identify maintenance needs, and customize user experience.
- Develop complex IoT applications using an advanced SDK and visually driven development tools. Connect to current IT platforms, third-party APIs, and the most popular data platforms.
- Kaa has an open API and a modular design, which allow customization and integration with your preferred technology and workflows.
- Made with security in mind, Kaa implements strong authentication security, encryption, and access control to safeguard your devices and data.
SiteWhere
Through the SiteWhere open-source IOT platform, organizations can develop and deploy flexible Internet of Things applications to speed up the introduction of new services and products. Integrates for MongoDB, Hortonworks, HBase, Clouder, Twilio, and Apache Solr and can be deployed on major cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure. SiteWhere is also able to integrate Stomp, MQTT, and protocols. Users can also create widgets for their devices by self-registering them or registering in bulk. In addition, SiteWhere allows the provisioning of Kubernetes clusters.
Key Features:
The SiteWhere instance could be used to determine the value of any IoT application.
- Bringing spring into the game can be a robust structural IoT Development Framework.
- Widgets can be manually added via REST services or in bulk.
- Utilizing InfluxDB for the storage of event data.
- Use MQTT, Stomp, AMQP, and other protocols to link devices.
Zetta
Zetta distinguishes itself from other IoT platforms because of its distinctive emphasis on API-first development. Building strong APIs to integrate devices, data, and apps seamlessly is a priority, which allows developers to develop fully interoperable and flexible IoT solutions.
Key Features:
- Zetta provides tools to discover the devices, manage their registration, and manage diverse types of devices with support for various protocols and communication techniques.
- Zetta offers features to collect, store, process, and analyze information from mobile devices. It is compatible with various databases and features the tools to visualize data and provide real-time analysis.
- Zetta’s API-driven design lets developers build customized applications. It offers a variety of software and libraries that support several programming languages, making the development process faster and more efficient.
- Zetta is a security-focused company implementing secure authentication, authorization, and encryption techniques to safeguard devices, information, and applications.
- Zetta is built to be scalable according to your needs, quickly handling massive data streams and devices. It can be installed on various hardware platforms and in the cloud.
Node-RED
If you’re interested in applications driven by events, Node-RED is an excellent alternative for IOT platforms. Users can connect to APIs, hardware, and even online services with it. The Node-RED Internet of Things platform, a browser-based flow editor, can join the flow in a snap. This is because its base is Node.js, and flows are designed and saved using JSON, allowing you to import and share them quickly and efficiently.
Key Features:
APIs, cloud-based systems, and physical I/O connectivity.
- It has a unique flow editor that’s very easy to operate.
- Every single node serves a clearly defined role or goal.
Thinger.io
Thinger.io is a mighty competitor in the field of free-source IoT platforms. Its goal is to open up the creation and administration of devices connected to the internet. Whether you’re an experienced maker or just a tinkerer with a keen eye, Thinger.io offers a compelling combination of user-friendly and advanced capabilities to help make your innovative ideas a reality.
Key Features:
- Thinger.io’s remarkable connection range supports devices with APIs, serial ports, web sockets, and specific protocols. It is a proper party for all kinds of devices!
- Control all of your IoT ecosystem with the same central hub. Connect, monitor, manage, and analyze your devices using the easy-to-use Thinger.io interface.
- Save, organize, and display your valuable data using efficient charting and dashboards. Gain insights into your device’s performance, user behaviour, and environmental conditions that will inform your actions and decisions.
- Develop dynamic dashboards based on your particular needs. Drag-and-drop widgets, live information updates, and custom alerts allow you to see the most important things at a glance.
- Manage your devices and gain access to information on the move via the Thinger.io mobile application. Make commands, verify for sensor reads, and upgrade resources all in your palm.
Blynk IoT
The Blynk IoT platform provides easy-to-use tools to manage electronic devices connected to the Internet. It is the only platform that provides the complete infrastructure needed for IoT development and native applications designed for mobile platforms. The platform offers pre-configured IoT capabilities that allow rapid prototyping and seamless transformations into production-ready applications.
Key Features:
- Develop native mobile apps using simple codes. Stores can release white-labeled apps.
- It has comprehensive connectivity with hardware. It is compatible with over 400 hardware modules and several library applications that interface with them.
- Numerous connectivity options are available, including WiFi, Ethernet, Cellular, Serial, USB, and Bluetooth.
- Web console for users that is easy to use and has robust capabilities.
ThingSpeak
ThingSpeak, a free IoT platform, lets you use MATLAB analysis and visualize the results without purchasing Mathworks licenses. It creates IoT applications and gathers and saves sensor data in the cloud. ThingSpeak is compatible with Arduino, Particle Photon, and Electron, the ESP8266 WiFi and Bluetooth Module, Raspberry Pi, Twitter, Twilio, and MATLAB to transfer cloud-based data. It typically targets sensor logging, location tracking, warnings, triggers, and analysis.
Key Features:
- Make use of private channels to collect information.
- The data should be shared with the public on channels.
- APIs for MQTT and REST.
- Analysis and visualizations with MATLAB.
- Integrations of apps with integration.
Mainflux
Mainflux is a robust and open-source platform designed to help bring your connected concepts to life. Mainflux offers comprehensive tools to help businesses and developers, from securing devices and information to creating sophisticated apps.
Key Features:
- Benefit from open-source software’s control, transparency, and community support without the limitations associated with proprietary software.
- Install Mainflux on-premises, in the cloud, or even on edge, according to your needs. It will automatically scale as the project expands.
- Nginx reverses proxy and mutual TLS authentication, which provides secure communication and data security.
- Go builds Mainflux to ensure speed and security. It handles data processing and device management using a minimum of resources.
- Flexible and independent microservices permit easy integration and customization with various tools and technologies.
- HTTP, MQTT, WebSocket, and CoAP allow connections with various gateways and devices.
- Monitor, register, identify, and manage connected devices via the central hub.
- Store, organize, analyze, and present data through your devices, getting important insights while making informed decision-making.
- Automate the custom IoT App Development Services process easily using built-in functions and development tools. Whether you’re a mobile application development company or an individual creator, these platforms provide complete features that allow you to design custom solutions.
Arduino
Arduino is the most well-known name for open-source IoT software and hardware applications. The hardware palette comprises various shields, boards, and transporters. In the case of Arduino IoT Cloud, IoT devices are configured to be programmed, plugged in, and communicate to cloud-based IoT dashboards. Through the Arduino program, IDE1 and IDE2 are both built-in development environments. Because of the hardware and software, Arduino is a straightforward IoT platform.
Key Features:
- Arduino offers the ability to access a web-based dashboard, allowing you to create an edge-to-edge architecture for IOT projects.
- The ability to process real-time data makes Arduino the ideal tool for processing real-time data.
- The program is easy to use, and it is economical.
Altair SmartWorks
Altair SmartWorks is a household name within the IOT industry. It is one of the best free IoT platforms on the list of cost-free but most reliable IoT platforms that provide high-quality solutions from start to finish. It lets you create and manage apps, develop reports for data collection, handle data collection, and manage the devices. Apart from managing devices, it also offers features such as alarms, triggers, listeners, and custom alarms.
Key Features:
- SmartWorks works with various equipment, including sensor gateways.
- The REST API lets you transmit JSON or XML information.
How To Select The Best (Internet Of Things) IoT Platforms
The appropriate Internet of Things (IoT) platform is crucial to the success of your plan. So many choices are available that deciding where to start is hard. However, don’t worry! These are the most essential tips to help you navigate the thrilling realm of IoT platforms and find the ideal match for your needs.
Set Out Your Project’s Goals And Requirements
Before discussing the platform’s specifics, consider what you hope to achieve through the IoT project. What kind of data are you gathering? How many devices will be required to connect? How much scalability or security will you need? Answering these questions will help you better understand your platform’s requirements.
Think About Your Expertise In The Field
Are you an experienced developer or just a novice? Some platforms offer drag-and-drop interfaces and visual programming tools, while others require coding expertise. Pick a platform compatible with your level of proficiency to prevent disappointment and facilitate a smooth development process.
Examine The Features And Functions Of The Platform
After you understand what you require, begin exploring the capabilities offered by the various platforms. Find essential functions such as IoT device control, data visualization security protocols, and application toolkits for enablement. Choose the most critical features for the specific task you are working on and avoid excessive bells and whistles.
Research Pricing Models And Scalability
IoT platforms offer a wide range of pricing options, from free tiers that provide only a few features to paid-as-you-go and enterprise-level subscriptions. Pick a pricing model that suits your budget and growth opportunities.
Make Sure That The Software Is Compatible And Has Community Support
Ensure the software you select can be used with the equipment and software you intend to install. In addition, a large group of users and developers will be invaluable in identifying issues and finding solutions to your queries. Find platforms that have active forums, documentation, and tutorials.
Be Sure To Take a Test Of The Drive
Many platforms provide free trials or versions with limited features, so you should use them! Try different platforms to determine which is the most user-friendly and intuitive. These hands-on experiences can aid you in making an informed choice.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Internet of Things (IoT) platforms constantly evolve, with the potential for creativity and effectiveness. Selecting the appropriate IoT platform is crucial when businesses navigate the challenges of an increasingly connected world. The benefits of using IoT platforms’ software are vast, with improved connectivity, streamlined information management, increased efficiency, and many other benefits that can help drive the digital revolution.
The top attributes offered by the most reliable IoT platforms are also crucial. From robust device management to advanced analytics to rigorous security protocols, interoperability, and more, these functions are the foundation of a solid and future-proof IoT ecosystem. Scaling up seamlessly, supporting edge computing, and providing users with a friendly interface are among the most effective platforms in the current competitive environment.
IoT is a vast and thrilling field that is full of possibilities. Knowing the purpose of IoT platforms and analyzing the opportunities available is the first step toward unleashing the full potential of connected devices. Be aware that choosing the best platform isn’t only about the features. It’s about choosing the right one for your specific desires and needs.
Build smart solutions and enhance your business proficiency using our high-end IoT app development services.
Pooja Upadhyay
Director Of People Operations & Client Relations
