THE AUTHOR:
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a generic name for all smart devices and equipment that connect to the Internet and allow humans to transform and use data effectively and quickly. The IoT goes alongside the latest innovations and technology because it involves all hardware and software that promotes digital transformation and improvement.
Today, any successful company is dependent on IoT solutions that introduce plenty of advantages to business processes, for example:
Better customer support. The use of chat bots lets customers feel needed and wanted as they get proper assistance anytime and avoid handling their problems on their own.
Lower risks. Many smart systems, including those used in self-driving vehicles, are programmed to warn about oncoming problems beforehand, thus giving users some time to avert or fix it.
Increased attention and care. AI software applied by numerous clinical institutions greatly helps to improve doctor-patient interaction and allows for more accurate and error-free monitoring of a patient’s health state.
The IoT has a purely positive impact on evolving businesses that give up on traditional production methods and adopt digital strategies to retain their competitive edge.
Here are four software development practices that lots of thriving IoT companies rely on.
1. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
IaC is one of the ways to automate operational practices and achieve optimal performance. It requires developing a new technology architecture that takes into consideration numerous aspects of a workflow. Programmable infrastructure involves the implementation of smart practices through code development that eventually leads to flexible operations and more automated processes. IaC also protects the company’s value with the algorithms that enhance security and authentication levels. For that reason, it is particularly beneficial for a newly founded software development company to choose the right IoT strategies that eventually will drive positive changes to the company’s development.
2. Agile: Ideal match for the IoT
Unlike Waterfall, Agile approach puts projects at less risk as it promotes responsiveness to change as soon as an issue takes place. The IoT is a lot similar to Agile as it requires looking at product design from a larger perspective. It avoids dividing a software development lifecycle into stages and sticking to a strict blueprint until the final product is obtained. By contrast, the IoT places an emphasis on the viability of your idea and provides for better control over potential risks as much as it gives more space to deal with errors faster if they exist.
The IoT is neither software nor a specific strategy that can lay a good foundation for your business growth. What underlies the IoT is basically a bunch of rules that enable you to set up favorable conditions to streamline your services with the help of an IoT platform.
Computools
Software Solutions
Computools is an IT Consulting and Custom Software Development Company that designs solutions to help companies meet the needs of tomorrow. Our clients represent a wide range of industries, including retail, finance, healthcare, consumer service, logistics and more.
3. The importance of scalability
Considering the current tremendous growth of the IoT industry, one cannot deny the fact that the application of this technology is definitely going to rise in the near future occupying new fields of human life, changing the lifestyle of new generations, and setting new trends. As a result, the number of interconnected devices is also expected to grow exponentially. With these thoughts in mind, modern organizations should put scalability in the center of their software development in order to be able to keep up with emerging trends in the IoT world. This means that their leading designers and engineers should be able to predict the future demand for IoT devices and generate evergreen solutions to keep them operational for as long as possible.
4. Rock-solid data protection
Even the most sensational and beneficial technology can turn into maleficent innovation if the issue of security has been not considered as something invaluable. In the world full of cybercriminals, insufficient efforts to ensure the security of products can overthrow even commercial giants with a proven reputation for data protection and customer confidentiality. Although establishing the IoT security at the highest level is a very complicated software development process, you cannot just omit this stage and rely on chance. There are different ways for IT organizations to keep their IoT products safe while making all the data they store and transfer inaccessible to third parties. The most common data protection strategies include extensive use of cloud servers, the introduction of multilevel security systems, and providing all their smart devices with authentications and identity management properties.
What are the biggest barriers to a top-level IoT solution?
When developing a smart IoT solution, the company’s path to success is not going to be smooth and flat. Talent scarcity is always mentioned among the top challenges commonly faced by modern IT companies specializing in software development and IoT in particular. This can be explained by the fact that the majority of all developers and designers are involved in traditional development practices and have no motivation to learn about new IoT platforms. Also, the issue of complex updates is another huge problem for many companies, as they tend to be multilevel and time-consuming. Moreover, you cannot ignore the standardization processes as all your smart devices must be created within a standardized framework. Obvious challenges with ensuring adequate security and establishing efficient data storage and analytics practices must be also mentioned here.
How does the IoT benefit companies?
The IoT has a substantial impact on the digital economy. Device connectivity makes numerous web businesses operate worldwide and gives many industries an impetus to grow. Any result of digital transformation starts with the opportunities coming from the IoT that acts as a core where any innovation or new technology starts. It is also the reason why such giants as Amazon, Google, Facebook, etc. rule the digital world.
The omnipresence of IoT systems lies in its compatibility. Whatever technology your business chooses, you are bound to deal with big amounts of data and security that are both dependent on the IoT. Consumer experience is also largely affected by the IoT. High-speed systems help businesses show excellent results in sales, whereas outdated and traditional systems fail to retain power within their niche.
Future projections for the IoT global market
The number of IoT startups around the globe grows year by year. Such strong demand for IoT services is above all explained by an intense growth of e-commerce and digital technology in recent years. The IoT news reports that the number of IoT devices now exceeds the worldwide population and is expected to reach 46 billion by the year 2025. It makes one thing very clear. Out of all technologies, the IoT is undoubtedly the number one.
Want to improve customer support, reduce risks, and boost business performance with the Internet of Things? Contact us at info@computools.com. Our experts can help and provide solutions tailored to your business.
Computools was selected through an RFP process. They were shortlisted and selected from between 5 other suppliers. Computools has worked thoroughly and timely to solve all security issues and launch as agreed. Their expertise is impressive.