Lego for IoT

An IoT platform separates what you build from the technology underneath

IoT platforms are like Lego sets for the Internet of Things. They separate the construction of IoT systems from the underlying technology, which allows you to focus on building IoT solutions.

This article covers why an IoT platform is needed, how it is used, how you can use popular third-party platforms, and why you may need to build your own.

The benefits

What are the benefits of an IoT platform?

The Internet of Things is a rapidly growing industry that has the potential to transform how we live, work and play. The IoT platform is a key part of that ecosystem.

It allows you to connect devices such as smartphones, tablets and cars, or sensors such as those used for automation and tracking. IoT is an industry that is being incorporated into different sectors because of its success.

Its benefits come from five jobs the platform does for you.

What it does

Five jobs an IoT platform does for you

Connect hardware such as devices and sensors

An IoT platform helps connect hardware such as devices and sensors. It was created to make it easier for developers to connect their hardware with a company's catalog of services, and it is also a way for companies to connect their devices and sensors to other devices through the IoT. Three features make it popular among developers and companies:

Connectivity

Users can connect their device or sensor with other devices through the Internet.

Security

It is easy to keep your device safe from hackers or unauthorized users.

Data management

You can store and manage the data of your device without needing a third-party server.

Handle different software and hardware communication protocols

IoT platforms provide a central hub for all your IoT devices, allowing them to communicate with each other and with data centers. This means that the same device can be programmed for multiple applications: in a retail store, for example, the same devices on an IoT platform can be used by the sales staff, the security team and the maintenance crew, with no additional work required from each team member.

Provide authentication and security

As the IoT expands, so does the need for safe connections between users and devices. IoT platforms are designed to provide authentication and security for users and devices to tackle this problem.

These platforms are often used in conjunction with other tools, such as edge computing and cloud computing, because they can collect data from multiple sources. They can also analyze that data in real time to decide how best to connect users with their devices.

Collect and analyze data received from devices and sensors

The IoT platform is an essential part of your business because it helps collect and analyze the data received from devices and sensors. It also lets you access information from remote locations without traveling there or sending someone on your behalf.

Integrate business systems with web services

Integrating business systems with web services is critical to a company's success. For a company to grow and expand, it must be able to integrate its existing systems into new ones that help it reach its goals.

The IoT platform allows businesses to integrate their existing business systems with web services easily. It can help companies better connect with their customers, improve their efficiency and make more informed decisions.

On Thinger.io, each of these jobs has a page of its own.

Connectivity and protocols

Devices come online over the protocols they already speak: IOTMP, MQTT, HTTP, LoRaWAN, Sigfox and WebSockets. See Device Connectivity.

Authentication and security

SSO, MFA, mutual TLS and backups, from a company certified to ISO 27001. See Security & Operations.

Data you can read

Widgets on a grid, or a complete web app an AI agent writes, on your live data. See Dashboards.

Business systems

Endpoints are the platform's outgoing integrations: named destinations that rules, geofences and devices can call. See Alerts & Rules.

Why now

The IoT has been gaining popularity in recent years because IoT platforms offer a variety of benefits for businesses and consumers alike.

IoT platforms can help businesses collect data from their many devices and make that data available to their employees in real time, so they can monitor everything from energy consumption to product sales.

They also allow companies to customize their offerings for individual customers based on their preferences and buying habits. That creates personalized experiences that are more likely to lead to repeat purchases or referrals, which means more revenue.

The business case

Why should a business invest in an IoT platform?

There are many reasons why a business should invest in an IoT platform. Three stand out.

It makes your business more efficient

It gives you access to information you might not otherwise have, which helps you make better decisions about the direction of your company.

It lets you expand without hiring

You can expand your operations without hiring additional employees, which is particularly helpful with limited resources or when you need to scale up quickly.

Your customers reach you more easily

It makes it easier for your customers to interact with your company, which can mean more sales and better customer satisfaction overall.

A good way to understand the IoT is to explore what it is and where it can be used effectively and efficiently.

Where to start

Talk to an IoT expert

If your company is interested in IoT and its possibilities, an IoT expert from our team can help you find where to begin.

To see what companies build on an IoT platform, browse the case studies: projects running on Thinger.io, sector by sector.

Interested in using IoT in your company?

Tell us about your devices and your goals, and we will help you find where an IoT platform fits.

Contact an IoT expertSee plans