The IoT platform market has developed rapidly in recent years.
Numerous niche providers have given way, while a few powerful platforms have established themselves, capable of meeting the demands of the future. These platforms enable device manufacturers to efficiently process data streams, utilize open APIs for developing and deploying applications, and ideally also support payment processing for microservices – a crucial factor given the growing importance of monetizing IoT services.
This table and the additional information give an idea about an very important selecting process for the appropriate IoT platform for your specific requirements.
Explanations of criteria:
- Data Streaming: Describes the platform’s ability to efficiently capture and process data from devices in real time.
- Open API: Indicates whether the platform provides open interfaces (APIs) that enable the development of applications and integration with other systems.
- Microservice Support & Payment Processing: Shows whether the platform supports the development and operation of microservices and whether functions for payment processing are available for monetizing IoT services.
- Special Features: Highlights specific characteristics and focuses of the respective platform.
Platform | Data Streaming | Open API | Microservice Support & Payment Processing | Special Features | Strengths | Weaknesses |
AWS IoT | AWS IoT Core: Secure connection, real-time streaming | Comprehensive SDKs & APIs (various languages) | AWS Lambda, API Gateway, ECS; Amazon Pay Integration | Very scalable, high reliability, broad range of services, large community, integration with other AWS services | High scalability, comprehensive services, strong integration into the AWS ecosystem, mature tools | complex and costly for smaller projects, steep learning curve for services |
Azure IoT | Azure IoT Hub: Bidirectional communication, telemetry | SDKs & APIs (various platforms/languages) | Azure Functions, API Management, AKS; Azure Marketplace/other payment providers | Good integration with Microsoft products, strong security features, comprehensive ecosystem, focus on enterprise solutions | Strong security features, good integration with Microsoft products, comprehensive ecosystem, good for hybrid cloud scenarios | complex for beginners, binding to the Microsoft ecosystem |
Google Cloud IoT | Google Cloud IoT Core: Secure connection, data streaming | Extensive APIs & SDKs | Cloud Functions, Cloud Run, GKE; Google Pay Integration | Strong analysis and machine learning functions, good scalability, innovative technologies, good integration with other Google Cloud services | Strong analysis and machine learning functions, good scalability, innovative technologies, competitive prices, good integration into the Google Cloud ecosystem | less mature/ less focus on industrial IoT compared to other providers |
ThingWorx | Data connectivity through various protocols | APIs for integrations | Support for microservices, but payment processing less of a focus | Focus on industrial IoT applications, visual development tools for rapid application development, strong focus on IIoT (Industrial IoT) | Rapid application development through visual tools, strong focus on industrial use cases, good integration with PTC products like Creo and Windchill | less flexible for general IoT applications, less focus on cloud-native approaches compared to the large cloud providers |
Overview by google gemini; Prompt: “Which platforms are suitable for IoT – i.e., which can be used by smart device manufacturers to stream data, and have an open API so that various applications can be developed and made available – which can then be used by others if necessary. Ideally, the platform should support device setup by users, two-factor authentication and other security features, as well as payments from the microservices.”
I checked the awnsers but remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution, and the best choice depends on your individual needs. It is recommended to study the providers’ documentation and, if necessary, try out trial versions.
Some additional points for selection:
- Edge Computing Support: Some platforms offer special solutions for data processing directly on the devices (edge computing). This can be important for applications with low latency or limited connectivity.
- MQTT: An important protocol in the IoT field is MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). Most of the platforms mentioned support MQTT.
- Eco System: Customers increasingly prefer open systems that allow them to utilize devices from various manufacturers. While this offers greater customer flexibility and reduces vendor lock-in, it also presents a challenge for manufacturers who may prefer to retain customers within their own product ecosystem. This dynamic should be carefully considered when defining the overall product strategy..
- Device Management: The platform should enable simple and efficient management of large numbers of devices (e.g., provisioning, configuration, monitoring).
- Security: Robust security mechanisms to protect data and devices are essential.
- Cost Structure: The pricing models of the various platforms vary greatly. It is important to consider the costs in relation to the required functions and the expected data volume.
- Community and Support: An active community and good support can be very helpful in the development and operation of IoT solutions.
It also depends from the Use Cases especially if you focus on a specific business case which refers to specific functions including AI solutions or mobile integration with an “App Development Platform”.
So, have fun in your pioneering projects!