How to achieve out-of-the box global IoT connectivity

Last updated: 26 January 2023

The IoT world is developing at a tremendous pace, but while Cisco estimates that there will be more than 50 billion connected devices by 2020 globally, at the end of 2019 we’re only at 9 billion. So, what’s causing this discrepancy in expectations versus reality and what are the factors affecting global mass IoT adoption?

The success of IoT projects is often hindered by a range of challenges related to increased technical complexity and having to deal with multiple partners and MNOs. This involves negotiating network space for new IoT devices with multiple network operators, estimating the data processing capacity of the device, making adequate arrangements with cloud service vendors as well as liaising with security providers to ensure secure connectivity. These obstacles are often the cause of slow adoption and failure to deliver the promised business advantages.

To release the benefits of the IoT, organizations need to navigate through this complex ecosystem and through a fragmented value chain, which is the key reason for the incredibly long time to market that IoT projects experience. However, Cisco Industry Survey 2017 finds that 60% of companies substantially underestimate the complexities of building an IoT service or product.

Challenges when connecting IoT devices to the cloud

Organizations need to be able to connect their devices and ingest the data into their back-end systems quickly and efficiently, to be able to make business decisions based on the insights gained. However, they face numerous challenges along the way which hinder the development of their IoT solutions.

In particular, sensors and devices that are part of an IoT ecosystem require many steps and decisions to connect to data analysis platforms via cellular networks. Some of these include, but are not restricted to:

  • Hardware design, application and development, targeting the correct geographical area
  • Implementing a suitable secure protocol for scalable data transmission
  • Managing rate plans and device data utilization
  • Selecting, onboarding and maintaining a suitable cloud platform
  • Ensuring device lifecycle management and security

To implement the above requirements, organizations need to make sure they have the appropriate disciplines and skillsets for the project. However, these could often lead to long development times, as in today’s fast-moving environment this could mean that by the time the company has ensured the right talent, the original business case may no longer be applicable.

How can we simplify this process and achieve IoT success?

There is an alternative way to develop IoT services, by simplifying the steps and streamlining the ecosystem to reduce complexity. It can be achieved with Intelligent Cloud Connect, an IoT solution, which we’ve developed in partnership with IoT connectivity provider Eseye to reduce new product development timelines from two years to six months.

Intelligent Cloud Connect is the world’s first family of integrated IoT modules solution that vastly simplifies IoT device design and deployment. It allows device manufacturers to develop a single IoT product SKU for any industry that can connect to over 700 mobile networks. Furthermore, it is the only AWS-qualified IoT solution that can deliver global connectivity with near 100% uptime, while offering seamless data provisioning to AWS IoT Core.

The platform handles zero-touch IoT security certification as well as lifecycle device management, allowing you to manage global fleets of devices through a ‘single pane of glass’. The complexity of balancing bandwidth, data plans and negotiating multiple MNO contracts is completely removed, providing you with one single bill for Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) messages. Intelligent Cloud Connect provides a flexible, cost-effective solution to quickly launch enterprise optimization products, even for developers with little or no IoT experience.

Having a well-thought design and development strategy is essential for the success of your IoT project. Early technology decisions can make or break projects. That’s why it’s important to be able to rely on a solution that solves the challenging IoT pain points and positions your organization for success.

If you’d like to know more about the world’s first plug and play IoT solution that automatically, directly and securely connects with AWS, visit our joint booth with Eseye at AWS re:Invent in Las Vegas this week. You can also book a demonstration, which will provide you with a first-hand experience of the Intelligent Cloud Platform.  To find out what our partnership with Eseye means for the IoT industry, click here.

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