IoT Pilot Platforms

Evaluating the performance of 500 platforms is clearly a difficult, time-consuming process and it becomes an even more significant issue when two or more platforms are required. Users may elect to “play safe” and go with one of the heavy hitters. However – which one? This can also result in a platform that is expensive, over-engineered and not optimised for the particular solution requirement.

Beecham Research recognised the emergence of this issue and created a comprehensive database on the various platforms as well as a matching tool known as IoT Pilot. Users enter their baseline requirements and IoT Pilot is then employed to navigate the database and give the user a list of vendors whose products match the performance criteria.

Sample image of a pilot platform heat map

Performance parameters are analysed and presented in a structured way for all products, which facilitates comparisons. In addition, there is background information on the relevant vendors, bullet points on the key strengths and categories, together with a “heat map”. This is a 5 x 5 matrix (example above) comprising performance indicators mapped against generic platform functionality. These maps allow users to see a platform’s functionality and performance parameters and thereby obtain a holistic, memorable impression.

In a nutshell, the service replaces multiple product confusion with insightful clarity.

Analysis by:

An IoT platform is a software middleware suite that facilitates secure monitoring, control and analysis of device and sensor behaviour in the field. In essence, it provides an enabling layer between these connected devices/sensors and user applications. There are two main parts of a complete IoT platform – the part that manages the physical connectivity to the devices and other systems to ensure that essential data is collected (the Connectivity Management platform), and the part that processes the data (the Application Enablement platform). Although both parts are required for an IoT solution they are often provided by different vendors, reflecting their specific expertise.

The aim of an IoT platform is to reduce the time and cost of getting new IoT solutions built and implemented. There are several layers to an IoT solution and these are becoming increasingly complex as the market develops. The IoT platform takes advantage of the fact that the majority of what is needed in IoT solutions is the same and does not need to be redeveloped for every application. At least 80% of IoT solutions are made from common parts, so can be predesigned and made available through an IoT platform. The platform then also provides the means for customising and configuring the solution for a specific application need.

Your definitive monthly guide to finding the right IoT platform and understanding the fast-moving platforms market, from the team behind IoT Pilot – the independent, analyst-driven online IoT platform finder.