There has been a rise in the number of IoT projects being undertaken by various organizations presently. The internet of things has led to increased productivity with the automation of simple tasks that would have otherwise derailed the production process. But what makes IoT systems effective? Are there some considerations that a developer needs to pay attention to so that whatever they come up with becomes effective?
Well, developing a project requires specific tools and other related provisions, which are available in an IOT platform. Therefore, whenever you intend to create a project, you need to be vigilant while selecting the apt platform.
Usually, most developers select platforms based on their purchasing thresholds since they design and create the projects for sale. A good platform is significant in ensuring the effectiveness of the project. In this article, we will explore some of the aspects you need to consider while choosing an IoT platform.
Tips for Selecting IoT Platforms
Whether you are a beginner or have been conversant with the IoT projects, the tips below will help you choose an appropriate platform.
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Establish the involvement frequency in the platform
The activity regularity of a platform defines the experience and hence its reliability. First, you can determine the level of involvement by the number of users a platform has attracted. If there are several of them, it shows the level of trust people have developed on the platform. The most probable reason that could have caused sustenance of clients is the quality of services the platform offers. Other factors that define the eminence of a platform include the frequent updates, operation times, communication efficiency from the support team, and availability of several tools, among others.
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Determine the price of the platform
Different platforms offer IoT development services at different prices depending on the scope of your project. Usually, a project development process involves several stages, each of which comes with an associated price. From the prototype development to its testing, and then the actual design, associated costs should determine the reliability of the platform.
You should ensure that the platform you select has affordable services; otherwise, expensive service might lead to inefficiencies in the development processes. Besides, the platform should have well-defined price models with no concealed costs.
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Security measures integrated into the platform
Security threats are the major issue facing most of the IoT projects. Threats from hackers where they hijack vulnerable projects, among others, should be what worries you as the designer of a project. For instance, most projects that are designed to connect to public networks such as spy cameras are the most vulnerable.
Determining the security measures put across by the specific service provider is essential while selecting a platform. The IoT platform provider should have well put across security measures such as API authentication techniques.
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Performance rate of the platform
Every IoT platform should offer a dependable level of performance by supporting several functionalities. The features present in a platform should correspond to the requirements of your projects. For example, if you intend to create an IT-related project, you should look for a platform that supports data processing, analysis, and storage.
Besides, if you are dealing with a project such as checking the environmental factors of a place like the humidity, light intensity or temperature, then the kind of a platform you select should support programming various sensors including light sensors, temperature sensors, etc.
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Determine the platform’s protocol
Usually, different projects support different protocols that form the basis of their development. While some require complex protocols, others are simple, and hence lightweight ones would be more suitable. Therefore, you need to establish the most appropriate protocol for your project, which will enable you to select the right platform.
Let’s say, for instance, you are designing a project on a smart garage door. This project is compatible with the HTTP protocol more so during the early stages of development due to its simplicity. As you progress with the development process, the project might become more complex, and therefore you might need to choose other enduring protocols, for instance, the Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP).
Various IoT projects might necessitate for different platforms depending on their specifications. Currently, most enterprises are focusing on advanced IoT projects that represent the future. Therefore, as you look for an IoT platform, you need to consider its suitability in the contemporary world.
