IoT, which connects various things to the internet, is rapidly spreading as a technology that enriches people's lives and solves business challenges. Here, we explain IoT platforms that support IoT systems, focusing on their functions, types, and specific examples.
What is an IoT Platform?
IoT adoption is progressing widely across fields from general households to manufacturing, logistics, • transportation, healthcare, and agriculture. An IoT platform is the foundation • base that supports the systems necessary for IoT services. By using an IoT platform, IoT systems can be built efficiently.
The content of IoT platforms varies by vendor platform, with diverse functions and service scopes. When adopting an IoT platform, it is important to select an appropriate platform according to your purpose.
Main Functions of IoT Platforms
IoT platforms have the following main functions. Note that available functions differ by platform.
IoT Device Connectivity
IoT services utilize various devices such as cameras, microphones, sensors, and gateways that pass information, depending on the purpose. IoT platforms play a role in connecting these devices to networks and integrating them as an organic system. As the primary function of IoT platforms, they are required to provide stable connections, including maintenance and troubleshooting support.
Remote Control • Management of IoT Devices
By connecting to an IoT platform, it becomes possible to control and manage IoT devices from Sites remote locations. In addition to operations such as power on/off, monitoring of operating status and alert notifications when abnormalities are detected can be managed via PC or smartphone.
Data Collection • Storage
Data collected by IoT devices can be transmitted to and stored on the IoT platform. By using cloud storage, massive amounts of data can be accommodated. Some systems also enable data utilization through integration with other services.
Data Visualization • Analysis
Collected data is visualized in an easy-to-review format. It can be displayed in real-time or organized into easy-to-view formats by changing the display format. Additionally, collected data can be processed and analyzed by applications on the IoT platform and utilized for IoT services.
Security Assurance
Security measures are important because large amounts of data are transmitted and received over networks. Platform security features help avoid risks such as unauthorized access, unauthorized operations, information leaks, and virus infections.
Types of IoT Platforms
IoT platforms can be classified into three types based on their coverage: horizontal, vertical, and all-in-one.
Horizontal Type
Horizontal platforms are highly versatile platforms that can be used across a wide range of industries, also called horizontal • full industry coverage type. They provide cloud service infrastructure and basic applications related to data collection • analysis. While focusing on basic functions, they have high scalability and can be customized to provide necessary functions.
A representative example of the horizontal type is a platform specialized in video analysis of surveillance cameras installed in Stations and convenience stores. It can be utilized across various industries that require security.
Vertical Type
Vertical platforms are platforms specialized for specific industries or operations. They can be classified into three types: vertical • full function coverage type, vertical • application provision type, and vertical • basic function provision type.
The vertical • full function coverage type provides all necessary functions as a set for use in one specific industry or operation. It provides not only the system operating environment but also the development environment in a one-stop manner, and provides support for developing • implementing new IoT services, as well as service operation and maintenance support. Operations can begin immediately after platform implementation.
The vertical • application provision type is the vertical • full function coverage type with the development • implementation • operation support portions removed. It is a platform that provides only the system operating environment. The vertical • basic function provision type is chosen when you want to use only specific functions of a specific industry more simply.
All-in-One Type
The all-in-one type is a platform that combines features of both horizontal and vertical types, packaging functions that can be used across various industries. In recent years, movements toward all-in-one platforms have become active, centered on overseas vendors such as Amazon and Microsoft, and partnerships between vendors are accelerating for this purpose.
Specific Examples of IoT Platforms
We introduce five platforms, both domestic and international, that are frequently used when implementing IoT.
Things Cloud (NTT Communications Corporation)
Things Cloud, provided by NTT Communications, is an IoT platform that packages all basic functions such as device connectivity and data collection and analysis, tailored to each business environment. With support at each stage, it is possible to build services suited to your purpose even without extensive specialized knowledge.
AWS IoT（Amazon Web Services）
AWS IoT, provided by Amazon Web Services, is an IoT platform used by many users worldwide. It integrates smoothly with existing services and supports the MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) communication protocol, enabling lightweight and speedy data communication.
Azure IoT（Microsoft）
Azure IoT, the IoT platform provided by Microsoft, is attractive for its integration with the company's cloud service Microsoft 365, real-time responses using AI, and the ability to use machine learning IoT platforms.
MindSphere (Siemens)
Siemens' MindSphere is an industrial IoT platform. It achieves enhanced functionality through partnerships with multiple vendors, and is characterized by high openness. It supports numerous communication protocols and applications to enable connection to various devices and business environments.
LANDLOG
LANDLOG is an IoT platform business company established with investments from four companies: Komatsu, NTT DOCOMO, SAP Japan, and Optim, providing the IoT platform LANDLOG specialized for the civil engineering • construction industry. Services supporting the civil engineering • construction industry are available, from building material inventory management to data analysis of terrain changes and staff work content.
Summary
As we have introduced, along with the widespread adoption of IoT services, a wide variety of IoT platform types have emerged. To fully realize the benefits of IoT, it is important to understand that selecting an appropriate IoT platform according to your company's purpose is crucial.