To avoid fallout from internet connectivity outages, here’s what you need to do.

Our world today is defined by digital dependence and constant connectivity, and enterprises face many challenges, including cyber threats and infrastructure vulnerabilities. Robust network resilience has never been more crucial. As a cellular connectivity provider at the forefront of mobile and IoT connectivity, we understand the importance of safeguarding against disruptions, and our solutions are geared for this. Here’s how.

Resilience refers to a network’s ability to detect, respond to, recover from, and adapt to faults and challenges to normal operation without downtime or functionality loss. It is crucial for success and longevity.

David Farquharson, founder and CEO of iONLINE Connected Networks, an enterprise private LTE/5G provider supplying IoT connectivity solutions globally, likens a lack of network resilience to trying to drive a car without fuel: it simply won’t move and is a risky game to play.

He says: “Clients are looking to grow, expand, and scale their businesses and without network resilience, their operations can come to a complete standstill. This impacts not only the availability of their products but also their brand reputation and financial performance.”

A resilience plan is essential to mitigate risks, Farquharson adds.

“This is where our role becomes critical. By providing resilient solutions, we prepare our customers for the inevitable challenges, ensuring that, when faced with disruptions, they can continue to operate smoothly.”

Resilience failure in real life

Farquharson exemplifies this with the recent widespread outage experienced by AT&T in the USA, which left thousands of companies without connectivity.

“In the USA, our solution aggregates all three major carriers, enabling multi-carrier resilience on a single SIM. So, when AT&T’s network went down recently, our clients experienced zero downtime. As an example, one of our clients is NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. At the time of this AT&T outage, NOAA was able to continue reporting on weather systems and patterns and provide forecasts and warnings without interruption – crucial information on which a lot of people depend. Without the resilience of our solution, this would not have been the case.”

A similar situation was also seen recently when the subsea cables off the African coast were severed. “Thousands of companies went down when their supporting network was impacted, but iONLINE’s network did not,” Farquharson explains. “Our connectivity solution continued unhindered. Our SIMs can connect to multiple carriers, with multiple breakouts to different links, making our network highly resilient. This allowed us to maintain connectivity for our clients.”

iONLINE recently launched FlexiSIM, its intelligent network switching (eUICC) SIM, in the USA. Offering multi-network resilience, FlexiSIM provides local and global connectivity, always ensuring the best connection, regardless of location. It connects in more than 189 countries, on over 700 carriers.

FlexiSIM: an ideal solution for enterprises

FlexiSIM is a network IoT SIM with tens of thousands of unique connectivity options differentiated by country, carrier, interconnect, breakout, price, and more. While traditional global SIMs break out at a single location, FlexiSIM breaks out locally in-country, decreasing latency and improving performance. It can be remotely updated with new carrier information over the air, controlling in which countries and to which carriers it can connect.

Several international organizations already benefit from FlexiSIM, including NOAA, Fujifilm, AIoTSense, and Fidelity ADT. Fidelity ADT is the largest security services provider to large-scale enterprises in Southern Africa. They use thousands of FlexiSIM SIM cards to run their operations and keep their staff, the public, and the assets in their care safe. This includes critical infrastructure such as airports, government, health and education departments, as well as hospitality venues, casinos, shopping centres, and residential housing estates and their occupants.

Resilience cannot be overlooked

“The recent massive outages in the USA and Africa are a stark reminder of the importance of network resilience,” says Farquharson. “Connectivity is so much more than a service; it’s the lifeline of modern enterprises; fueling operations, empowering innovation and connecting us globally. iONLINE is proud that, amid widespread disruptions, our clients remained not just operational but ahead of the pack, flourishing where others faltered.”

To find out how FlexiSIM can help your business, schedule a free demo with one of our connectivity experts.

You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook, where we share insights, trends, use cases, and industry news every week.

For more information on FlexiSIM or to schedule an interview with a company representative, contact Cory Mabry, Global Marketing & Communications Specialist at iONLINE, at cory@ionlinesp.com.

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Introduction

The energy sector is transforming as companies embrace green and sustainable solutions to address environmental challenges, reduce pollution, and combat climate change. The (IoT) enables optimized power distribution, efficient utilization of renewable energy, and effective energy consumption monitoring. This article will explore the impact of IoT solutions on the sustainable energy market and discuss key technology trends shaping the industry.

Sustainable Energy Market Size and Growth

The global green energy market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the shift from non-renewable energy sources to renewable alternatives. According to research by Nester, the market is likely to generate approximately $250 billion in revenue by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 9% from 2023 to 2035. In 2022 alone, this market generated approximately $100 billion in revenue. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports a 45% increase in annual renewable capacity additions in 2020 – the fastest pace in almost twenty years – and nearly 280 Gigawatts (GW). The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) also indicates that despite the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 saw a 6% increase in total installed renewable power capacity globally.

Growth Drivers and Challenges

Numerous factors are fueling the expansion of the green energy market. These include a heightened public awareness and preference for green energy sources to meet their electricity needs, proactive government steps toward sustainability, the imperative to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the growing adoption of electric vehicles, and rapid urbanization. However, significant challenges include the high initial investment required for developing new green energy sources, volatile climate conditions, and skilled worker shortages.

Green Solutions for the Energy Market

The sustainable energy market encompasses various solutions and technologies prioritizing environmental responsibility and sustainability. Let’s delve into propelling the ongoing transformation.

Renewable Energy Sources

Sources of renewable energy like wind, solar, hydroelectricity, geothermal, and biomass play a crucial role in the transition to green energy. Solar power has seen significant growth, with falling costs and advancements in solar panel technologies. The wind power sector is growing with the development of ever-larger and more efficient wind turbines.

Sustainable Fuels

Sustainable fuels offer an alternative to fossil fuels. Sustainable fuels come from organic and typically carbon-neutral materials such as plants and algae, reducing GHG emissions. Hydrogen-based fuels and technology, including hydrogen fuel cells, are gaining considerable attention as a promising clean energy alternative.

Energy Storage

Battery technologies like lithium-ion batteries are already widely used for short-term energy storage, but there is growing emphasis on developing extended durability battery solutions. Additionally, long-duration storage solutions, such as pumped hydro storage and compressed air storage, are being explored to address renewable energy sources’ daily and seasonal variability.

Predictive Maintenance and Asset Management

IoT technology revolutionizes the energy sector by empowering predictive maintenance and asset management capabilities. IoT systems effectively monitor asset performance and health by harnessing real-time data from embedded sensors within energy infrastructure, including wind turbines and solar farms. This monitoring allows for proactive maintenance, detecting potential issues before they become critical, and optimizing asset performance for maximum efficiency and longevity.

Case Study: Drone-Based Oil Rig Surveys

As part of the bridge from today’s energy system to tomorrow’s energy system, conventional energy firms are working to make their operations more efficient and sustainable. Softeq worked with Sky-Futures, a company specializing in , to develop a workflow management system for oil rig inspections. The goal was to create a solution that would process images and videos captured by drones during inspections, making equipment monitoring more cost-effective for oil and gas companies.

Softeq developed a secure customer portal with a proprietary Machine Learning-powered back end. This system is a versatile platform for automating order management, document handling, and digital asset organization. Key features of the solution include user administration, image and video processing using smart algorithms, electronic document management, collaboration functionality, and dynamic PDF inspection reports.

This workflow automation system saves time and reduces costs associated with oil and gas inspections. The International Business Awards program recognized this solution as Energy Industry Innovation of the Year.

Benefits and Impact of IoT in the Sustainable Energy Sector

The integration of IoT solutions in the sustainable energy sector offers numerous benefits and has a significant impact on the industry. Read on for a few notable advantages:

Enhanced Grid Stability

IoT-enabled smart grids bolster grid stability and reliability. With real-time data on power demand, supply, and grid conditions, operators can quickly optimize power distribution, detect and respond to faults, and ensure a more resilient and secure grid infrastructure.

Renewable Energy Grid Integration

IoT solutions are critical in seamlessly integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid. By constantly monitoring energy production from renewable sources and adjusting power flow in response to changing conditions, IoT-enabled systems ensure a smooth integration of intermittent renewable energy, maximizing its utilization and minimizing curtailment.

Empowering Consumers

IoT solutions empower consumers by providing real-time data on their energy consumption and enabling them to make informed choices. Smart meters and energy management systems allow individuals to track their energy usage, identify areas of inefficiency, and adjust their behavior or implement energy-saving measures accordingly. This IoT-driven insight promotes energy conservation and empowers consumers to participate more directly in transitioning to a sustainable energy future.

Environmental Benefits

The widespread adoption of IoT solutions in the sustainable energy sector contributes to significant environmental benefits. IoT solutions help reduce air pollution, GHG emissions, and our continuing reliance on fossil fuels by promoting renewable energy sources, optimizing energy distribution, and reducing energy waste.

Conclusion

IoT solutions enhance energy efficiency, optimize power distribution, and integrate renewable energy sources with the grid by connecting devices, gathering real-time data, and enabling intelligent decision-making. As the sustainable energy market grows, businesses must embrace IoT technologies and leverage their potential. As the world continues prioritizing sustainability and adopting green energy solutions, the Internet of Things will undoubtedly remain a key enabler in shaping the entire energy sector’s future.

The post How Green IoT Solutions Drive Sustainability in the Energy Sector appeared first on IoT Business News.

In the current era of radical and accelerated technological advancements, the Internet of Things (IoT) is an undeniably transformative force, notably within the area of . With a value of nearly $1.2 trillion by 2028, according to Statista, this global industry is the pulsing heart of an ongoing technological revolution. IoT plays a pivotal role in this dynamic industry and the changes it creates in human lives and daily experiences.

Examining the Consumer Electronics Landscape

Today’s consumer electronics landscape is vast and diverse, encompassing sectors such as TV, Radio & Multimedia, Telephony, Computing, Gaming Equipment, and Drones. Each is experiencing a dynamic transformation to meet continuously growing and shifting consumer tastes and demands. Thanks to the global surge in smartphone sales, the Telephony segment claims the lion’s share of the market. Interestingly, the smallest segment, Drones, reveals the significant disparity in size across the market’s many segments.

Impacting the Consumer Electronics Market through IoT

At the forefront of the industry’s growth is IoT. This branch of technology has crept into every facet of consumer electronics, becoming an integral part of our daily lives. According to Market Research Future, the consumer electronics segment within the IoT market will balloon to an impressive $172 billion by 2030. This remarkable growth will likely result from increased disposable incomes, a growing demand for luxury and convenience to enhance lifestyles, and the widespread adoption of voice assistants and other smart home technologies.

Revolution Robotics: A Case Study in Democratizing Robotics Education

Among the many applications of IoT in consumer electronics, a case in point is the work of Revolution Robotics, a U.S. tech startup. This forward-thinking enterprise sought to democratize robotics education by creating an affordable yet fully functional . To actualize their vision, they collaborated with Softeq to create an electronic kit that empowered children to assemble, program, and remotely control robots using a smartphone.

The kit included an open-source hardware design, more than 530 plastic parts, a library of 3D printable parts, and firmware. However, the journey to create this pioneering solution was not without challenges.

Smartphone-Controlled Robots: The Power of IoT and Custom Firmware

The crux of Revolution Robotics’ solution was the smartphone-controlled operation of the robots. This smartphone-driven interface was possible because of that enable smartphones to program the robot’s logic and command its actions. The robot’s construction involves linking the robot’s central processing unit to a smartphone using BLE technology and affixing an array of sensors, motors, and assorted plastic components to the robot’s framework. Users can then program the robot’s logic, executing a preprogrammed algorithm or following commands from the smartphone.

The firmware, developed by Softeq, served as the conduit between the smartphone and the robot. This custom firmware facilitated the integration of intricate sensors and motors, and its design fostered scalability, enabling the on-demand addition and programming of extra features.

Maintaining Affordability While Maximizing Functionality

The goal of affordability was a cornerstone of this project. Maintaining cost-effectiveness was not just a goal; it was a central requirement. Through careful planning and iterative development, Softeq optimized the costs of the various plastic parts and electronics without compromising the robot’s functionality.

This collaboration resulted in a groundbreaking product: an affordable, programmable robot kit with the same functionality as its pricier counterparts. It was a shining testament to the potential of IoT, demonstrating how this technology could transform the educational sector by making learning experiences more engaging and interactive without limiting access through prohibitive pricing.

Harnessing Data and AI in IoT

When it comes to IoT, the significant volume of data generated by connected devices is both a challenge and an opportunity. When harnessed correctly using AI and Machine Learning, this data can yield valuable insights, leading to more informed decision-making and increased innovation. Companies are already leveraging this to fine-tune their product performance, anticipate user needs, and troubleshoot issues even before they occur. Therefore, IoT isn’t just about connectivity; it’s about making intelligent use of the data connectivity generates. For businesses, understanding the relationship between IoT, AI, and data analytics is key to realizing their full potential.

Enhancing Customer Experience through IoT

IoT transforms the consumer electronics landscape by offering a degree of personalization and interactivity that was previously inconceivable. Connected devices now adapt to user behaviors, offering custom experiences that enhance user satisfaction. For instance, smart TVs curate content based on viewing habits, and IoT-enabled thermostats learn from daily routines to optimize home temperature settings. This focus on user-centric design, powered by IoT, significantly enhances customer experience and is an area decision-makers should not overlook while planning IoT integrations.

Market Dynamics and the Future of IoT

Though IoT continues to revolutionize the consumer electronics industry, challenges persist. IoT security concerns, the lack of standardization, and increasing data privacy risks present potential impediments to growth. However, with market opportunities such as government support for IoT research and development, improvements in 5G connectivity, and the inevitable digitalization of numerous consumer applications, the future of IoT in consumer electronics appears promising.

The transformative power of IoT is undeniable. Its potential to create interconnected ecosystems of devices, enabling enhanced convenience and usability for consumers, is driving the industry forward. IoT redefines the consumer electronics landscape with technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and increased connectivity. As the industry continues leveraging IoT for growth and innovation, the future promises opportunities we can scarcely imagine.

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The Healthcare domain has witnessed significant advancements through the Internet of Things (IoT) and its more specialized offshoot, the (IoMT). To integrate devices seamlessly into a unified IoT system, firmware development and embedded solutions for IoT play a vital role.

This article will explore the impact of embedded solutions and good firmware development on the performance of IoT devices in the Healthcare industry.

Although we won’t even scratch the surface of most technical aspects of firmware development here, we must emphasize the importance of firmware development expertise for ensuring optimal device performance.

IoT in Healthcare Market Review and Forecast

According to Market Research Future, the global Internet of Medical Things market was $48.7 billion in 2022. Other forecasts project that it could reach as much as $516 billion by or before 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.15%. North America leads the market, accounting for nearly 36% of the global share. This growth will most likely be driven by advanced healthcare technologies, remote patient monitoring demand, and the arrival of major market players from other segments.

The Rise of IoT in Healthcare

The increasing prominence of IoT in healthcare is revolutionizing the industry. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) spans networks and integrations bridging equipment, software applications, and health systems to facilitate the exchange of vital health data. This network interconnects a wide range of devices, including wearables, remote monitoring systems, implanted devices, and other smart healthcare devices. These interconnected devices facilitate seamless interactions between healthcare providers and patients, enhancing communication and improving the healthcare experience. By leveraging IoMT, healthcare organizations aim to enhance patient outcomes, reduce healthcare expenses, and elevate the quality of care. The most vital aspect of developing within this space is firmware/embedded solutions because of the impacts and attributes we explore below.

The Impact of Embedded Solutions on IoT Device Performance

Embedded solutions are essential components that enable seamless connectivity and integration of devices within the IoT ecosystem. While numerous other technical factors must converge for successful IoT development, it is crucial to highlight how embedded solutions and firmware development contribute to the optimal performance of IoT devices in healthcare.

Device Integration

Embedded solutions facilitate the smooth integration of various medical devices, sensors, and wearables, enabling them to work cohesively within the IoT network. This integration streamlines data collection, analysis, and exchange, facilitating significant improvements in diagnosis and treatment because of the increased accessibility of high-quality remote patient monitoring.

Reliable Data Transmission

Firmware ensures secure and efficient data transmission between IoT devices and healthcare systems. By implementing robust communication protocols and encryption mechanisms, firmware solutions enhance data privacy and integrity, which helps to reduce the likelihood and severity of cyber incidents, data breaches, or any unauthorized access.

Over-the-Air Updates

Embedded solutions and high-quality firmware enable seamless over-the-air (OTA) updates, allowing healthcare organizations to remotely update and upgrade device functionalities, security features, and performance improvements. This ease of access eliminates manual intervention and minimizes disruptions in healthcare operations.

Device Optimization

Firmware plays a crucial role in optimizing the performance of IoT devices. By fine-tuning device parameters, managing power consumption, and implementing efficient algorithms, firmware solutions ensure that IoT devices operate at their peak performance levels. This optimization directly impacts healthcare IoT devices’ reliability, responsiveness, and overall functionality.

Fine-tuning Device Parameters

Firmware enables the customization of device parameters to meet the specific requirements of the healthcare domain. By adjusting settings such as data sampling rates, measurement accuracy, and device sensitivity, firmware solutions can optimize the device’s performance for different healthcare applications. For example, in wearable devices, firmware can be tailored to capture vital signs accurately while minimizing false alarms or unnecessary data transmissions.

Power Consumption Management

Efficient power management is critical in healthcare IoT devices, as they often operate on limited battery life or rely on energy harvesting techniques. firmware solutions implement power-saving mechanisms such as intelligent sleep modes, optimized data transmission protocols, and adaptive power allocation strategies to prolong the device’s battery life. Such increased efficiency ensures continuous operation without frequent battery replacements or recharging, enhancing user convenience and reducing maintenance costs.

Efficient Algorithms

Firmware plays a vital role in implementing efficient algorithms that process and analyze the data collected by IoT devices. By leveraging advanced signal processing techniques, machine learning algorithms, and data compression methods, firmware optimizes the utilization of computational resources within the device. This decreased data size and increased computing efficiency leads to more accurate data analysis in less time. These enhancements can directly lead to better patient outcomes through predictive analytics, earlier detection of any anomalies, and accurate, personalized healthcare insights.

Device Security and Safety

High-quality firmware development can also ensure the security and safety of healthcare IoT devices. For example, firmware can implement robust authentication mechanisms, encryption protocols, and secure boot processes to safeguard sensitive patient data and prevent tampering or unauthorized access. Additionally, firmware can incorporate fail-safe mechanisms and error detection algorithms to prevent system failures or malfunctions that could compromise patient safety.

Softeq – Experts in IoT Firmware and Embedded Development

Softeq is a leading provider of embedded and IoT development services with extensive expertise in developing for the healthcare domain. As a Microsoft Azure partner, an AWS Certified Partner, and an ISO 13485:2016 certified business, Softeq has demonstrated expertise in IoT firmware and embedded development for the healthcare sector. Our team of experienced engineers understands the unique challenges and requirements of the IoT ecosystem in healthcare, and we leverage cutting-edge technologies to deliver robust and high-performing embedded solutions like the following Case Study.

Case Study: Skin Cancer Detection Firmware

Softeq collaborated with Veriskin, a medical device company, to develop a handheld gadget for . Softeq’s firmware and embedded software expertise were instrumental in creating a complex Wi-Fi-enabled system. The solution featured an FPGA-powered handheld device based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon SD410 processor, incorporating LEDs, an audio speaker, an accelerometer, and a display. The firmware enabled real-time capture of LED light signal variations, translating them into a visual diagram. With algorithmic data analysis and a user-friendly interface, the device monitored vascular refilling rates. It provided a low-cost, prompt method for diagnosing malignant skin growth without biopsies or extensive examinations. The in-house firmware expertise at Softeq has played a crucial role in delivering a reliable IoMT solution for skin cancer screening.

Conclusion

Embedded solutions and effective firmware development play a crucial role in optimizing the performance of IoT devices in the Healthcare domain. By facilitating device integration, ensuring reliable data transmission, enabling OTA updates, and implementing device optimization techniques, firmware solutions contribute to enhanced patient monitoring, improved diagnosis and treatment, and streamlined healthcare operations. As the healthcare industry expands and accelerates its embrace of IoT’s potential, expert providers like Softeq stand ready to provide expertise and continue delivering innovative embedded solutions driving healthcare transformation through IoT technology.

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Introduction and Overview

It probably won’t surprise you that the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the healthcare industry, creating new opportunities for improved patient care, cost reduction, and operational efficiency. However, (IoMT) looks to bring even more innovation to the healthcare sector. IoMT includes some systems that were already staples of IoT, such as remote monitoring systems and wearable technology devices. However, IoMT expands the field through implanted devices and other smart connected devices that can feed critical and expensive or hard-to-access data back to healthcare providers.

Market Highlights

The market for this technology now appears set to grow from approximately $48.7 billion in 2022 to $370.9 billion by 2032, at a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.15% (Source: Market.us). All signs suggest that North America will continue to be the most important region, given a market share of 35.8%. In comparison with other global regions, North America’s embrace of IoMT and the accompanying adoption of advanced healthcare technologies has been faster and more widespread. In turn, the availability of these technologies has driven demand for remote patient monitoring technologies and services.

The global COVID-19 pandemic also radically shifted the boundaries of medical technology, and it is no exaggeration to call this a turning point in the widespread adoption of IoMT devices in healthcare. During the pandemic, remote consultations, monitoring of vital signs, symptoms, and other health parameters, and vaccine distribution and administration have been widely adopted through IoMT devices. Moreover, the vast amount of health data generated during the pandemic has provided valuable insights for trend analysis and better-informed decision-making, leading to improved strategies for managing the pandemic and other healthcare challenges.

Trends Shaping Market Growth

There are several factors currently shaping the growth of IoT in healthcare. Technological advancements in connected devices, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing, have significantly improved the capabilities of IoMT devices and their potential impact on patient care. The increase in chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, has also led to a higher demand for remote patient monitoring. This presents a key opportunity for IoMT by allowing healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely and provide early intervention, with improved patient outcomes and decreased hospitalization rates and shorter stays.

In addition to these driving factors, several trending factors are shaping the future of healthcare delivery through the integration of IoT technologies. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, edge computing, blockchain, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and smart sensors, enables more efficient and personalized healthcare services. AI-enabled algorithms can perform in-depth real-time analysis on impossibly large amounts of health data streaming from IoMT devices. This analysis can identify patterns and trends for better decision-making and truly personalized treatment plans. Cutting-edge techniques and technologies like Edge Computing and widespread 5G also reduce latency and increase the speed of data transfers, enabling more data to move ever more easily. Taken together, these trends are leading toward a likely scenario where wearable tech alone will be worth $54 billion by the end of 2023 (Source: GlobalData).

IoMT Applications and Use Cases

IoMT devices are being used in various applications across the healthcare industry, including physiotherapy and sports/fitness therapy. Wearable medical devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, are expected to dominate the IoMT market, holding the largest share of 45% (Source: Market.us). These devices are widely used for personal health monitoring, fitness tracking, and chronic disease management, among other applications.

One of the key benefits of IoMT devices is their ability to enhance patient engagement and empower individuals to take control of their health. Wearable medical devices enable patients to track their physical activity, sleep patterns, heart rate, and other health parameters, to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle. Patients with chronic conditions can use IoMT devices to monitor their health parameters at home and share the data with their healthcare providers, enabling remote monitoring and personalized care plans.

Another major reason for the appeal of IoMT devices is their ability to improve patient safety and slash the costs of delivering healthcare. For example, medication dispensers with smart technology can help prevent medication errors by providing reminders and alerts to patients, ensuring timely and accurate medication administration. Smart hospital beds equipped with IoMT sensors can monitor patient movements, pressure points, and other parameters to prevent pressure ulcers and improve patient comfort.

For a deeper insight into IoMT, we’ll now consider the work of Softeq, a full-stack digital transformation and , in building firmware for a custom skin cancer screening device.

Case Study: Firmware for a Non-Invasive Custom Skin Cancer Screening Device

The use of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices has revolutionized the healthcare industry, with applications ranging from fitness tracking to chronic disease management. A medical device manufacturer with a specialization in skin cancer screening wanted to create a portable device that was capable of . The company turned to Softeq to test this idea’s viability and to create the firmware on which the device would ultimately run.

The Softeq team developed a complex hardware and software system using cutting-edge mobile hardware and software. The device had LED lights, a speaker, an accelerometer, a display, and other hardware components. It included a pair of photodetectors and a force sensor, collectively used to create a real-time visual representation of the patient’s skin.

The system observed how quickly blood was refilled in suspect skin lesions and analyzed the data using custom algorithms. It had firmware and software that included an audiovisual guide with error messages, LED lights calibrated to enhance the sensitivity of the photodetector, and the ability to store over 100 test results in its memory. The system also had a custom Linux BSP and drivers, built-in flash memory-based software, optimized Linux boot-time, firmware updates via USB, and secure login via SSH protocol.

Conclusion

It should be clear by now that IoT devices for healthcare and IoMT devices are completely transforming the health sector. However, there are a few things to be cautious of if you’re considering an internet of medical things project. In particular, the collection and transmission of sensitive patient data by IoMT devices pose significant concerns in terms of data privacy and security. In designing and constructing IoT in healthcare projects, it is vital to protect this data to safeguard patient privacy and comply with regulatory requirements like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Interoperability and standardization are also challenges, making it essential that you work with an experienced Healthcare like Softeq.

The bottom line is that IoMT devices are revolutionizing the healthcare industry by enabling remote patient monitoring, improving patient engagement, enhancing patient safety, and optimizing healthcare asset management. However, challenges related to data privacy, security, interoperability, and standardization need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of IoMT in improving patient care and outcomes. As technology continues to advance, IoMT is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare by enabling personalized, proactive, and patient-centric care.

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Introduction and Background

The automotive industry is undergoing major change through its incorporation of automotive Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This accompanies a paradigm shift driven by the increasing demand for , autonomous vehicles, and shared mobility. IoT-powered smart cars can already monitor driving behavior and provide real-time feedback, alerting drivers of potential dangers such as speeding or distracted driving. In this way, automotive IoT technology can reduce accidents and save lives.

A further key benefit of IoT in the automotive industry is that automakers can optimize supply chain and manufacturing processes for improved speed, efficiency, and environmental footprint. Using automotive IoT technology, distributed sensors can monitor production lines and relay that information to the cloud or edge computing systems. Automakers can use this data to identify and eliminate inefficiencies in real time, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

According to Statista, the global market for IoT technology was worth around $621.6 billion in 2020, and it should grow to approximately $1.1 trillion by 2024 at an approximate compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13%. The market value for connected cars and IoT is also expected to climb to $42 billion by 2024 from $27 billion in 2020, with a CAGR of 9.2%. At the same time, the global automotive IoT market has reached a value of $144.42 billion in 2023, with a predicted value of $219.61 billion by 2026.

What’s clear is that IoT is the future, and automotive IoT is changing the development trajectory of the entire concept of human mobility.

Autonomous Vehicles

The market for autonomous cars also looks likely to grow in the coming years, with IoT playing a critical role in developing and deploying these vehicles. IoT-powered autonomous cars can communicate wirelessly with other vehicles, transportation infrastructure, and even pedestrians. This communication can enhance safety and lead to more efficient road use, decreasing traffic congestion and travel time.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought many AV trials to a temporary halt, many have since resumed. However, like the shared mobility situation, it has become gradually clear that there may still be a long road to a world where AVs are available at a significant scale.

Shared Mobility

The impact of shared mobility on the automotive industry has threatened significant disruption for years without actually leading to a mass exodus from traditional car ownership thus far. Early predictions implied that conventional vehicle ownership models would be swept aside by new options for travelers in densely populated urban settings. However, many such offerings have come and gone, from micro-mobility (like scooters) to full OEM-supported vehicle-sharing players (like BMW’s DriveNow). Of course, the impact of AI and autonomous vehicles may combine with and automotive IoT to drive much more significant change in this area in the coming years.

Automotive Batteries

Unsurprisingly, the demand for automotive batteries is increasing in lockstep with the increase in demand for electric vehicles. Since batteries are a key input cost and primary limiting factor on the overall cost of ownership, the EV market’s long-term success hinges on developing even more efficient and cost-effective batteries. As a result, many companies are investing in the research and development of entirely new battery technologies to meet this demand.

According to Global Data, the global demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will approach 11 million units in 2023, with 12.5% of Light Vehicle (LV) sales globally in 2023 being a BEV, while the total electrified market will exceed 30% of demand. In North America, BEV sales will break the 1 million units level in 2023 with 1.3 million EVs delivered. Therefore, share-wise, BEVs are likely to exceed 7% of the North American LV market in 2023.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The increasing demand for electric vehicles (including hybrids) is a significant trend in the automotive industry, driven by concerns over climate change and environmental sustainability. As a result, many automakers are investing in the development of electric vehicles, and the technology is likely to become more widespread in the coming years.

According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicle (EV) sales doubled from 2020-21 to a record total of 6.6 million or just under 10% of the global total of car sales. Even more stunning, these numbers reflect a quadrupling of the market share of EVs in 2019. With these increased sales numbers, the total global number of electric cars fully tripled from 2018 to reach a total of around 16.5 million. This strong rise in global sales has kept pace, coming into the first quarter of 2022 with a 75% rise from the prior year up to 2 million cars. These trends show no signs of slowing down, with demand for electric vehicles now vastly outstripping supply as manufacturers rush to build additional capacity and utility providers prepare for the mass electrification of transportation.

Automotive IoT Case Study

One of the most intriguing areas of the emerging electric vehicle market is the convergence of home entertainment technologies with automotive IoT in the form of in-car automotive multimedia systems that would be the envy of the neighborhood just a few years ago. These display and multimedia units are the vehicle’s primary human-machine interface (HMI), and they can double as a fully-fledged computer, video gaming console, or entertainment unit.

Here is of such an in-car multimedia system. For this project, Softeq, a US-based global digital transformation company with a focus on IoT, needed to design and build a multimedia unit for a client’s electric vehicle. This multimedia unit needed to serve as an HMI, an entertainment console, and a primary data display in case of any emergency. The ultimate solution interfaces with multiple displays and supports Wi-Fi, LTE, and Bluetooth connectivity, numerous radio standards, and noise cancellation. In addition, the unit allows for the development of new apps for the vehicle after release, and it is also pre-certified to the ISO 26262 automotive industry standard defining functional safety for automotive equipment.

This project demonstrates the need for an experienced tech partner in automotive IoT with the capacity to create end-to-end solutions and go from concept to market-ready product. Softeq is an ideal partner for startups and conventional automakers because of its significant expertise in hardware prototyping and its ability to design complex solutions like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) from concept to market-readiness. As a global leader in automotive IoT with wide experience in hardware, software, and manufacturing partnerships, Softeq is an ideal partner for innovative design projects in emerging as well as conventional automotive technology.

Conclusion

IoT in the automotive industry is already showing its potential to revolutionize the manufacturing, repair, and driving experience by facilitating the development of smart and connected cars that are safer, more efficient, and even more enjoyable to drive. As demand continues to grow for new categories of vehicles that are even better suited to automotive IoT, such as electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and shared mobility, automotive IoT will certainly play an increasingly critical role in the automotive industry’s future.

The post Driving the Future: How IoT is Transforming the Automotive Sector appeared first on IoT Business News.

The pet tech industry’s growth has accelerated in recent years because of innovations and new technologies such as high-speed wireless connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). According to Global Market Insights, the global pet tech market size was $5 billion in 2022. Experts now predict expansion of as much as 15% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2032. Very plainly, the pet tech industry is thriving, letting pet owners access many new to better monitor and care for animal companions.

As of 2022, 70% of U.S. households (90.5 million homes) own pets. Forecasts suggest total pet care spending will grow from $280 billion in 2022 to nearly $550 billion by 2032, an impressive annual growth rate. Pet owners invest significant resources in enhancing their pets’ physical and emotional health through spending on food, toys, grooming supplies, insurance, and other forms of care. Among the current pet-owning population, millennials make up the largest segment (32%), followed by baby boomers (27%) and trailed by Gen X (24%). Millennials also allocate more discretionary funds to pet food, treats, and general care than other age groups. However, spending on pets is now increasingly inelastic across all age groups.

Trends in the pet tech industry include wearables, smart gadgets, entry/security devices, pet surveillance, and remote pet interaction or enrichment tools. Health data collection has made wearables a main category within pet technology and the consumer IoT. The fastest-growing segment (by revenue) of the pet tech wearables market is in devices that support Global Positioning System (GPS) features. Many pet owners want to keep a close watch on their pet’s whereabouts or track and trace them if they wander off.

Pet Tech Examples

In a potentially more light-hearted example of the wearables trend, the GoPro Fetch harness lets pet owners attach a GoPro camera to their dogs. This setup allows pet owners to capture videos from their pets’ perspective, allowing them to glimpse their pets’ world and see things from their viewpoint.

Pet owners can also utilize smart home devices to monitor and enhance their pets’ well-being. The smart pet feeder is the most widely-known item in this segment. At the opposite end of the scale, smart litter boxes can remove waste automatically. Smart toys can also provide entertainment for pets even when alone. Pet owners can also use smart pet doors to identify pets through their implanted microchips, allowing them to come and go freely. Smart grooming brushes for cats are another example of how technology can improve a pet’s well-being.

The field of pet technology is continuously evolving, and pet surveillance cameras represent a new and developing category within it. Pet owners can use these cameras to monitor a pet’s behavior and activity when the owner is not home. This is an excellent way to ensure the pet is safe and secure while also providing peace of mind for the owner.

Pet insurance is another area where technology is making a significant impact. This was once a relatively unknown insurance product, but its growth more than doubled between 2018 and 2021. This growth is partly due to the use of technology to streamline the insurance process and make it more accessible to pet owners.

Developing a Smart Dog Collar

For a closer look at the depth and breadth of innovation in this space, consider one product that exemplifies several of these pet tech trends – the smart dog collar. Creating a is particularly challenging because of competing technological, aesthetic, and manufacturing constraints. However, Softeq achieved all this and more when it helped PAWS, LLC create its Halo Collar. A device like Halo must be robust, secure, and scalable while incorporating various technologies such as GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile apps, and LTE. Moreover, it must be user-friendly, providing pet owners with a seamless, cost-effective experience.

Manufacturing Challenges

Creating an integrated pet tech IoT device like the Halo Collar requires an interdisciplinary team with expertise in areas such as IoT software development, firmware development, cloud computing, mobile app development, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial design. This task’s interdisciplinary and full-stack nature made it extremely challenging and well-suited to Softeq’s particular experience and expertise. As a full-stack technology company, Softeq has been built from the ground up to specialize in new product development and R&D with challenges spanning numerous disciplines and industries. Even more, Softeq can deliver this innovation expertise on a global scale, leveraging existing partnerships with component makers.

Some significant challenges in developing a smart dog collar are ensuring that the device is secure, durable, comfortable, shockproof, waterproof, and harmless to the dog. A few benefits of owning a smart dog collar like Halo are tracking a pet’s position in real-time, creating virtual fences, and providing automatic behavioral corrections and instant commands even while away from home.

Moreover, successfully developing such a device requires specialized expertise in various areas, such as IoT software development, firmware development, cloud computing, and mobile app development. Creating the device’s physical components also requires specialized electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial design knowledge.

Features

The convenience and benefits of smart dog collars like Halo make them a popular pet tech solution for pet owners. Their real-time GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LTE tracking help owners locate their pets quickly if they wander off. Spatially-aware geofencing features also let pet owners create virtual fences to prevent pets from leaving a designated area.

Looking across the pet ownership and care lifecycle, Halo’s automatic behavioral corrections and instant commands provide an efficient training aid for pets. This feature allows pet owners to correct their dog’s behavior or teach new commands using a vibration or tone correction.

The Halo Collar’s offline mode allows the collar to continue functioning even when disconnected from a network, making it ideal for use in areas with limited or intermittent network coverage. By using Azure for the device’s back end, Softeq ensured that the device would be highly scalable and able to handle large amounts of data at very high performance. The over-the-air (OTA) firmware update feature ensures the device can access the latest features and security updates.

Conclusion

From the proverbial bird’s-eye view, growth in the pet tech industry is accelerating and exhibiting many exciting trends to watch closely. Wearables and smart gadgets are becoming increasingly popular, allowing pet owners to monitor their pets’ health and behavior. Because of widespread high-speed 4G, 5G, and wi-fi connectivity, pet owners can also use smart devices for the home to improve a pet’s well-being, while pet surveillance cameras and location monitoring wearables provide extra layers of security.

We can be sure of two things: this industry will continue to grow and evolve and will only become more complex. Because of the accelerating pace of digital transformation, we will surely see many more exciting developments in IoT software development, , and IoT application development. If you want to enter this rapidly growing sector, consider Softeq as a partner to help bring your complex and demanding IoT and pet tech projects to life.

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The Internet of Things (IoT) concept emerged about 30 years ago and is now making headlines worldwide. Over the last decade, the IoT has become a global phenomenon. In 2022, it surrounds us from the time we wake up to the moment we fall asleep. Countless devices, gadgets, machines, buildings, and more are connected to the Internet.

According to recent IoT Analytics research, there are more than 14 billion interconnected devices in the world, and this figure is growing daily. The world of technology is developing at an enormous speed.

To help our clients get a competitive edge and keep up with these rapid changes, the CHI Software team figured out how to greatly simplify IoT development and reduce the product’s time to market.

Any technician knows that beneath the most brilliant innovative idea, there is a simple workflow. With this thought in mind, we`ve created the Prebuilt IoT Platform to focus on what matters most. Let us take a look at the details!

What Do I Mean by A Typical IoT Project Architecture?

Our IoT expertise has spanned across a variety of domains since 2013. Each product we have built has a unique set of goals and features, but the core idea remains unchanged. The basic IoT architecture can be simplified into three basic steps:

• Collecting data. We need to collect data from sensors and send it to the Cloud.
• Processing data. We receive data along with information about where it comes from and store or forward this data further for analysis.
• Analyzing data. We process data with some data analysis tools to gather useful information (for statistical analysis, machine learning purposes, or a simple piece of code) and make some decisions based on it.

This may seem like a simple task at first glance. But, there are several nuances.

What Are the Common Development Tasks on the IoT Project?

When we start decomposing the basic architecture, it becomes way more complex. Here is just a small portion of what we should consider and finalize.

1. Our solution must support multiple devices and store different types of data.
2. We also have to create custom rules to process data and take care of solution security and device communications.
3. We need to consider network connection options for our devices to communicate with the cloud or each other.
4. We also set up several ways for data analysis (collected in real-time and over some period of time).
5. Our solution must generate reports and actions based on the data received from devices and send notifications.

At this stage, there is more we have to provide:

• Users should somehow interact with devices, control them remotely, check their status, connect with mobile service providers, and monitor payments;
• We should be able to update devices (we don’t want to create a solution that can’t be updated in the future).

With all mentioned above, we also need to figure out how to set up necessary integrations. Collecting and processing data is good, but without data export, the system can be too complicated to use, if not useless.

Hence, a typical IoT platform collecting and processing data from several devices becomes huge and complex. And even if we use cloud providers to cover some services, it can be challenging to set it up and maintain. Let us take a look at some real-life IoT projects.

Examples of Real-Life IoT Projects We Worked On

Based on these working principles, the CHI Software team has already created solutions for automotive, smart home, agriculture, and other industries:

• Smart home app for air conditioning, enabling remote temperature adjustment;
• Auto insurance solution to monitor and prevent fast deterioration of car parts;
• Mobile app to automate the work of greenhouse premises.

These projects seem completely different. But that’s only the first impression. Me, along with other CHI Software developers, noticed similar workflow patterns on many IoT projects, so finally, we came up with an idea of a prebuilt system for IoT solutions.

The Prebuilt IoT Platform: Goals and Features

The created platform covers all side services and system parts of the IoT solution, which allows focusing on custom features only, such as devices and sensors, ways to process data, and custom client integrations.

We aimed to create IoT products focusing mostly on individual business needs, not on the typical development tasks. So, our team covers the following:

1. Device-based firmware, including networking, configurations, OTA updates, provisioning, and the option to add custom logic;
2. User, project, and device management;
3. Data storage and collection: sensors data, device telemetry, custom-generated data;
4. Device development. We have a set of supported low-power devices, and we can develop an IoT device for you based on our experience and reference boards or according to your individual requirements;
5. Security and networking;
6. API integrations & Data Export API.

To get the work done, we only need a defined product idea, specified requirements, and desired deadlines. It takes minimum effort from our clients and significantly simplifies the working process from the project start to the final release.

In a Nutshell

Our prebuilt IoT solution is an easy way to start an IoT business in any industry. It helps create a truly unique product with a focus on your project idea, cut development costs and related risks, and deliver a quality IoT product three times faster.

The post How to Significantly Reduce Development Cost and Timeframe with the Prebuilt IoT Platform? appeared first on IoT Business News.

The popularity of sub-GHz low power wide area networks (LPWANs) in smart city and rural areas (farming and infrastructural monitoring) is booming, but the technology is evolving into other areas, from 2.4GHz to satellite networks.

The challenge moving forward is to ensure that billions of devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) can be connected up simply and seamlessly. Addressing this issue of complexity across multiple applications around the globe is perhaps the greatest issue facing the roll out of IoT at scale. Deploying and managing millions, even billions, of devices is a considerable challenge today. This can be addressed with open standards and interoperable hardware, helping to make all kinds of supply chains, smart infrastructure, and rural sensor networks more effective and more efficient.

Since the launch of Semtech’s LoRa® devices, deployed sensors utilizing the devices now account for more than 260 million in subGHz Internet of Things (IoT) LPWANs. Recently the technology has been enriched to use LoRa in the 2.4GHz ISM band that is available globally. This is opening up applications in global logistics asset tracking and industrial monitoring.

Using LoRa in the 2.4GHz band allows the design of a single wireless node or mobile gateway to trade off data rate, transmission efficiency, power consumption and range without having to have variants for markets around the world. This brings economies of scale in production for lower costs as well as reduced complexity in stocking with a single product.

The 2.4GHz band, however, is cluttered with other wireless networks, from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread and Matter to proprietary and custom links. All these networks can interfere but the robust noise immunity of the LoRa modulation can provide links in challenging environments, from industrial plants to dense urban environments. This allows more rugged connections with low power in 2.4GHz networks in buildings and factories.

Satellite IoT

LoRa devices have been recently enhanced with a new feature in the LoRaWAN® standard called Long Range – Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (LR-FHSS), enabling low power connections direct to satellites in low earth orbit or even geostationary orbit, opening up a wide range of new applications for the technology.

Furthermore, LR-FHSS improves the noise immunity even further by increasing spectral efficiency, hence network capacity. The protocol breaks up each data packet into multiple blocks and randomly spreads them over a defined frequency bandwidth. It also uses redundant physical headers on messages sent on different frequencies to further improve the modulation robustness against interference.

Using sensor nodes to connect to these satellites allows existing networks to expand quickly and easily without the need to allocate extra capex and wait for terrestrial network infrastructure deployment. The technology allows full interoperability between terrestrial and satellite networks, LoRa and LR-FHSS modulation schemes can coexist at the same time in a gateway or the network server, and the different gateways can coexist in the same network.

Community Neighbourhood Network

Another interesting area is the growth and acceleration of community owned networks. Aside from the commercial benefits, such networks can even drive solutions that will help result in communities taking a more environmentally friendly approach. These peer-to-peer networks have citizens hosting local gateways using LoRaWAN to their home broadband. The long range of LoRaWAN means certain small to mid-sized cities can be covered with a “handful of gateways,” providing coverage quickly and cost effectively.

More interoperability in IoT is a key trend as customers need to use multiple technologies to build a solution, and this is leading to more recognition of both networking and compute technologies, combining LoRaWAN with other IoT connectivity’s all working together with open-source code and open hardware.

The LoRa Alliance®, with nearly 500 member companies ranging from chip, board, gateway, and software suppliers to national and global satellite network operators, is key to delivering this interoperability.

Using a standard, interoperable protocol enables a wide range of open hardware. Developers can be assured that devices using LoRa can connect to a gateway, whether that is in a smart building, on a container ship or on a satellite.

But the issues are broader than just the hardware of a sensor and a transceiver operating in particular frequency band and connecting up the sensors to a gateway is only half the story. That data needs to be captured, collected, aggregated, and turned into actionable data. Connecting all that valuable data to the cloud is a major challenge with all those different technologies.

Using a single protocol across all those frequency bands, terrestrial or satellite networks, with cost effective, low power hardware provides a consistent data model. This helps simplify the cloud-based data management systems that provide actionable insights, regardless of the source of the data. Delivering the insights from millions of devices helps to drive the efficiency of all kinds of processes, from supply chains that stretch around the world to smart infrastructure in every corner of the globe.

Conclusion

The fragmentation of the Internet of Things is a major challenge for scaling networks. With LoRa, a single open protocol enables an ecosystem of hardware, software and Cloud providers. Within this ecosystem, cost effective, low power hardware can operate across sub-GHz, 2.4GHz and satellite bands. This interoperable hardware can deliver the vital data to cloud systems, aggregating many different systems. It is this ability to provide the insights that are needed to optimise operations that can make supply chains, smart infrastructure and rural networks more effective, wherever they are in the world.

The post Trends in LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Networks) appeared first on IoT Business News.

The financial implications of the IIoT and, on a wider scale, Industry 4.0 are constantly changing. This is, in large part, because the underlying technology enabling the IIoT is itself evolving.

Change isn’t welcome in most areas of manufacturing. Any change represents risk, and even when that change brings with it almost guaranteed gains the risks remain. Many OEMs are now assessing the risk and reward of letting the internet onto their shopfloor.

Most of the time we don’t go looking for change, it is forced upon us. What really matters is how we manage that change. This is where many of those manufacturers now find themselves with their assessment of the IIoT.

It may feel like a herculean task. The scale can be overwhelming but as with most tasks it needs to be broken down into manageable efforts. What is it they say about Rome? The perceived problem is that, unlike Rome, manufacturers are not starting with a clean piece of paper. Neither do they have the luxury of letting style overtake substance.

But like any large structure, getting the foundations right is probably the most important step. It may involve some remodeling, but if those foundations are solid the rest should follow. This is happening in the IIoT. New technologies are being developed to provide the scalable, solid foundation needed to bring existing manufacturing plants into the IIoT.

Services bring the IIoT together

The practice of delivering ‘X as a Service’ is already strong, and not only in traditional service industries. One often cited example is the jet-engine as a service offered by Rolls-Royce. Turning ‘things’ into services makes them much more manageable because it creates uniformity and removes superfluous complexity at the interface.

The same concept is now being used in the deeply embedded domain. Turning functions into services makes those functions more accessible across domains. This is the subject of an Avnet article , which takes a look at the technologies being developed to support the move to services in the industrial IoT.

Making the IIoT simpler

The internet provides the critical infrastructure for connectivity. The IoT takes advantage of this infrastructure to allow any device, anywhere, to become part of that wider network. The Industrial IoT represents a slice of this wider network, one that puts safety and security above almost anything else.

As industrial connectivity predates the IoT there are many legacy networks that now need to be integrated. Doing that safely is part of the challenge, but so too is removing the complexity that already exists within these different networks.

Ethernet is the single most common protocol used in the information technology domain. Its use is now permeating other verticals, including the industrial sector. But Ethernet alone cannot meet all the requirements imposed by the industrial world.

To address this, the IEEE has developed standards for single pair Ethernet (SPE). This relatively simple development has huge implications across the IIoT. In the article , Avnet talks with George Zimmerman, the chair of the IEEE Ethernet task force and independent consultant on high-speed communications technology to find out why.

Taking control at the network edge

An important aspect to remember in this transition is that industrial control is often a real-time application. In the example above, SPE may only be viable in an industrial setting if time-sensitive networking (TSN) technology is also applied.

This real-time imperative propagates throughout the network, all the way to edge. This is where the control resides, typically in the form of a programmable logic controller, or PLC. These highly optimized embedded devices have also been evolving in response to the introduction of the IoT.

In the article , Avnet takes a closer look at this evolution and the technology behind it. Edge controllers are emerging that combine PLC and PC in a way we haven’t seen before.

An edge controller relies on combining real-time control with network connectivity. The key is to provide this functional combination in a way that doesn’t compromise either side. Industrial PCs and gateways represent a best-effort to achieve this but each has its own weaknesses. Can the edge controller bring balance to the IIoT?

Find the right approach

At its core, the IIoT relies on the same electromechanical, hardware and software components that enable all modern life. As a leading distributor working with a broad supplier base, Avnet also provides design services to help its industrial customers throughout their digital transformation journey.

Avnet has been doing business the right way since 1921. It has over 1,800 FAEs available to customers, support from its extensive engineering communities, subject matter expertise and access to the latest development kits. These resources will help you move from proof of concept to production faster. Avnet supports you through rapid prototyping and small volume production.

Customers have access to over a century of experience in supply chain management, to ensure your production scales. We provide assurance of supply and flexible inventory programs through a global distribution and logistics infrastructure.

Avnet’s capabilities cover technologies and solutions, design services and expertise, and supply chain and logistics. Accelerate your digital transformation to the IIoT with Avnet.

The post The IIoT is change in a changing landscape appeared first on IoT Business News.

There is a lot to gain from diving deeper into the Industrial IoT. This huge topic requires some navigation. Avnet provides resources to help engineers find the right solution for their current and future design objectives.

The Industrial IoT is one, important, element of Industry 4.0. On a wider scale, Industry 4.0 impacts all vertical markets. It describes new ways of doing old things, and innovative technologies that enable entirely new concepts.

These concepts are rapidly gaining attention and becoming trends. It is important for all commercial enterprises to be aware of these trends because they represent competitive advantage. We could argue that it is too late to be an early adopter in the Industrial IoT, and those arriving now are the early majority. Some would say that the risk is much lower for the late majority but so too may be the reward. For this reason, trends can help shape business decisions.

The trends now visible in the IIoT go beyond buzzwords. The important difference is they reflect significant buy-in from suppliers. This leads to investment and enablement. The intention of any investment is to see a return. The enablement impacts manufacturers looking to exploit these trends.

Understanding IIoT trends

As part of its ongoing support for customers looking to capitalize on the IIoT, Avnet offers a series of resources and solutions. In a new article, Avnet looks at three of the trends shaping the IIoT right now. The full impact of these trends is yet to be felt.

The article covers three trends that converge to enable the new industrial landscape. This could be characterized as being widely distributed, on-demand, service-based manufacturing. The trends include micromanufacturing, additive manufacturing and digital twins.

These three distinct but connected aspects of Industry 4.0 are in various stages of their development. Arguably, additive manufacturing is the most mature but the way it will be used to enable new manufacturing services is still developing. Digital twins is becoming a common term but it can mean different things to different people, depending on what they need from technology. Micromanufacturing is the relative newcomer but it could be the most impactful, particularly as more companies look towards onshoring for future growth and stability.

To read the full article, visit

Discovering IIoT Platforms

Industrial systems are moving beyond routine control. Manufacturers see this and appreciate that their systems need to understand more about the operating environment. Connected sensors bring that understanding through real-time data. This presents its own challenges, but the industry is reacting to this challenge through the development of platforms.

These platforms are intended to balance simplicity with complexity and provide scalability. Abstraction is fundamental to this approach, but it also demands a new way of developing solutions. Platforms aimed at the IIoT need to understand how to provide a robust yet flexible approach to system development.

Software development is one of the biggest demands on engineer resources. Not only that, but it also provides perhaps the biggest potential for design errors. A large amount of embedded software doesn’t contribute to the OEM’s value-add, making it even more cost-intensive.

explains how abstraction is implemented in IIoT platforms. It describes how developers can meet their objective of designing and maintaining a network of smart endpoints. It achieves this by reducing the burden of software development, potentially removing it completely.

Machine Learning in the IIoT

Artificial intelligence is becoming almost synonymous with cloud computing. It already influences commercial activities across all vertical markets but is perhaps mostly felt in the service industry today. That is changing rapidly as AI and machine learning find their way into smaller systems at the network’s edge.

Machine vision is already widely used in industrial manufacturing. There is a clear connection between machine vision and machine learning, but how simple is it to implement? provides one expert’s view on taking that next step.

Image sensors are a key element of machine vision. The data they generate is essential in any system that uses machine learning. Avnet explores this common thread to give engineers an insight into how to bring machine learning to their machine vision applications.

Take the next step

At its core, the IIoT relies on the same electromechanical, hardware and software components that enable all modern life. As a leading distributor working with a broad supplier base, Avnet also provides design services to help its industrial customers throughout their digital transformation journey.

Avnet has been doing business the right way since 1921. It has over 1,800 FAEs available to customers, support from its extensive engineering communities, subject matter expertise and access to the latest development kits. These resources will help you move from proof of concept to production faster. Avnet supports you through rapid prototyping and small volume production.

Customers have access to over a century of experience in supply chain management, to ensure your production scales. We provide assurance of supply and flexible inventory programs through a global distribution and logistics infrastructure.

Avnet’s capabilities cover technologies and solutions, design services and expertise, and supply chain and logistics. Accelerate your digital transformation to the IIoT with Avnet.

The post Going beyond buzzwords in the Industrial IoT appeared first on IoT Business News.

The IoT now touches every aspect of modern life, in every nation. Its accessible nature means it has impacted and improved lives everywhere. This is being felt most strongly across industrial sectors.

The Industrial IoT underpins Industry 4.0. This quiet revolution is getting louder, changing not only the way individual companies work internally but how they collaborate with each other. The IIoT creates a new kind of connection between vertically and horizontally integrated manufacturing companies and suppliers.

Apart from the technical implications of that, there are wider considerations. Choosing not to embrace Industry 4.0 and the IIoT is rapidly becoming a moot point. How to embrace it is now very much the topic of discussion.

Building a business case for the IIoT isn’t necessarily easy, as it will require new ways of calculating capital and operational expenditure. It will depend on the age of equipment and the cost of replacement or upgrading. Eventually all manufacturers will be part of the IIoT, at least at some level, but it will take some longer than others.

If the end goal is the same, how you get there depends on where you start from. Not all companies will be new to the IIoT, but most will be new to at least some of the practices. There are mid to long-term trends emerging that manufacturers will need to consider. This includes the impact of disruptive but complementary technologies, such as additive manufacturing.

These topics are covered in more detail in an Avnet White Paper ‘’, and article . Both are part of Avnet’s wider resources supporting the Industrial IoT.

On-demand manufacturing

Other challenges are emerging, which are a direct result of the IIoT. This includes a ‘manufacture on demand’ approach to mass production. Consumer habits indicate a growing demand for more customization. While modern, connected and ‘smart’ factories may be able to accommodate this demand, it has the effect of reducing volumes. Part of the reason why industry works is because volumes are high, using equipment designed to manufacture the same thing over and over. Change is not the friend of high-volume manufacturing.

Although there are obvious challenges, the financial incentive is huge. Countries stand to benefit from growth in the region of trillions of US dollars. This figure is comparable to the new resources that will need to be installed. Sensors, the manufacturing heartland of data, will be deployed in their billions. This is driving change in the infrastructure and its associated solutions.

All this data needs to be processed. Much like a manufacturing production line, data will need to be inspected, analyzed, and put to good use. The impact artificial intelligence will have here is hard to quantify. Current developments indicate that the intelligence is moving closer to the data, to reduce latency and the burden of moving large files around a network and the internet.
The information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) domains are colliding to make this vision a reality. Interfacing these two worlds requires new solutions, both technical and operational. Innovations here include new protocols that speak both languages, and new platforms that accommodate IT and OT demands.

The IIoT is a simple concept

Conceptually, the IIoT is simple. It involves capturing information and turning it into actionable data. This masks the reality; that change comes with risk. Successful and profitable manufacturing facilities rely on a careful, almost delicate balance between risk and reward. The IIoT provides demonstrable rewards but the risk must also be quantified.

Digital transformation is happening everywhere. Another key trend that will impact manufacturers is the shift towards a service-based economy. This shift is accelerating, not least because leaders in this field already recognize the value in developing new services. It requires more than just good intent to move from a product-based business model to a service-based revenue stream. The IIoT is enabling that evolution. This will result in hybrid approaches that must coexist, at least initially and possibly for the long term.

At its core, the IIoT relies on the same electromechanical, hardware and software components that enable all modern life. As a leading distributor working with a broad supplier base, Avnet also provides design services to help its industrial customers throughout their digital transformation journey.

Avnet has been doing business the right way since 1921. It has over 1,800 FAEs available to customers, support from its extensive engineering communities, subject matter expertise and access to the latest development kits. These resources will help you move from proof of concept to production faster. Avnet supports you through rapid prototyping and small volume production.

Customers have access to over a century of experience in supply chain management, to ensure your production scales. We provide assurance of supply and flexible inventory programs through a global distribution and logistics infrastructure.

Avnet’s capabilities cover technologies and solutions, design services and expertise, and supply chain and logistics. Accelerate your digital transformation to the IIoT with Avnet.

The post Industry 4.0: the quiet revolution that is getting louder appeared first on IoT Business News.

For companies and organizations around the world a “green mindset” is becoming the norm and is permeating all aspects of their operations. It is now expected that sustainable practices are embraced from the top floor to the shop floor and that there is a continual drive to develop new and more sustainable solutions that use the Internet of Things (IoT). For these solutions to work they must be based around products and technology that are genuinely capable of creating a smarter, more sustainable planet.

With this in mind, Semtech developed a globally adopted LoRa® device-to-Cloud platform which offers a long range, low power solution for IoT applications. The technology enables the rapid development and deployment worldwide of ultra-low power, cost efficient and long range IoT networks, gateways, sensors, module products and IoT services. Key to making this technology work is the implementation of low power wide area networks (LPWANs) for IoT systems – LoRa devices provide the communication layer for the LoRaWAN® standard.

This standard and the growing range of related products on the market are helping to turn IoT ecosystem concepts into reality. Leaders in the sector are continually pushing the technology envelope to boost the prevalence of LPWAN connectivity – and, therefore, sustainability – around the globe. Environmentally-conscious companies and organizations now firmly believe that putting increasing numbers of sensors into operation will have a direct impact on minimizing the effects of climate change.

Smarter and safer

Semtech’s collaboration with SAS, whose analytics solutions are valuable for transforming data into intelligence, is an example where technological solutions are creating a smarter and safer planet. Together, the two companies are developing edge-to-Cloud IoT solutions – combining LPWAN connectivity with SAS’s IoT analytics platform – with the aim of speeding up the processing of intelligent decisions. By doing things faster, it is possible to simplify the creation of IoT solutions that are capable of tackling not just sustainability but also global hunger and natural disasters. The aim is that SAS brings AI, data management and streaming analytics to work with the LPWAN solutions to make the world not just smarter but safer too.

The more interconnected the world is, the easier it will be to monitor and protect a range of natural resources as well as people and their communities. Already, cutting-edge IoT solutions are helping to put the intelligence into smart agriculture as well as air quality monitoring, the protection of species, and energy/water preservation. In a recent report, the World Economic Forum estimated that around 84% of IoT deployments have direct relevance to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. For example, many recent IoT use cases have dealt with flood prevention, energy forecasting, the welfare of livestock and precision agriculture.

In protection against flooding, many tens of thousands of extremely low power, low maintenance and long-life LPWAN devices have been developed for connecting through gateways. The devices help to collect data that measures current situations and detects potential problems before they are able to become disasters. Likewise, in energy forecasting, LPWAN devices are helping to deliver smart energy optimization which enhances the ability to predict and mitigate risk while boosting grid efficiency and keeping people safe.

For precision agriculture, LPWAN technology is able to help farmers embrace sustainability by monitoring the environmental effects of crops production. For example, WaterBit has implemented an automated irrigation solution that allows farmers to measure soil moisture and irrigate remotely. For livestock wellness, IoT systems have made it possible to minimize the negative impacts farming has on the environment while cutting costs and maximizing yield.

Other key application areas for LPWAN/IoT solutions in terms of protecting the planet include reducing food waste through a temperature monitoring offering developed by Axino Solutions, protecting endangered species from poachers through a Smart Parks system and transforming water management in Lyon, France, through a smart water solution developed by Birdz.

Facilitating the smart planet we all need

Drilling down into more detail, the WaterBit solution has enabled one agriculture business (Devine Organics) to achieve a 5% reduction in gas emissions, save 750,000 gallons of water and increase their crop yield from 800 to 1,500 pounds per acre. Devine Organics’ Farm Manager Jose Garcia said, “WaterBit’s soil probes tell us exactly where the crops need more or less water, all from the WaterBit dashboard app. It helps us monitor the soil and control the valves in the field so we can apply the right amount of water at the right time and place.”

Meanwhile, at Mkomazi National Park in Tanzania, various asset tracking and geolocation solutions that are integrated with LPWAN/IoT systems – including environment sensors, equipment monitors, GPS trackers, alarms and intrusion detection systems – have managed to bring poaching in monitored locations down to zero. Tony Fitzjohn of the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust said, “thanks to Smart Parks, we have learned a lot more about the behavior of individual rhinos. We now have much more advanced information in real time on a screen which gives these beleaguered animals a much better chance of survival from outside interference.”

Axino Solutions has used low-cost sensors to monitor remotely and non-invasively the temperature of perishable food, enabling grocers to improve the safety and security of fresh food in order to slash waste and minimize lost revenues. Axino Solutions CTO Ihab Hourani said: “LoRa devices were the perfect choice. They offer low energy consumption, built-in security functionality, low implementation and operating costs, suitability for battery-operated sensors, and reliable public and private network performance.”

Finally, Birdz has used LPWAN/IoT technology to enable Lyon to save around one million cubic meters of water every year by identifying 1,200 water leaks and boosting water network efficiency by 8%. Just imagine the impact such a system could have in the USA where leaking households waste close to 900 billion gallons of water per annum. The Birdz CEO Xavier Mathieu said, “Semtech’s LoRa devices are perfectly suited for smart water metering solutions due to their long range performance, low power consumption and low cost of implementing and operating a complete end-to-end metering application.”

In addition to the above, LPWAN-based technology is playing a key role in tackling the spread of COVID-19 across the globe. For example, it is used to manage the implementation of health care regulation and compliance in the workplace through proximity sensors and contact tracing. According to the World Economic Forum, 3.7 billion people around the world have no form of connectivity whatsoever, especially people in rural areas. To tackle this, affordable connectivity is being delivered to these remote locations by using LPWAN technology in two-way communications to and from satellites in low earth orbit (LEO).

It can be seen from all of these applications that LoRa has proven itself as the ideal bi-directional data transmission solution that enables IoT to play a key role in facilitating the smart environment that we all need. The technology not only combines security and scalability with reliability, but it also offers the ability to operate over long distances using minuscule amounts of power compared to other platforms.

Semtech’s LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard are examples of game-changing technology to push the environmental, social and governance (ESG) boundaries. To that end, Semtech recently appointed its first ESG officer who is tasked with overseeing and driving the reach of a range of sustainability initiatives and is just the beginning of ongoing initiatives to create a more sustainable planet.

The post Game-changing technology for a more sustainable planet appeared first on IoT Business News.

Machine Learning is progressing at a rapid rate with new Deep Learning algorithms able to solve historically difficult problems using data-driven design principles. This is especially exciting in IoT where the rapid increase in connected devices has led to an explosion in the amount of data being generated at the edge. These new algorithms are playing a critical role in advancing the next phase of the IoT revolution.

There are many reasons why this approach is being embraced in many markets and areas such as smart cities, smart homes, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), wearables, and more. According to one market research firm’s projections, the AIoT market is expected to increase from US$5.1 billion in 2019 to US$16.2 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 26 percent1).

A recently published Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC) article shows the drivers of IoT growth and benefits of artificial intelligence. Decreasing costs are among the benefits of AIoT. However, increases in device proliferation and venture capital (VC) spending as well as convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) and big data and the cloud/fog are also occurring.

With decreasing cost in several areas as a benefit, it is no surprise that many systems developers are interested in taking advantage of these combined capabilities in their next designs. To accelerate the development of differentiated AIoT products, Infineon Technologies has released the ModusToolbox Machine Learning (ML). This design tool enables deep learning-based workloads on Infineon’s PSoC microcontrollers (MCUs). ModusToolbox ML is a new feature in ModusToolbox Software and Tools that provides middleware, software libraries and special tools for designers to evaluate and deploy deep learning-based ML models.

AIoT addresses system barriers in IoT. The original design concept of simply moving all of the data generated on the edge to the cloud for analysis and machine learning has run into three fundamental barriers: privacy, reliability and latency. To reduce these barriers, system designers have changed the location of the ML algorithms that typically have run on the cloud at the edge. A great example to think about are voice-based smart assistants.

Firstly, when you interact with an assistant, the time it takes to make a round-trip to get the answer is generally a poor user experience since that is not the natural way for humans to interact. Secondly, reliability and bandwidth of internet connection is also critical, especially when these assistants run on wearable devices such as smart watches and you don’t always have a perfect, reliable connection to the cloud. Thirdly, with the proliferation of these assistants everywhere, privacy is always top-of-mind and trusting service providers with sensitive voice data is always a challenge. Running these algorithms efficiently on edge eliminates these barriers and allows AIoT products to scale much more rapidly.

ModusToolbox ML allows developers to use their preferred deep learning framework, such as TensorFlow, and deploy them directly to PSoC MCUs. In addition, the tooling helps designers by optimizing the model for embedded platforms by reducing the size and complexity using a variety of techniques such as quantization.

ModusToolbox considerably simplifies the development of IoT products which use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth/Bluetooth Low Energy IoT products in combination with RTOS system microcontrollers, such as those from the PSoC family. Developers can use the integrated middleware and code examples to easily connect their IoT products with leading cloud software platforms or proprietary cloud services.

To reduce AIoT development time, ModusToolbox also contains solutions to support popular ecosystems and cloud management tools like Pelion Cloud Management and Mbed OS, Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT and FreeRTOS SDK as well as Infineon AnyCloud IoT. In addition, it provides specific tools like the low-power assistant, multi-radio smart coexistence, secure authentication, and over-the-air updates to reduce the time and expense required when launching high-value, high-quality products onto the market. This provides flexible, easy-to-use tools and solutions for creating smart devices of the future.

One of the other key features this toolset brings is helping system designers visualize how these optimization techniques impact model performance, so they can make the right trade-offs between performance vs the size/complexity of running the model efficiently on a PSoC MCU.

To help system designers get started quickly, code examples and IoT-focused development kits are provided to have a smooth developer experience that reduces the complexities system developers face when developing AIoT applications. These typically require a seamless Machine Learning workload integration, along with compute, connectivity, and cloud domains. ModusToolbox ML can address these aspects by giving developers the ability to simplify their design and drop this functionality into any existing cloud or connectivity examples today.

ModusToolbox ML delivers an unmatched developer experience that reduces the complexities system developers face when developing AIoT applications. These applications typically require a seamless Machine Learning workload integration, along with compute, connectivity, and cloud domains that ModusToolbox ML can address.

ModusToolbox is available for download here. In addition, code examples are shown in the ModusToolbox GitHub Repository. To access online documentation, online videos, and regular live developer trainings, join the Cypress Developer Community.

The post AIoT and Machine Learning appeared first on IoT Business News.

The IoT continues to grow in size and reach – promising productivity, convenience, and safety gains in just about all walks of life and work. Statista market research estimates that the global IoT market will be worth around 1.6 trillion US dollars by 2025.¹ This impressive figure belies the fact that the IoT – thus far at least – has failed in many instances to live up to all the hype and expectations. The fact of the matter is that IoT projects are rarely plain sailing. According to Gartner research analyst Ganesh Ramamoorthy, eight out of ten IoT projects fail before they are even launched.² In addition, it takes 18 months on average to create a market-ready IoT solution.

That is a long time in such a fast-moving space. Digitalization certainly has picked up speed in recent years. Many organizations had already embarked on their digital transformation journey before the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is no doubt that the crisis has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies worldwide. The need to convert analog products and services into digital offerings and shift customer interaction to the digital world has never been as pressing.

Unpacking IoT complexity

So why does it take so long to develop an IoT product? In a nutshell, IoT projects are complex. Developing an IoT solution involves a lot more than just sticking a SIM into a device to add connectivity. IoT devices need to “see”, “hear”, “feel”, “understand”, and possibly even “smell” their surroundings. They can only do this with the help of microelectronics. Electronic chips have the ability to give human-like senses to IoT “things”. This enables them to autonomously process information, make decisions, and set chains of action in motion. Semiconductor company Infineon refers to this as the sense-compute-actuate-connect-secure functional flow – as described in the following:

• Sensors mark the starting point of any IoT system as they capture environmental information and convert it into digital data
• Microcontrollers are the nerve center of an IoT device, processing this data and generating control signals
• Actuators set things in motion by converting the control signals into actions
• Connectivity is the heartbeat of the IoT, linking all of these “things” to each other and to the cloud
• Security solutions for devices, networks, and data create the all-important consumer trust in the digital world by protecting data transmission and ensuring the integrity of the connected devices and networks

It goes without saying that not all IoT device or service providers are experts in the sense-compute-actuate-connect-secure continuum. A home appliance manufacturer, for instance, might be specialized in refrigeration or induction technologies, but is unlikely to know a lot about hardware-based security or robust connectivity. And in many cases, newcomers to the IoT space have neither the in-house resources nor the budget to invest in dedicated security or connectivity capabilities. The question is, how can they balance the need for speed with the equally pressing need for reliable connectivity, contextual awareness, and robust security?

Fast track to IoT success

One way to fast-track this process is by partnering with IoT companies such as Infineon Technologies. Infineon has moved beyond the delivery of individual semiconductor products to deliver end-to-end solutions that span the full IoT functional spectrum, blending these with the added bonus of Software as a Service for complementary analytical insights. This means that customers can tap into Infineon’s synergized expertise for ready-to-run IoT solutions that cover all functional blocks so they don’t have to invest in developing security or connectivity know-how themselves.

Reliable connectivity, contextual awareness and robust security

According to Infineon, reliable connectivity, contextual awareness and robust security are the three key success factors in designing future-proof IoT systems. Today’s consumer expects fast, stable connections and excellent reception quality. To provide this, connectivity solutions must support a growing number of frequency bands and features in a constrained footprint without compromising antenna performance. Infineon leverages innovations such as antenna tuning to meet these conflicting needs, boosting antenna efficiency for the highest data rates, excellent signal quality, and longer battery lives. 5G technology is another key vehicle in the move to deliver ultra-fast and reliable wireless communications in a gigabit-connected society. Rounding out these abilities, advanced analytics and “learning” software are helping to improve today’s connectivity products for an even better end user experience.

Infineon’s XENSIV sensor family is meeting evolving user demands for effortless, interconnected, intuitive IoT experiences. XENSIV sensors enable things to “see”, “hear”, “feel”, “understand”, and even “smell” their surroundings. These data streams are processed by microcontrollers and turned into control signals. Actuators then convert the control signals into contextual actions.

Moving on to security, Infineon offers easy-to-integrate hardware-based security products and solutions such as its OPTIGA family based on established standards for rapid deployment and interoperability. This enables companies to accelerate the development and delivery of IoT products and service models without having to invest in dedicated security know-how or build their own secure facilities.

Bringing it all together – at speed and scale

Assuming all the connectivity, sensing and security building blocks are in place, designers then need to tackle the speed challenge. How can they accelerate the process, get their products to market quickly, and get a head-start on the competition? Here again, Infineon has the answer.

Well aware that missing deadlines isn’t an option, the company focuses heavily on reducing time-to-market and giving customers the all-important speed advantage. Acting as a trusted partner in everything IoT, the company works hard to make customer design and production processes as fast and easy as possible.

Take software development, for example. It doesn’t have to be a time-consuming process if builders have the right tools and solutions available. Infineon has integrated its AIROC wireless and microcontroller solutions to work together and do the heavy lifting, so customers can focus on designing connected, low-power devices with ease. Engineers using popular cloud services can rely on Infineon for the middleware so they don’t need custom code, which translates into further time gains. Infineon’s ModusToolbox, for example, is a modern software development platform that gives customers instant access to a sophisticated software library that adds speed and quality to development processes.

Another key element in the speed equation is the regulatory factor. Compliance with regulatory requirements is essential to be able to sell products worldwide. Infineon’s software tools and documentation resources support customers through the testing process – whether they are aiming for FCC or CE approval. A rich repository of regulatory resources and tools for microcontrollers, Wi-Fi solutions, and Bluetooth® products are all designed to help customers get it right first time – every time.

Moving to the pre-launch stage, Infineon has also developed tools that simplify the feedback process during alpha and beta testing so customers can quickly identify and resolve connectivity, reliability, and security issues. This frees customers up to focus on the core development process. For instance, the company’s IoT Network Intelligence (INI) solution supports remote telemetry so bugs can be fixed before they impact the customer experience. Its Mobile App Intelligence (MAI) solution provides the same visibility for Wi-Fi onboarding. Perfect for alpha/beta testing, INI also allows developers to remotely manage and update products in the field.

In summary, by combining microelectronics spanning the full functional flow with intelligent analytics and smart development tools and resources, companies can scrape weeks – if not months – off typical IoT development timelines by reducing the complexity inherent in delivering IoT projects at speed and scale.

The post Getting to market faster with your IoT product appeared first on IoT Business News.

We live in an increasingly connected world, shaped by ever more sophisticated technologies as the IoT approaches tipping point. The digitalization and networking of more and more “things” is transforming all areas of our life, reaching beyond smart factories, offices, cars and suchlike to also redefine the home experience.

Demand for smart home devices and applications is experiencing dynamic growth as more and more consumers are looking to leverage the comfort, energy efficiency, and security benefits of smart home and building technologies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of smart home technologies. During the various stages of lockdown, many private homes morphed into offices, schools, entertainment hubs, fitness studios, and even healthcare centers. This shift in needs has also driven disruptive changes in terms of the range, functionality, and performance of smart home applications and devices now in demand. Today’s smart homes are much more than just a refrigerator that reorders milk or a coffee machine that recognizes users and knows their preferences. By 2026, ABI Research¹ predicts that “the smart home market will reach $317 billion, up 5 percent over pre-COVID-19 forecasts.”

Homes that can “hear”, “see” and “smell” – science fiction or reality?

And this smart home trend is set to pick up even greater momentum moving forward. According to projections by the United Nations, more than seven out of ten people will live in cities by the year 2050. This will push the development of megacities with high-rise buildings, large apartment blocks, and massive office/public buildings. Digitalization will play a defining role in all of these buildings. According to the European Telecommunications Network Operators’ Association, there will be around 154 million active IoT connections in smart buildings by 2025. And that’s just Europe!

What makes a home smart?

A home becomes smart by equipping everyday “things” such as heaters, ventilators, air conditioners, elevators, and lights with powerful electronics. Microelectronics enable all of these “things” to “see”, “hear”, and “understand” their surroundings. They can then autonomously process information, make decisions, and set chains of action in motion. There are several functional blocks required to build this kind of intelligence into smart home systems:

• Sensors mark the starting point of any IoT system as they capture environmental information and convert it into digital data.
• Microcontrollers are the nerve center of an IoT device, processing this data and generating control signals.
• Actuators set things in motion by converting the control signals into actions.
• Connectivity is the heartbeat of the IoT, linking all of these “things” to each other and to the cloud.
• Security solutions for devices, networks, and data create the all-important consumer trust in the digital world by protecting data transmission and ensuring the integrity of the connected devices and networks.

In a nutshell, the seamless, secure interplay between all of these functional blocks is what makes a home smart.

1 Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi are still the most used technologies

But it’s not all plain sailing…

The rising number of connected devices in the home is making networks more congested. Users often have to face service interruptions or wireless connectivity issues between different smart home devices. In addition, Wi-Fi devices often consume a lot of power. Some homes are also prone to dead spots and coverage can fluctuate or deteriorate from one room to another. At the same time, the popular 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz RF spectrum are becoming increasingly crowded, leading to performance issues. And many users have growing concerns about the security of their home and private data as IoT edge devices present an attractive target for home hackers.

To win user trust and unleash the full potential of smart home technologies, manufacturers of smart home devices and appliances need semiconductor solutions that address all of these connectivity, congestion, and security concerns.

Seamless and reliable connectivity for smart homes

In a home of connected experiences, excellent reception quality and fast, stable connections between IoT devices, the cloud, and the network are a must – always and everywhere. Various connectivity standards are evolving to support seamless communications for different use cases. The most popular are Wi-Fi for wireless local area networks (WLAN), Bluetooth® for content streaming, and Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) technology for ultra-low-power connectivity.

Of particular interest here are developments such as Wi-Fi 6. This latest generation of Wi-Fi was built specifically to improve reliability and performance, even in high device density environments. Unlike previous generations of Wi-Fi that focused on peak device speeds, Wi-Fi 6 includes advancements to relieve network congestion, and to improve network efficiency, device battery life, latency, and range in addition to peak speeds. This makes it ideal for online gaming devices with virtual reality capabilities, sports devices that stream workouts live, connected kitchen gadgets, and other IoT devices that typically congest the home network environment.

The answer: New combo families supporting the latest standards

Semiconductor player Infineon Technologies AG has responded to market demand for secure, reliable wireless connectivity in the home with its new AIROC combo family. Leveraging the benefits of Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth® 5.2, these combo solutions address the challenges of congested 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels by opening up the 6 GHz spectrum. They also bring extraordinary audio and video quality to media applications and extend coverage with robust, long-range connections for IoT applications. By comparison, AIROC doubles the wireless coverage range possible with Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4 and thus makes a valuable contribution to the elimination of dead spots and reception problems. Equally impressive, AIROC extends the coverage of typical Wi-Fi 6/6E solutions by more than 40 percent.

Infineon’s AIROC Wi-Fi 6/6E solutions are also equipped with the latest Bluetooth® 5.2 technology, enabling high-quality audio with LC3, and enabling new BLE audio use cases such as audio sharing and audio broadcast. The unique low-power wake-on-Bluetooth® LE mode allows the host CPU to conserve power while the Bluetooth® core autonomously “listens” for incoming connection requests. Advanced wireless technology innovations have been added to improve the BT/BLE range, general robustness for less interference and latency, while also reducing power consumption by 20 percent. This exceeds the BT5.2 specification. Infineon’s unique Smart Coex maximizes Wi-Fi throughput when used concurrently with Bluetooth®, making it ideal for demanding multimedia use cases. Last but not least, AIROC comes with multi-layer security features such as secured boot, firmware authentication and encryption, and lifecycle management. This higher level of security for IoT applications in the smart home will go a long way towards building the much-needed trust of consumers in the safety and integrity of their devices and data.

To accelerate development of Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth® 5.2 deployments for the smart home, reduce test costs, and support product certification, Infineon builds and delivers integrated Wi-Fi 6/6E solutions in collaboration with its module partners.

The AIROC Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth® 5.2 combo is currently sampling to select customers.

The post The heartbeat of the smart home: Reliable and seamless connectivity appeared first on IoT Business News.

The problem of not hitting those project-sensitive industry deadlines not only affects the health and safety of staff and equipment, but can also cause a major setback to overall productivity and profitability. So, the results VW, ENEL and Budweiser achieved when they implemented a real-time location system to bring higher visibility to their logistics and production ensured that digitalization not only brought increased levels of safety to staff and equipment, but the elimination of bottlenecks also produced better results, and that meant less time wasted and more money in the bank.

The Road to Success

Volkswagen Slovakia’s plant produces five brands of car. So, having full visibility of the status, trajectory and exact location of each of its forklifts means knowing the movement of the fleet in real time and utilizing this to the full to achieve greater efficiency.

In order to gain up-to-date insights into the status of its forklifts and AG, VW Slovakia implemented Sewio’s ultra-wideband real-time location system (RTLS) into one of its 10,000 m2 halls. This means they can now leverage metrics, spaghetti diagrams and heatmaps to check that their vehicles stick to the optimal paths. Using this information, there has been a 10% reduction in overall distance traveled by the fleet through the avoidance of the bottlenecks identified. Through monitoring where forklifts were and were not driven led to a 20% expansion of the warehousing area through optimization of the existing space while avoiding any additional need for construction.

This means VW Slovakia achieved its goal to use digital innovation to achieve greater effectiveness of its industry processes. And by using intricate and accurate virtual modeling of the entire production hall, any proposed operational updates can be simulated first to help avoid any potential pitfalls after going live.

Be Safe, Be Seen

Producing green energy in 30 countries, Enel knows that placing the safety of their staff and equipment is of the highest importance. However, being able to identify the precise number of vehicles and people present at their San Giacomo hydroelectric plant at any given point is not such a straightforward task.

With two kilometers of tunnels and many internal areas, providing a safe environment to work in and easy access for emergency services are not easy. Plus, making sure restricted areas stay strictly out of bounds to unauthorized visitors helps the avoidance of additional unnecessary dangers. Restricted average vehicle speeds of 30 km/h and damp environments meant a micro-area approach had to be adopted to cover all necessary areas and transit zones. Using a combination of RGB cameras and UWB RTLS tags, Enel is able to identify vehicles and people in real time and track their movement, and even count the number of people at the facility who are not wearing tags using the cameras. This has to an 81% reduction in entry to restricted zones and an increase in the speed of access to injured persons by the emergency services.

Let It Beer

It is hard to think of the production of quality beer without the Czech Republic springing to mind. World-famous Czech Budweiser’s brewery produces 360 varieties of beer on 20,000 pallets in two sizes. These leave the plant daily on 50 lorries to 76 countries across the globe. As you can imagine, running an operation of such a scale and complexity can lead to costly human errors. But by introducing a real-time positioning system, it not only helped eliminate this, but brought the additional bonus of low maintenance costs.

15 forklifts were fitted with ultra-wideband (UWB) tags and 70 receivers (anchors) were installed. This means warehouse operators at Budweiser’s 15,000 m2 facility can pinpoint in real time the precise location of the 20,000 pallets–with an accuracy of 30 cm. This means they are able to ensure the right pallet is with the correct driver, and inform and redirect drivers should the pallets go astray. As a result of implanting Sewio’s UWB-powered RTLS, warehouse utilization has risen by 19% and system uptime is 24% higher (at 99%). It has also given logistics managers visibility of every forklift, its location, distance traveled and metrics for daily attendance.

Save Time, Make Money

The increased overview digitalization brings to your staff, premises and assets means optimizing your processes to the full. Better streamlining, improved personnel safety and the pinpoint precision of the positioning system mean reducing the amount you are paying in terms of time, manpower and money. Using digitalization, not only are you optimizing every aspect of your processes but you are also reaping some serious rewards.

The post For VW, ENEL and Budweiser, Using Indoor Tracking Means More Productivity and Greater Profits appeared first on IoT Business News.

Bitdefender has just released the 2nd generation of its Bitdefender BOX, a hardware security appliance designed to offer protection to all the home systems and devices connecting to the Internet. The protection applies to all devices running operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, but also to Kindles, smart TVs, gaming consoles, smart thermostats, or any other internet-enabled device. At a time where IoT security has become a hot topic, Bitdefender brings to the consumer market an easy-to-use solution to protect connected home devices against a large variety of cyber threats.

Advanced security features for connected home devices

The Bitdefender BOX has been designed as a Smart Home Cybersecurity hub able to secure any home network with all the internet-enabled devices attached to it. And the protection doesn’t stop at the front door. Whether you’re connecting to public wifi or using your mobile network, your devices will stay secure out in the world as they do in your home.

The Bitdefender team has done a nice job, designing an elegant yet powerful box able to run a large set of security features on its Dual Core Cortex A9. Embedded wireless connectivity supports 802.11ac MiMo Wi-Fi delivering up to 1 Gbps throughput.

The BOX comes with the following smart home security services pre-integrated:

• Web scanning: The BOX checks every website that the devices access and in case the website is listed as malicious in our cloud database, the BOX will block access to it.
• On demand Vulnerability Assessment: The BOX offers the option to scan a certain device and check for vulnerabilities. In case the device is found vulnerable, the user will be notified in the BOX managing app regarding the vulnerability found (week credentials, outdated firmware, CVE vulnerabilities, etc). This also includes tips on how to address and secure your network, based on the specific vulnerability BOX has identified.
• Device detection: Once a new device is connected to the network protected by the BOX, the user will be informed through a notification displayed in the managing app of the BOX and will be asked if he wants to allow the device to be connected to his network.
• Exploit prevention: This engine identifies and blocks exploits through a mechanism similar to other popular IDS solutions in the market. It includes generic signatures to cover a wide array of attacks as well as specific signatures wherever needed (noting that the signature list is constantly expanded).
• Anomaly detection: The anomaly detection engine uses machine learning and cloud correlation to understand how devices should behave under normal circumstances and is able to accurately identify, block and alert upon any malicious activity.
• Brute force protection: This security module blocks forced authentication on devices connected to the BOX protected network.
• Sensitive data protection: This module identifies whenever credit card information or passwords is sent over a non-encrypted connection and block the attempt. The user is free to surf a non-secured website without issues but any attempt to send sensitive information will be redirected to a warning page.

When operating in Network Level Protection mode, all the devices connected to the BOX-protected network benefit from the here-above security features.

The BOX can also operate in Local Protection mode. With this option, the Bitdefender BOX offers extended protection to all devices connected in the home network but also outside of it with the help of the Bitdefender Total Security package. This also includes a range of extra protection features like VPN brought through Bitdefender Total Security on Windows, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac on Mac OS, Bitdefender Mobile Security on Android and iOS.

Setup and System requirements

The most common configuration is using the BOX with the router provided by your ISP but the BOX can also be used with a combo of ISP provided router + personal router. At last, it is also possible to use the BOX configured as a standalone router if you wish to create a new Wi-Fi network. Whatever option you choose, the setup process is quick and smooth.

Bitdefender BOX can be installed and managed only using a dedicated app, available for devices running Android 4.0 or newer and iOS 7.0 or newer. The network level protection does not have any operating system requirements. The only requirement is that the devices need to be able to connect to the BOX protected network.

The Local Protection, Device Management and VPN have the normal Core Products system requirements, Windows 7 or newer for Bitdefender Total Security, Mac OS 10.9.5 for Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, iOS 9 and Android 4 for Bitdefender Mobile Security.

BOX package content

The Bitdefender BOX package contains:

• The Bitdefender BOX.
• A power adapter for powering on the unit.
• An Ethernet cable – for connecting BOX to the existing router.
• A Quick Start guide – to get started with the setup.
• A Quick Start guide – for helping get started with the setup.
• A warranty card.

Price

The Bitdefender BOX is offered at $249.99 and can be ordered online from the Bitdefender online store.

It is to be noted that apart from its security BOX, Bitdefender offers a free IoT scanner that looks for vulnerable devices and passwords, and offers detailed security recommendations for home networks. If you are not ready yet to get equipped with the BOX, we recommend at least to try this smart (and free) tool which will scan your home Wi-Fi network for weaknesses.

Conclusion

With the fast development and deployment of IoT devices, new security threats appear almost every day. Although we can expect that enterprises are in a position to address their IoT security issues by setting up smart security protocols and sophisticated equipments, most likely it is not the case for the millions of people using internet-connected devices at home. With its BOX 2, Bitdefender offers to the consumer market an efficient and affordable smart home security solution which may soon become a must-have in any home environment. Easy to setup and packed with the latest cybersecurity features, it is an excellent option for everyone looking to be on the safe side when using IoT devices at home or on the go.

The post Bitdefender BOX : the ultimate security solution for smart home environments? appeared first on IoT Business News.

While smart homes, wearable technology and connected cars are among the advances that are popularly hyped when it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT), the smart money is on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for its potential to transform not only a vast number of industries, but the very nature of jobs and how we work.

In fact, a 2015 report by the World Economic Forum projected the IIoT to dwarf consumer applications, even though the IIoT is still in a comparatively nascent stage.

But, the pace of transformation is speeding up. The report noted that between 2012 to 2014, shipments of sensors, for example, exploded to 23.6 billion units from 4.2 billion. Statistics like these serve as a clear reflection of the growing emphasis on the use of interconnected and sensor-based data to drive results.

Business leaders like General Electric, meanwhile, are showing the world how it’s done: In 2014 alone, the conglomerate realized more than $1 billion in incremental revenues by helping customers improve their operations and performance through IIoT capabilities. Today, GE predicts that investment in the IIoT will top $60 trillion over the next 15 years.

It’s not just industrial brands like GE that are working to seize on the wealth of opportunity the IIoT presents. Other companies are branching out and carving niches in this diverse and fast-expanding space.

One such company is Quarterhill, which was formed in June of this year by WiLAN, the Ottawa-based patent licensing firm. As a growth-oriented investment holding company, Quarterhill was formed with the main focus of acquiring promising technology companies in the IIoT space. WiLAN will continue with its patent licensing focus as a subsidiary of Quarterhill.

Quarterhill’s new diversification strategy and its ambitious investment in the IIoT does nothing but reaffirm the tremendous growth potential in this burgeoning area.

Even as the company’s strategy was announced, Quarterhill was announcing its first acquisition: Saskatoon-based International Road Dynamics (IRD), a potentially significant player in the IIoT industry with its intelligent transportation system technologies that are sold around the world.

Founded in 1980, IRD develops intelligent tools that collect traffic data, monitor vehicle movement and manage highway toll and weigh stations. Besides its successful business model and strong annual revenues, Quarterhill was attracted to IRD’s portfolio of more than 80 pending and current patents.

Less than a month after announcing the acquisition of IRD, a deal to bring VIZIYA Corporation into the fold was announced. VIZIYA develops intelligent software that helps companies optimize their assets, with the company working in a wide range of industries, including the oil and gas sector, mining, manufacturing and the utilities sector.

“We’re tremendously excited to be investing in the IIoT market and coming in at an early point in the market’s growth,” notes Shaun McEwan, Quarterhill’s Interim CEO. “PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates that more than $1 trillion a year will be spent on IoT over the next couple years, and much of that will be in the IIoT. And that’s just one of many examples of analysts supporting IoT’s growth.”

McEwan then adds: “Working within three primary verticals – mobility, city, and factory – Quarterhill’s goal as a growth-oriented investment holding company will be to seek out companies in the IIoT market that have strong management teams, solid financial track records, and room for significant growth. Quarterhill’s first two acquisitions of International Road Dynamics and VIZIYA exemplify exactly the type of investments in the IIoT we’re looking to make moving forward.”

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Among the emerging technologies that bring the hope of an even better Internet of Things world, LoRaWAN is one of the most promising.

Simfony Mobile Cloud Service brings a secure backend infrastructure with exciting features and benefits.

LoRa is a spread-spectrum modulation technique which allows sending data at very long ranges using low data-rates – down to just few bytes per second. Through extremely low receiver sensitivity combined with an output power of +14 dBm, users can get large link budgets: up to 150 dB. That is over 22 km in LOS links and up to 2 km in NLOS links in urban environment, going through buildings.

With LoRaWAN, modules we can send the data directly to any Base Station (BS) that is LoRaWAN compatible, but in order to visualize the information we will need also a Cloud platform where the data has to be sent. Infrastructure is still a major issue when trying to deploy LoRaWAN devices.

Here is where the Simfony’s LoRaWAN Cloud Service comes into play. The service was built to enable customers or service providers to rapidly deploy gateway and devices without the need for a costly backend infrastructure. The solution connects LoRa gateways to Simfony’s LoRaWan infrastructure using secure mobile data connections or the existing internet provider.

Simfony Platform is packed with features available to all LoRaWAN customers. It instantly receives the data sent from devices in the cloud service’s Application builder. Users can forward it to existing external applications or store it on the cloud and use it with the reporting and analytics engine. One of the most important service features is the IoT VPN which helps users securely connect the gateways to the cloud.

LoRaWAN deployment can be streamlined allowing rapid network growth, as the Simfony’s cloud based Network Server can be used without worrying about device provisioning or management. Network owners can focus on their needs through the end application and forget about the backend infrastructure needed to deploy and run it. This approach almost eliminates costs for buying and managing software like the Network Server and provisioning applications. Customers only pay for active devices and they can add as many gateways as they like, as there are no software license fees. The Cloud Service benefits from integration with major LoRA gateway vendors such as Kerlink, Cisco, MultiTech, Link Labs.

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Simfony Mobile is an ambitious European-based company offering global M2M connectivity services.

Their out-of-the-box solutions are at the same time cost efficient and easy to use thanks to the Simfony Management Platform.

M2M Connectivity might seem simple to a specialist or a passionate professional, but in far too many cases, companies are reluctant to adopt the best solutions due to the perceived complexity of the process. This psychological factor hinders the adoption rate. That is why Simfony Mobile is dedicated to transforming the M2M connectivity services landscape through a user-friendly approach without compromise on quality or complexity of the solutions it provides.

Cloud Platform Connectivity is where Simfony Mobile capitalizes the most. With Simfony’s Cloud Connectivity option, SIM-enabled devices can securely connect and send data to the Simfony IoT Platform. Here, customers can instantly build, test and run custom IoT applications without the need to write a single line of code.

From stand-alone, well defined products – such as Cashless Payment – Vending Machines, Smart Agriculture, Cashless Payment -Electric Charging Stations, Connected Cabinets, Smart Environment and Smart Scale – to custom projects, Simfony Mobile delivers excellence at extremely competitive costs based on decades of professional experience. The Simfony team is dedicated to offer companies the ability to pick and choose the building blocks needed for their future IoT projects, from global connectivity to data analytics, all based on a cloud cost model.

Customer First M2M Solutions

Machines (devices) can easily be connected to applications using 2G/3G GSM-based, cellular communication services in over 180 countries worldwide. With Simfony’s Internet Connectivity service smart devices are connected directly to systems of choice, which are hosted on a public Internet infrastructure. Simfony’s VPN service allows customers to securely connect their smart devices directly to their own enterprise private network. This solutions is excellent for reusing existing back-end environment, while keeping sensitive information strictly tunneled from the SIM cards to the infrastructure.

Simfony platform is designed from the very beginning with enterprise integration in mind. All the features available within the IoT Platform (connectivity management, device management, reporting, just to name a few) are available via secure REST jSON/XML APIs, so can seamlessly integrate the management of existing IoT products within the ERP or CRM currently used by the customers. Simfony Mobile provides several Short Message Service (SMS) solutions addressing the specific needs of the M2M marketplace. The network keeps SMS messages private, and any SMS go through a secure platform.

Under the Hood – Simfony M2M Features

All Simfony M2M solutions are brought to their simplest form, so that the users can take decisions instantly. Behind the interface, however, there is a multitude of features. Starting from the network presence – for each SIM-enabled device, Simfony Management Portal provides real-time information regarding the Network Attach Status and Data Session PDP status for each endpoint. Moreover, instant network view is available for each SIM-enabled device. The platform also brings information regarding the current attached mobile network operator, PDP connection status, device information (IMEI) and provisioning information (APN, device ids, metadata and security credentials).

Starting to use Simfony SIM cards on devices is also a seamless process. Based on the unique International Mobile Equipment Identification number (IMEI) of the hardware module that your SIM is currently connected with, Simfony platform automatically detects the hardware model, manufacturer and radio bands that the module is operating on.

The platform allows real time notifications and events, so that users can easily monitor their SIM-based deployments by viewing all relevant information at a single glance. Another important feature is the possibility to analyze current and historical data for each individual device and for all traffic bearers (SMS, data).

It is essential to be in control of the costs at any time, therefore, billing information is presented for each provisioned SIM card as well as aggregated information for the entire SIM fleet. On demand activation/de-activation with no contract per SIM is built at the core of all Simfony products.

Location-based service allows customers to query and instantly find the geographic location of any of their wireless devices on the Simfony Mobile network. Bear in mind that the service is 100% network based and no extra software is needed. It uses Cell ID, ECID and Assisted GPS information to provide location information based on supported Mobile Networks worldwide. It works with any device, including even non-GPS enabled devices.

Each Simfony SIM card can be easily configured via the web portal so that all custom deployment requirements are met. Configuration options include enabling or disabling Data or SMS services, APN credentials authentication and authorization, device-based locking, as well as global operational service areas definition.

Data usage control is extremely important, therefore, data Alerting and Data Capping help you monitor and control data usage. Simfony Portal provides tools to run reports and gather data for your SIM-enabled devices. Reports can provide information for the entire devices fleet, a specific group of devices, or a single device. Custom reports can be easily built using: Network Registration (operator name/country); Mobile Data Traffic (bytes in/out/total); SMS Traffic (SMS-MO/SMS-MT); Location Data (Cell IDs); Device (IMEI). Each report can be assigned to a custom Dashboard of choice, in order to group graphs based on requirements.

See Simfony Connect in Action!

Each M2M solution from Simfony is unique, specifically tailored to the customer’s needs. At the core of everything is the amazingly versatile Simfony platform. The best way to convince yourself how easy it is to start your M2M project is to try it. Their SIM cards work on global level, so, wherever you are, start building your applications with us. They are offering you:

• Up to 3 international data SIM cards
• Up to 100 MB of traffic for your automation projects
• 3 months trial for creating your own M2M systems
• Free Access to the smart Connectivity Management platform
• Free IoT Workshop with the experts

The post Simfony Mobile – Complex M2M Solutions Made Simple as a Business Model appeared first on IoT Business News.