This article presents a general survey of the current IoT software platform landscape based on a detailed analysis we conducted on IoT vendors. We first create a list of key features which are important for any IoT software platform. Next, we compare the extent to which those key features have been implemented in the current IoT software platforms. Finally, we list down the desired features of an IoT software platform based on our observations.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has undergone rapid transformation since the term was first coined in 1999 by Kevin Ashton. Since the variety – and the number – of devices connected to the Internet has increased exponentially in recent years, IoT has become a mainstream technology with a significant potential for advancing the lifestyle of modern societies.
In terms of the technology and engineering aspects of IoT, there currently exists a clear separation between the hardware and software platforms, with the majority of vendors focused on the hardware. Few vendors in the industry currently offer IoT software platforms: for example, out of the top 100 IoT startups ranked by Mattermark (based on the total funding they received), only about 13 startups provide IoT software platforms [5].
The aim of this article is to make a general survey of the current IoT software platform landscape based on a detailed analysis we conducted on IoT vendors. Shortlisting the IoT vendors for this article was based purely on the criteria whether the vendors provide software solutions that allow for processing information from IoT devices/sensors. Note that while we try to be as comprehensive as possible, the article may not reflect some of the latest improvements made to the listed IoT software platforms.