In the digital age, there are countless digital devices, machines, and objects in production every day—many of them embedded with chips, processors, software, and various other technologies to enhance their utility. With the rise of the internet, a constant among many of these devices is their ability to access the internet to collect, manage, and share data, either with the end user or among a network of other devices. This phenomenon is known as the Internet of Things (IoT), and has led to a more interactive, responsive world.
Today, due to the decreasing price of computer chips and the sharp increase in access to wireless networks, just about any object can be transformed into a part of the IoT. As long as a device can be connected to the internet— either to be controlled or to communicate information— it can join other devices within the greater IoT. Objects as simple as a lightbulb, when accessed and controlled via a smartphone app, can become a part of the IoT. Similarly, even a children’s toy like an electronic, talking, plush animal has the potential to join the IoT as long as it is able to exchange information with other devices via the internet.
With the steady rise of the IoT, Amazon AWS IoT services have proven enormously helpful to organizations looking to create products in areas as diverse as smart home technologies to healthcare aids. Brands such as GoPro, iRobot, Under Armour, and more have launched products using the support of the AWS IoT platform. Why are so many major companies choosing AWS IoT over other IoT development platforms?
- Quick starts. With AWS IoT, it’s simple to get started. AWS can easily connect an IoT device to the cloud, allowing developers the ability to operate and manage their solution, directly through the AWS console.
- Formidable security. AWS IoT provides remarkably high security to its users. Amazon uses a variety of resources to help protect customer data, devices, and communications. This involves numerous levels of authorization, authentication, and encryption.
- Agility. With the help of serverless architecture, users will find it less costly to build an MVP and prototypes, increasing the overall agility of the development process. Generally, this means less time spent on maintenance and more time available for development and deployment.
- Access. AWS IoT comes with other benefits, as well, including superior access to AWS analytics and continued access to partner networks.
AWS web services provides IoT software developers with an assortment of useful tools, including:
- AWS IoT Core
- FreeRTOS
- AWS IoT Greengrass
- AWS IoT 1-Click
- AWS IoT Analytics
- AWS IoT Button
- AWS IoT Device Defender
- AWS IoT Device Management
- AWS IoT Events
- AWS IoT SiteWise
- AWS IoT Things Graph
- AWS Partner Device Catalog
AWS IoT Core
Using AWS IoT Core, developers are able to easily connect devices and facilitate secure interactions with other devices and cloud applications. With this service, a variety of other AWS services (Amazon Kinesis, AWS Lambda, Amazon SageMaker, Amazon S3, etc.) become more capable of facilitating the development of IoT apps without the need for users to manage infrastructure.
FreeRTOS
FreeRTOS is an operating system designed for use by microcontrollers. Users can start with small, low-power edge devices, and see them become simpler to program, deploy, secure, connect, and manage.
AWS IoT Greengrass
AWS IoT Greengrass can be utilized to extend AWS to other devices, allowing these devices to act locally on any data generated—all while continuing to use AWS cloud management, analytics, and storage. With this service, users can utilize familiar language and programming models to construct and test software within the cloud before deploying it.
AWS IoT 1-Click
AWS IoT 1-Click allows simple devices to begin triggering AWS Lambda functions in order to execute an action. When a device is supported by IoT 1-Click, it becomes easier for users to perform a variety of actions, including tracking assets, notifying technical support, and replenishing goods or services.
AWS IoT Analytics
Typically, when a company builds an IoT analytics platform, there’s a high degree of both complexity and cost involved. However, AWS IoT Analytics simplifies this process, acting as a fully-managed service making it simpler to run and operationalize analytics.
AWS IoT Button
Using the programmable AWS IoT Button, companies can configure and utilize button clicks in order to perform a variety of actions. Possibilities include the ability to count or track items, make calls, send alerts, stop or start something, order services, and provide feedback.
AWS IoT Device Defender
AWS IoT Device Defender gives organizations the ability to efficiently secure their fleet of different IoT devices. IoT configurations are continuously audited, ensuring that the user doesn’t deviate from security best practices.
AWS IoT Device Management
Some IoT deployments involve hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of devices. For this reason, it’s crucial that companies successfully track, monitor, and manage all fleets of connected devices. IoT Device Management is designed to make this task easier and more efficient.
AWS IoT Events
AWS IoT Events is Amazon’s fully-managed service designed to simplify the detection of and response to different events. These patterns of data stem from IoT sensors or applications, and users can determine and build custom actions to trigger in response to each event.
AWS IoT SiteWise
AWS IoT SiteWise, a managed service, simplifies the process of collecting, storing, organizing, and monitoring data sourced from industrial equipment. With SiteWise, companies can more efficiently monitor operations across various facilities, as well as commute performance metrics and create apps to analyze data from industrial equipment.
AWS IoT Things Graph
AWS IoT Things Graph generates a visual representation of connections between various devices and web services. Graphs enable organizations and developers to receive actionable insights during the process of building IoT applications.
AWS Partner Device Catalog
Using AWS Partner Device Catalog, companies can locate devices and hardware, allowing them to explore, build, and go to market with their IoT solutions. With this service, users can search for and locate hardware compatible with AWS.
