IoT (Internet of Things) can be defined as the technology that connects devices or rather “things” to the internet. These things can be air conditioners, headphones, refrigerators, washing machines, smartphones, cars, televisions, and almost everything else we use in our day-to-day lives at home and in the office.
The adoption of these devices has been boosted by IT service desk outsourcing. As a small business or an enterprise decision maker, you do not have to employ experts to provide solutions whenever you have issues with your IoT devices. Instead, you can rely on outsourced help desk services, which are more convenient and come with a flat and simple pricing structure.
IoT devices come with a circuit board that has sensors used for connecting them to the internet. Some good examples of IoT devices might include fire detection sensors, elevator accelerometers, humidity and temperature sensors, and pressure sensors, among others.
You can also find IoT services in big machines such as jet engines, meaning that they can be used anywhere and in different projects. However, the most exciting and in-demand IoT projects include self-driving cars, smart retail, smart infrastructure, smart buildings, smart homes, and smart factories, among others.
IoT Platforms
However, for these projects to work and meet their requirements, they need an outstanding IoT platform. There are several platforms available in the market today, making it difficult for developers to choose the best platform for their IoT services. This IoT platforms comparison is going to make things easier for developers when choosing the platform to use.
Some of the most popular IoT platforms in use today include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, IBM Watson IoT Cloud, Google IoT Cloud Platform, and Cisco IoT Cloud Connect. Others such as Bosch, Salesforce IoT, Oracle IoT, General Electric’s Predix, and SAP are also growing in popularity.
Which Platform is Best for IoT?
To understand the best platform for the Internet of Things, we are going to come up with an IoT platforms comparison, looking at the different services and features provided by:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- IBM Watson IoT Cloud
- Google IoT Cloud Platform
- Cisco IoT Cloud Connect
1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
To understand the best platform for the Internet of Things, we are going to come up with an IoT platforms comparison, looking at the different services and features provided by:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- IBM Watson IoT Cloud
- Google IoT Cloud Platform
- Cisco IoT Cloud Connect
2. Microsoft Azure
To understand the best platform for the Internet of Things, we are going to come up with an IoT platforms comparison, looking at the different services and features provided by:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- IBM Watson IoT Cloud
- Google IoT Cloud Platform
- Cisco IoT Cloud Connect
3. IBM Watson IoT Cloud
To understand the best platform for the Internet of Things, we are going to come up with an IoT platforms comparison, looking at the different services and features provided by:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- IBM Watson IoT Cloud
- Google IoT Cloud Platform
- Cisco IoT Cloud Connect
4. Google IoT Cloud Platform
To understand the best platform for the Internet of Things, we are going to come up with an IoT platforms comparison, looking at the different services and features provided by:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- IBM Watson IoT Cloud
- Google IoT Cloud Platform
- Cisco IoT Cloud Connect
5. Cisco IoT Cloud Connect
To understand the best platform for the Internet of Things, we are going to come up with an IoT platforms comparison, looking at the different services and features provided by:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- IBM Watson IoT Cloud
- Google IoT Cloud Platform
- Cisco IoT Cloud Connect
Summary
Even though the IoT platform comparison above mentions five platforms with all of them working well in different industries, each of the platforms does better in a particular industry or domain. For instance, the IBM Watson IoT Cloud works well for those running big enterprises with many sensors and complex infrastructure.
On the other hand, those who want an IoT solution for their smart homes will find Amazon Web Services as the best option for their requirements. It is also one of the best platforms for IoT startups.
Cisco, as discussed above, is the best option for cellular services as well as connected vehicles. Google is the best platform for IoT solutions in the transportation and energy sector while Microsoft Azure is the leader when it comes to solutions for the medical field.
IoT Software Development Companies
IoT platforms comparison provides you with enough knowledge to choose a platform that meets your requirements as well as those of your business.
However, this knowledge is just enough for you to ensure that you have chosen the best platform. What do you do when it comes to the actual development of your solutions?
Of course, you will need to work with experts in the industry. There are many IoT software development companies today, but you need to ensure that you are working with top companies.

