of the Best IoT Software & Platforms of 2023
Most Internet of Things (IoT) devices have limited computing ability. IoT software facilitates the movement and processing of data collected by those devices so they can remotely perform their action or function. The software also performs the critical duty of creating an interface for users to automate and control the smart devices, enables the access of data for just-in-time information, and improves sensor data collection.
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Top IoT Software
Here is a list of the top IoT software that helps businesses and organizations achieve autonomous data communication, perform data analysis, provide insights, and give users access to tools to build efficient solutions.
SAP Internet of Things
SAP Internet of Things is a business technology platform that allows users to collect, manage, and embed data from an IoT device into business processes and uses cases such as in product design, manufacturing, supply chain, and operation. It handles a large volume of sensor data that users can easily manage and consume.
SAP’s IoT platform can sense identified events within a business context to automatically guide businesses in managing their supply chain processes. The IoT software can run business processes and real-time analytics autonomously on edge devices and allow users to orchestrate a process or analysis report from the cloud.
Pros
- Simple and fast IoT development
- Easy device integration
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Dashboard needs improvement
- Higher license cost compared with other IoT solutions
MuleSoft Anypoint
MuleSoft Anypoint Platform is an enterprise hybrid integration platform that lets users connect applications, data, and devices. The integrated solution accelerates application development by letting users build APIs, use any existing asset, or discover APIs built by others. From the same platform, users can test APIs and integrations, deploy in an IoT architecture, ensure security, and manage APIS and services comprehensively.
MuleSoft Anypoint lets companies integrate IoT devices using APIs and a gateway that supports various transport protocols and ready-to-use connectors. Users can transform any device like vending machines and billboards into smart devices with its runtime engine. Layers of RESTful APIs provide an interface for IoT software development and interaction with new IoT solutions.
Pros
- Ease of setup and use
- Comprehensive documentation
- All-in-one solution
Cons
- Pricing is on the high end
- Older versions lack support
Particle
Particle is an integrated IoT Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) that provides tools to help users prototype, scale, and manage IoT products. It is a full-stack IoT system that lets users build connected products to help businesses grow and optimize their operations. It provides IoT software, connectivity, and hardware and makes all the elements work together in an integrated PaaS.
Particle tools are reprogrammable and reconfigurable to allow users to develop custom IoT solutions for specific use cases. Some of the industries where Particle helps customers grow and gain advantages are in light electric vehicles, smart energy, HVAC, emissions monitoring, and industrial equipment monitoring.
Pros
- Easy setup and use
- Cost-effective IoT solution
- End-to-end tools from app development to deployment
Cons
- Users reports occasional glitches
- No longer supporting mesh networking solution
Microsoft Azure IoT Central
Microsoft Azure provides numerous cloud computing services including an IoT platform. Users can create and develop industry-specific cloud solutions using edge-to-cloud technology with built-in IoT security, privacy, and compliance. Azure IoT offers platform services for companies with cloud solutions and device expertise.
Microsoft also offers a managed app platform through Azure IoT Central so companies can quickly build IoT apps with a fully managed solution. It is highly secure, scales as the business grows, and integrates with existing business apps. It provides a ready-made web experience and API surface that simplify IoT development services. Tools include a job scheduler, data storage, custom dashboards, rules, data export, and a public REST API.
Pros
- Easy device management
- All tools in one place
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- High learning curve
- Users wish for more how-to videos
IBM Watson IoT
IBM Watson IoT Platform is a SaaS for device management, monitoring, and data storage. It provides users with an IoT system where they can build and extend apps to take advantage of IoT analytics and data from connected devices and sensors. In combination with IBM Cloud technologies, businesses can extract data that provides insights to improve operations and enable innovative business models.
Watson IoT includes the Maximo Application Suite for asset management, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and mobile enterprise asset management (EAM). Users can manage connected devices and applications including a mobile app can access live and historical data. Using secure REST and real-time APIs, users can connect apps with data from devices and create analytic apps in the cloud.
Pros
- Monitors, tracks, and manages all IoT devices
- Intuitive interface
- Simple and reliable deployment
Cons
- Pricing is on the higher side
- Jenkins integration needs improvement
Google Cloud IoT Core
Google Cloud IoT Core is a managed service for connecting, managing, and ingesting data from dispersed devices in an easy and secure way. In combination with other cloud services, users get a complete solution to collect, process, analyze, and visualize IoT data in real time so operations can be more efficient.
Google Cloud IoT Core can aggregate dispersed device data and integrate it with data analytics services. IoT data stream can be further analyzed and visualized using machine learning to improve operations, anticipate problems, and build new business models. The platform supports standard MQTT and HTTP protocols, 2-way communication with devices, and central management that works with leading hardware manufacturers.
Pros
- Ease of setup
- Support for MQTT and HTTP protocols
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- High learning curve
- Planned retirement of the software on August 2023
Fracttal One
Fracttal One is a smart maintenance platform that combines mobility, IoT, and Big Data to make operations efficient, safe, and sustainable. It is an all-in-one asset maintenance management that lets users manage remotely and from any device. It lets users perform mobile and remote work for the entire maintenance team.
Fracttal One simplifies management of work orders by letting users upload asset information into the platform. From there, the maintenance team can create a guided plan according to their needs. Users can generate work orders to with detailed information to complete pending tasks. They can complete the work order and validate that all work has been completed.
Pros
- Quick deployment
- Easier learning curve
- Intuitive dashboards and KPI display
Cons
- Some reports are not customizable
- Does not allow opening multiple sessions of the app on different devices
AWS IoT
AWS IoT offers IoT solutions and services that let users connect and manage devices on an enterprise scale. Companies can collect, store, and analyze data from any device used in industrial, consumer, commercial, and industrial settings. Users can quickly build solutions with built-in secure device connectivity, management, storage, and analytics.
AWS IoT address every security layer of the IoT architecture. IoT security includes preventative mechanisms like encryption and access control with tools to audit and monitor device configurations. The platform also provides access to AI and machine learning together with IoT to make devices more intelligent. It easily integrates with other AWS services for scalability.
Pros
- Fast and reliable service
- Smooth device connections and integration
- Easy deployment to edge devices
Cons
- Pricing is on the high side
- Missing multi-factor authentication (MFA) support for some devices
Boomi
Boomi is an integration Platform-as-a-service (iPaaS) that provides solutions and tools for cloud-connected businesses. It connects applications and automates workflows to allow companies create the right experiences, save time, and facilitate digital transformation. It provides the platform and connectivity so devices can send collected data and applications can deliver commands to remote devices.
Boomi delivers IoT integration and data transformation wherever the device and application reside, be it the cloud, a data center, or the edge. It provides a low-code platform for rapid integration. Its API management enables vendors and customers to create, publish, and manage APIs. It also provides workflow automation and edge integration.
Pros
- Ease of setup and use
- Mapping and integration with standard connectors
- Reporting tools
Cons
- Challenging to customize
- Customer support can be more responsive
Altair SmartWorks IoT
Altair SmartWorks IoT enables developers to quickly build scalable and secure web and mobile apps that connect to any smart device. Users can deploy anywhere, in the cloud, on-premises, or hybrid. It comes with built-in security in every interface. It also integrates with tools like Git, Azure, AWS, React, Bluetooth, Android, and iOS.
Altair SmartWorks IoT also lets users model, visualize, control, and communicate with products in real time. It provides distributed, big data storage, onboards thousands of users, control access, and visualize data. Users can build microservices, AI, and automation in applications, develop code to run at the edge, and deploy and continuously improve.
Pros
- Application development tools
- Flexible and scalable
- Ease of use
Cons
- Limited cross-referencing of data
- Can be resource-intensive
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What is IoT Software?
The Internet of Things is a vast network of different smart device types able to exchange data autonomously without human interference. An IoT-connected device typically has sensors to collect data, radio or other digital communication technology to send data, and software to control or automate the process. IoT software controls data collection and communication to provide real-time data to computers and applications. Complete IoT solutions, powered with real-time analytics and machine learning, then transform and present data to users as actionable information.
Some of the real-world applications of IoT devices are in smart home automation where lighting, heating, air conditioning, entertainment, security systems, and other consumer products can detect environmental input and automatically activate or deactivate. Another application is in healthcare where a smart medical device can perform remote monitoring and send automatic alerts to health providers. Other applications are in personal wearables, transportation systems, manufacturing, and agriculture.
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Ready to try IoT Software?
Robust IoT solutions are crucial for helping businesses and organizations connect users to the growing Internet of Things.
More vendors than ever before are offering IoT software that supports efficient data collection and communication with a digital asset or smart device. And with Google Cloud IoT Core retiring in August 2023, users can also check Arduino, Bosch, Thingworx, Blynk, and Open Automation Software to learn more about their options.
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