Top 8 IoT Cloud Platforms to Watch in 2022

Introduction to IoT Cloud Platforms

 

IoT cloud platforms integrate the capabilities of two powerhouses the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing. These platforms have paved the way for great possibilities as developing on-site IoT architecture is expensive and has its limitations.

IoT cloud platforms support many IoT devices and applications in various ways, including the infrastructure, servers, and storage needed for real-time operations and processing. IoT cloud platforms offer services and standards that you need to connect, manage, and secure IoT devices and applications.

 

Thanks to all these advantages, IoT development services have embraced these platforms. According to Markets and Markets, the IoT cloud platform market size is expected to grow to USD 11.5 billion by 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.6%.

 

Such rapid industry growth has also increased demand for IoT staffing for the tech companies, and it becomes a headache to choose the right one. Let us look at the top 8 IoT cloud platforms in 2022.

 

Best IoT Cloud Platforms in 2022

 

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Launched in 2004, AWS has become the most popular consumer cloud solution, with 32% of the market share. It offers excellent scalability, as you can send billions of messages without any issues. Moreover, they constantly put efforts into making their product comprehensive, making it much more convenient to collect data from IoT sensors and devices.

Moreover, AWS is highly scalable and can support billions of devices. It doesn’t have minimum fees, and you are charged per million messages sent or received between endpoints. You get free access to Amazon S3, Amazon DynamoDB, AWS Lambda, Amazon Kinesis, Amazon SNS, and Amazon SQS.

They don’t charge you for messages to the following AWS services:

 

Key Features & Benefits:

 

• Authentication and encryption
• Device shadow
• Device management
• Secure gateway for devices
• Scalability & access to other AWS offerings
• Flexibility for various purposes
• No minimum fees

 

Limitations & Disadvantages:

 

• Expensive compared to other solutions
• Faced two outages in the last two years
• Its ecosystem needs to be learned
• Three outages in the last two years

 

2. IBM Watson

The second name on the best IoT cloud platforms list is IBM Watson. It is a robust platform supported by IBM’s Bluemix and hybrid cloud PaaS (platform as a service).
They have become a popular choice because of the simplicity offered by their apps and interfaces.

 

The pricing model of IBM Watson is based on three factors: Data Exchanged, Data Analyzed, and Edge Data Analyzed.

 

Key Features & Benefits:

• Scalability & Flexibility
• Real-time data exchange
• Secure data transfer
• Cognitive systems
• Data sensor and weather data service
• Process & analyzes untapped data
• Capable of handling billions of interactions
• Easy onboarding
• Free trial period

 

Limitations & Disadvantages:

 

• Longer time for integration
• High maintenance
• Costly to switch

 

3. Microsoft Azure

Microsoft has upped its IoT cloud game in recent years as they appear to provide a comprehensive IoT solution to customers. Along with cloud storage, Microsoft Azure offers you services for Machine Learning and IoT. Moreover, they have also developed an operating system for IoT devices. Additionally, Microsoft Azure presents an array of services, including Machine Learning and IoT, making it an attractive option for companies seeking expert IoT consultancy services.

 

Microsoft Azure offers an excellent facility for analyzing the latest data stored on a server. Their pricing model differs from AWS as it offers its services in four tiers.

 

Key Features & Advantages:

 

• Access to Microsoft’s other services
• An operating system designed for IoT
• Easy Device Registry & Integration with SAP, Salesforce, Oracle, etc.
• Interactive dashboards and visualization
• Real-time data transfer
• Offers third-party services
• Secure, scalable & flexible
• Free service under 8000 messages per unit per day

 

Limitations & Disadvantages:

 

• Heavy maintenance
• Costly pricing model
• Lack of support to resolve bugs

 

4. Google Cloud

No surprises here! Google has been one of the frontrunners in the IoT game as it offers comprehensive solutions. They have put a lot of effort into simplifying and speeding things up. This allows real-time data processing and makes things faster for your business. It also has an Android-based operating system for IoT devices.

 

As it’s Google, you get the added advantages of its web-scale processing, analytics, and machine intelligence capabilities. With Google Cloud, you will be charged on a per-minute basis. You don’t have to pay any joining or termination fee.

 

Key Features & Benefits:

 

• Speed & convenience
• Robus security of IoT data
• Access & integration with Google’s other services
• Huge scope for scalability
• Attractive pricing model

 

Limitations & Disadvantages:

 

• Many things need to be done in the Google ecosystem
• Limited options for programming language

 

5. Oracle

Oracle IoT Cloud is a Platform as a Service (PaaS) that offers you real-time IoT data analysis, endpoint management, and high-speed messaging. This is topped by easy visualization and dashboards that allow businesses to make critical business decisions.

 

Overall, Oracle has been prioritizing managing manufacturing and logistics workloads. The pricing model is done on a per-device basis and comes with a fixed number of monthly messages per device. You will have to pay extra if you go beyond this number.

 

Key Features & Benefits:

 

• Real-time data transfer & analysis
• Compatibility & Flexibility
• Data security
• Reduced time to market
• Faster messaging

 

Limitations & Disadvantages:

 

• Limited usage scope
• Fixed pricing model

 

6. SAP

Whether IoT, database management, machine learning, or artificial intelligence, SAP has made its presence felt across these technologies. This comes as a significant advantage to integrate to make the best of the data. Its pricing model comes for three levels: developers, medium businesses, and enterprises.

 

Key Features & Benefits:

 

• Easy integration with Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, etc.
• Allows you to build AI apps using untapped IoT data
• Faster and reliable message processing
• Robust security for data management
• Business-friendly

 

Limitations & Disadvantages:

 

• Integration with other data platforms, such as Microsoft

 

7. Cisco

Cisco IoT cloud services come backed by robust services such as industry-level cloud solutions, advanced security, edge computing, centralized data management, etc. It has become a preferred IoT cloud platform among mobile operators, home security solution providers, healthcare companies, payment solutions, etc.

 

It offers a flexible deployment facility for your devices. Being a mobile and cloud-based suite, Cisco IoT Cloud Connect helps you accelerate digital transformation and actions from your data.

 

Key Features & Advantages:

 

• Business-friendly
• Easy connectivity with data & voice
• Device and IP session report
• Billing is customizable
• Flexible deployment options

 

Disadvantages & Limitations:

 

• Limited availability of features

 

8. Salesforce

Salesforce Thunder powers the Salesforce IoT cloud; the Salesforce IoT cloud collects data from devices, websites, applications, and other platforms to analyze data and make critical business decisions. It facilitates real-time data transfer and messaging to deliver enhanced customer service.

 

The selling point that Salesforce has been emphasizing is creating more meaningful customer interactions. It is no surprise considering the primary use of Salesforce is as CRM. Its easy-to-use user interface helps you effectively connect with customers.

 

Key Features & Advantages:

 

• Easy integration with Salesforce CRM
• Simple UI designs to connect with customers
• Real-time data gathering
• Better customer relationship management
• Scalability to host billions of devices and messages

 

How to Choose the Right IoT Cloud Platform?

 

Many platforms and services call themselves “the best,” but there’s hardly anything as it all depends on you. To find the right solution, you first need to know your current and future requirements.

 

Below are the questions you need to ask yourself to pick the right IoT platform:

 

 

• What features are necessary for your IoT cloud platform?
• Which is the most used platform in your industry? Why are they using this platform?
• What is the expertise of your team? Which platform will require minimum time for adaptation while maximizing the returns?
• Which other technologies are you looking to integrate with your IoT devices and their data? Which platform provides it without much hassle and cost?
• What are you trying to achieve using IoT cloud platforms? Is it simple data transfer, data analysis, customer engagement, or any other?

 

Asking these questions will surely help you steer in the right direction. However, we recommend you talk with experts in IoT development services to arrive at the correct conclusion. Additionally, as you evaluate your team's expertise, consider bolstering their foundational IT skills. A strong understanding of hardware and software management is crucial in IoT. Taking an A+ Practice Test can help your team assess and improve these essential skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to select and manage the right IoT platform effectively.

 

Final Words

 

If you are into IoT, it is crystal clear that you need IoT cloud platforms to maximise your current capabilities. Not only does it provide a convenient mode of data transfer for your devices, but it also provides you with the great ability to combine the latest technologies. However, rather than going with the most feature-packed IoT cloud platform, you should go with the one that serves your purpose the best.