The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly transforming how everyday tasks are performed. Take smart homes as an example. Nowadays, people can remotely activate or deactivate cooling devices from their smartphones. Such a thing used to be possible via text messages, but today the internet has made it a lot easier. In addition to providing more innovative solutions for homes and housing communities, IoT is also increasingly used as a tool in business settings. However, due to a significant amount of data generated by IoT, the internet infrastructure gets under a lot of stress. This leaves businesses searching for options that can help reduce this load.
Enter cloud computing – computing power, applications, database storage, and other IT resources are provided on demand. It allows businesses to use computing resources such as virtual machines (VMs) instead of developing computing infrastructure in-house.
Today, cloud computing is actively used as more or less permeated IT and its infrastructure. Several tech giants such as Amazon, Alibaba, Oracle, and Google are actively developing machine learning tools with the help of cloud technologies to offer a wide range of solutions for global businesses.
The first success story of cloud computing and IoT arrives from the world’s largest gym chain, Fitness First. The company is focused on its digital strategy of interacting with the customer. The company strives to become a digital gym that seeks to create a community in its clients and motivate them in their fitness journey. The company has collaborated with iBeacon technology to find out which customers are in its facilities and send them relevant information about their training or the gym.
In this article, we will discuss the role of cloud computing in IoT and why both of them are inseparable.
How IoT and the Cloud Computing Complement Each Other
Both cloud computing and IoT strive to improve the efficiency of everyday tasks, and there is a complementary relationship between the two. While IoT generates massive amounts of data, cloud computing paves the way to transmit this data. There are several cloud service providers that take advantage of this to provide pay-per-use models, where customers pay based on the specific resource they use. In addition, cloud services also add value to IoT startups by providing economies of scale that reduce their overall cost structure.
Moreover, cloud computing technologies also provide better collaboration for developers. By facilitating developers to store and access data remotely, the cloud allows developers to implement the project without delays. For instance, Tech Giant IBM provides Watson as a platform for developing IoT solutions. Watson helps provide online data analysis, quick and secure implementation, and critical risk visualization.
Why Is Cloud Computing Critical to IoT Success?
Just as cloud computing works on the principles of speed and scale, IoT applications work on the principles of extensive networking and mobility. This is why cloud computing and IoT must develop cloud-based IoT applications to fully utilize their combination.
This coalition has contributed to the success of the Internet of Things. Other than that, there are some additional pointers on why the cloud is vital from an IoT success perspective.
1. Provides remote processing capabilities
Cloud allows IoT to go beyond conventional devices like air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. This is due to the massive amount of space that the cloud provides, which eliminates the reliance on on-premises infrastructure. Thanks to miniaturization and 4G’s shift to higher speeds, cloud technologies allow developers to offload fast computing processes.
For example, after the onset of the pandemic, some of the top businesses like Lyft, 3M, Aquent, and Atlassian have switched to permanent remote work models thanks to cloud and IoT technologies.
2. Provides security and privacy
The IoT’s role in leveraging mobility is tremendous. However, its strength would be incomplete without comprehensive security. Thanks to preventive, detective, and corrective controls, modern cloud technologies make IoT more secure. In addition, it also provides users with strong security measures by providing efficient authentication and encryption protocols.
For example, a lot of businesses, with the help of biometrics and IoT products, manage and protect the identity of users.
3. Remove barriers to entry for hosting providers
A lot of businesses working in the IoT space are looking for plug-and-play managed services. This is the reason the cloud is perfect for IoT. Managed service providers don’t have to depend on large appliances or even any hardware that doesn’t support agile IoT devices. With the help of cloud services, most managed cloud service providers can provide businesses with a ready-to-use model that eliminates their barriers to entry.
4. Facilitate device-to-device communication
When we consider IoT, the cloud acts as a bridge in the form of a mediator or communication facilitator. Several powerful APIs such as CloudCache, Cloudflare, and Dropstr are implemented through cloud communication and can be effortlessly linked to smartphones. This allows devices to communicate with each other, not just us, which is basically what the IoT cloud is for.
5. Cost and Continuity:
Usually, businesses often spend a huge chunk of money while setting up their own dedicated IT infrastructure. However, modern cloud computing technologies provide ample resources to businesses and the pay-as-used model. Additionally, businesses don’t require to pay large sums to maintain on-site systems, software, and hardware.
Cloud computing technology is equipped to run businesses, even amid sudden disasters. This is because all the data is stored on additional, separate servers, and there is no imminent danger to the data until the problem is fixed.
Seek Out a Cloud Solutions Provider
Cloud migration can help power your business’s IoT aspirations and improve your company’s functionality. No matter your reasons for performing cloud migration, it’s essential to consult with a cloud solution provider before implementing a system. By leveraging the power of these constantly evolving technological advancements, you can ensure your business maintains a competitive edge and utilize modern technologies to stay at the forefront of your industry.
