The internet is no longer just a mysterious, nebulous fount of information residing in undersea cables and banks of computers. Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) is swiftly transforming how we interact with the physical world.
If you don’t know one iota about the IoT, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we will discuss the most popular IoT development platforms and their applications. This list will help you identify the skills you need to keep your full-stack developer resume up-to-date and relevant in a changing technological landscape.
Choose the Right Platform: Know Your ‘Things’
Before diving into platform types, let’s discuss the groundwork you’ll need to choose the right platform. The IoT includes an endless list of communicative, interconnected devices—everything from door locks, lights, appliances, and vehicles for consumer use to industrial heavy machinery and remote monitoring tags for livestock. Will your primary goal be monitoring inventory, remotely controlling devices, automating services, or something else? Evaluating the ‘things’ you want a platform to support is integral to making the right choice.
You must also consider other project requirements, such as security and data sensitivity, scalability, and cloud integration for analytics, data storage, and remote management.
Top IoT Platforms for Full-Stack Development
Once you’ve clearly outlined your project parameters, use the following list of top platforms to find the ideal fit. Consider the pros and cons of each.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT Core
Pros: AWS is one of the most well-known on-demand cloud computing platforms. Many companies already use its other web services, making it easier and convenient to integrate IoT as well. AWS has one of the most comprehensive service suites, including robust security features, device management, data collection and analytics, and machine learning.
Cons: The size and complexity of AWS are also its biggest faults. It can be overwhelming for beginners because of the steep learning curve. Cost can also be an issue, as they mount quickly for large projects.
The bottom line: AWS works best for enterprise-grade large-scale projects that need a lot of cloud integration and advanced functions. It is not so well suited to smaller businesses and their projects.
Microsoft Azure IoT Hub
Pros: Along with AWS and Google, Microsoft Azure is one of the “big three” cloud platforms. Azure’s IoT Hub integrates well with other Azure services. It is scalable and provides machine learning, data visualization, and tools for devise provisioning, and allows for the connecting and management of a wide range of devices.
Cons: Like AWS, Azure has a steep learning curve that can be off-putting to new users. The pricing model is less transparent than those of its competitors.
The bottom line: Microsoft Azure IoT is well suited for large-scale projects when companies are already using the Microsoft ecosystem.
Google Cloud IoT Core
Pros: Google Cloud offers the reliability and security that Google is already known for. It integrates with other Google Cloud services, including BigQuery. Data analytics and machine learning are also available.
Cons: Google has fewer features when compared to Microsoft or AWS.
The bottom line: Developers who are familiar and comfortable with the Google Cloud ecosystem will likely find a good fit in the Google Cloud IoT Core.
Particle.io
Pros: This platform specializes in cellular and Wi-Fi devices. It is a comprehensive platform with real-time data visualization, robust device management capabilities, asset tracking, and firmware updates.
Cons: The pricing model can be a challenge for large deployments.
The bottom line: Particle.io is ideal for small to mid-sized projects with a focus on cellular devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and home Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
ThingsBoard
Pros: This platform is open-source, allowing a large degree of flexibility and customization. It supports many types of devices and offers device management, data visualization, and rule engine management.
Cons: While its open-source nature is flexible, it also requires greater technical expertise when compared to the cloud platforms above.
The bottom line: ThingsBoard is a great option for projects with unique requirements, especially when managed by a full-stack developer who is comfortable with advanced programming.
Key Takeaways
The Internet of Things has opened an exciting door for full-stack developers. From its small beginnings in the 1970s, when microswitches first allowed the remote inventory management of a university Coke machine, IoT has evolved to make life more convenient and even save lives.
Many development platforms are available, from well-known major players to smaller, niche-customizable startups. The right fit for your project can be determined by examining project needs and parameters.
When you master one or more of the IoT platforms listed above—whether one of the big players or a more specialized platform—you could be involved in the next big breakthroughs in sustainable urban living or save lives through enhanced earthquake prediction methods. When you carefully consider the needs of your project and the devices that will be used, the possibilities are endless.