ABI Research predicts that the IoT connectivity management market will be worth more than $31 billion by 2026.
As the adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, coordinating the operation of multiple devices across various wireless carriers and connectivity technologies can become a daunting task. IoT Connectivity Management (CMP) platforms help enterprises monitor and control network connectivity used in their connected device infrastructure.
Internet of Things (IoT) networks involve hundreds or thousands of unique connections between embedded objects and dedicated servers, allowing them to share continuous measurements, generate valuable data, and trigger operations across the entire IoT architecture. IoT connectivity management platforms provide a centralized view of these designated networks, various subscription plans, and the data flow between networks and distributed assets. They are primarily used by IT professionals and others involved in the configuration, maintenance, and optimization of IoT networks.
Therefore, the IoT connectivity management platform must:
▲Provides real-time information on IoT-related network and device connectivity;
▲Collect and analyze streaming data related to connected objects and corresponding networks;
▲ Track IoT network data plans, including data limits and time limits;
▲Provide tools to adjust plans and data flows to optimize usage and reduce costs.
ABI Research identified 62 companies providing CMP services. Key players include Huawei, Cisco, Emnify, Avnet, ZTE, Aeris Communications, Comarch, KORE Wireless Group, HPE, Vodafone, and Ericsson.
Here are 5 key factors to consider when choosing a connectivity management platform:
1. Is it user-friendly?
An IoT connectivity platform should reduce complexity, not increase it. The right connectivity platform can easily optimize your IoT device connectivity and automate daily connection processes. Look for a simple and easy-to-use platform for easy monitoring and management of IoT connections. Ensure your team attends vendor demonstrations and can personally test features and functionalities to ensure they meet your needs.
2. Can it adapt to constantly changing needs?
The demands for IoT connectivity are changing rapidly, and there's certainly more to come. To keep pace with innovation, you need a connectivity management platform that can adapt to evolving technological and business needs. Look for an IoT management platform with a modular architecture that allows you to add new connectivity services to better meet customer needs or quickly bring new IoT-based products to market.
3. Can it be integrated?
Once you've created an advanced IoT solution, you'll need a connectivity management platform that integrates seamlessly with your existing systems. Look for platforms with open application programming interfaces (APIs) that allow for easy and rapid interaction with your technology without requiring modifications to the source code.
4. How many carriers does it support?
The most valuable benefit of a centralized connectivity management platform is likely its ability to integrate network connectivity services from multiple network operators. Some platforms only partner with a limited number of network operators, or even just one. This limits your network connectivity options and locks you into a limited list of tariff plans.
When choosing a connectivity management platform, ensure it integrates with as many network operators as possible in the areas you need coverage for. It's important to ask the platform provider if they plan to add more wireless operators over time and to ensure their expansion plans align with your long-term needs. This avoids the challenge of having to switch to another platform due to over-scaling.
5. Are you ready to embrace emerging Internet of Things (IoT) technologies?
Staying ahead requires a connectivity management solution that supports emerging technology options. The emerging advanced connectivity option eSIM is a prime example; its ability to remotely configure carrier profiles for devices has the potential to revolutionize your IoT deployments in the future, providing greater coverage reliability, lower total cost of ownership, and eliminating hefty roaming fees. Look for a connectivity management platform that allows you to leverage eSIM and other emerging technologies of the future.
The key to IoT success is eliminating complexity. By choosing the right connectivity management platform, your organization can better manage devices, cellular mobile technologies, and rates for optimal IoT deployment.
