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IOT’S ASCENT INTO PROMINENCE, AND WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE NOTICE

IoT, or the Internet of Things can be broadly used to classify virtually everything connected to the internet that can talk to other devices, and by extension, you. IoT has been a hot topic of conversation for quite a few years now. Although previously a hot topic of discussion since the 80’s, the term ‘Internet of Things’ was only realized around the year 2000. Moreover, and almost in parallel, the concept of always-connected devices increasingly gained traction in the mainstream. LG’s ‘Internet-connected Refrigerator’ which was laughed off as a joke at its reveal now seems to be a visionary prototype displaying a great deal of foresight. A multitude of internet- enabled devices have already entered the market, ranging from simple internet enabled light switches to smartphone-controlled vacuum cleaners opening the door to a world with limitless possibilities.

IoT bases itself on the concept of devices that continuously talk to each other, constantly updating themselves on their user’s daily pattern until they’re ready to run their life for them. We don’t have to imagine this future any longer, We’re already here.

Can IoT measurably improve our lives?

Imagine a fridge that can keep track of your favorite drink, or any other item, and automatically notifies your phone when you’re running low. Now, it’s not enough for your phone to simply know that information, is it? Your phone can automatically set a reminder and sync with all your connected devices via the cloud. Your car’s infotainment can retrieve that reminder and display it on your way back from work.

This is just ONE example of the countless possibilities that the Internet of Things presents to us. There are multiple facets of our daily lives that the IoT can and will have a significant impact on, especially our health. There are a staggering number of opportunities in the medical sector for always-connected devices to monitor our health and warn us should anything look out of the ordinary. One could say the ultimate aim of the IoT is to eliminate the segregation between the many smart devices that a person is likely to own in this day and age.

The future of IoT development

The term ‘smart-device’ is thrown around a lot these days; from smart-homes to smart-watches to smart-cities, everything seems to have some form of internet connectivity. However advanced and feature-packed any hardware maybe, it is only considered a smart device when backed up by smart software. A smart-watch is just a clock till it’s hardware capabilities are exploited by software designed from the ground up by an IoT Development Company to do so. So which platform is ideal for IoT Development?

Now there are many aspects to IoT development, starting with embedded programming for the hardware to local gateways that organize data that the hardware is generating to cloud programming for the devices to sync with the user and their other devices. As such there are many languages that can take better advantage of different layers of the IoT.

Theoretically, you can provide Link Development Services using virtually any Technology, but some extremely effective platforms would be:

Java

Yes! Java is still relevant! Considering that Java was built from the ground up to interface with virtually any type of hardware, from Mobile Phones to Satellites. Java’s usefulness has magnified exponentially with the advent of IoT.

Full Stack Development

Although not a singular technology, a Full Stack developer is invaluable while developing for IoT, considering the number of layers one has to deal with. A full Stack developer can ensure seamless integration between the hardware and the cloud, making them perfect for an all-inclusive solution.

Python

While Python was initially conceptualized for web application development and general scripting, It’s extremely lightweight nature has made it a top tool for development for IoT which relies on small, portable hardware in many use cases. Small hardware has correspondingly lesser computational power, which Python is completely at home in dealing with.

JavaScript and JS based Technologies

Virtually all HTML and web browsers use JavaScript for programming making it extremely interoperable with different hardware. Node.js is especially suited for gathering data from hubs and servers and bundling them all into useful packages.

Swift

Even though Swift is strictly for development for Apple platforms, it has found importance in IoT due to the use of iPads and iPhones as central home hubs. It also helps that Apple has been building libraries to handle work that would be very useful for IoT, making Swift a solid choice.

C/C++

Although, almost ancient in comparison to the other languages on this list, C & C++ are still very useful for programming for embedded devices. Furthermore, C++ helps you use other languages like C#, Python, and Java, which is incredibly useful in an IoT environment with drastically different devices.

While the languages specified above are well suited for IoT development, in this day and age it takes little to no time for an alternative technology to cement itself, therefore one should never rule anything out.

The (near) Future

The Internet of Things is already well on its way to realizing its potential of having a significant impact on our daily lives. Smart homes are just a gateway to Smart Cities and beyond. It is now possible for projects to be created keeping only the IoT in mind. Despite its early conceptualization, there is a lot yet to be done with regards to implementation of IoT into our daily lives. The future, in this frontier of endless possibilities, has only just begun.

Use MDS Development services for your IoT Project

If you are looking to embark on project that is based on the Internet of Things, you should definitely consider MetaDesign Solutions for your IoT Development. We have an extensive portfolio covering all aspects of IoT Development and would be able to ensure the perfect solution for your IoT requirement.