All the events happening in the world invariably reflect on the business. Political changes in the country, war, crisis, and economic movements. The list can go on and on. This sensitivity requires constant attention and flexibility from entrepreneurs. Only those who have accumulated a sufficient margin of safety can survive. What does it take to keep costs down and profits up? For example, the introduction of innovative technologies such as IoT. They are the ones that help solve numerous business problems in any field.
The Internet of Things has already firmly taken over our world. A prime example would be the trains that analyze data independently and issue advisory service messages. There are smart agricultural machines that know what, how and where to sow or harvest. Organic farms will also not be new. It is a reality that already exists outside the window. And all of this results from successful IoT application development and implementation of IoT technologies.
What is the Internet of Things?
In plain and simple terms, IoT is a network, a feature of which is the ability of things to communicate simultaneously with each other and with humans. A few years ago, the Internet was only available for connection to a computer. Today, almost all objects around us can catch the network and exchange data with each other. Devices do not require human involvement, but we are the ones who install apps to be able to configure and control things.
IoT is considered one of the major factors that drove the industrial revolution. The number of IoT devices multiplies every new year and already exceeds 20 billion. At the same time, companies that have decided to start developing and implementing projects for the Internet of Things need more skilled professionals with IoT software development skills.
IoT is derived from several areas, among which we can distinguish embedded systems, big data, machine learning and mobile web development. Therefore, a specialist dealing with IoT projects can be a big data specialist, a software developer for Android and iOS, and a web programmer.
The Main Branches of Software Development for the Internet of Things
At the heart of IoT and the formation of its future lies the interaction of various industries, which include:
- Creation and development of embedded devices. Usually, these are low-power computers based on ARM architecture.
- Reliable communication protocols with higher bandwidth and enhanced data security, such as GSM, WiFi, some varieties of Bluetooth and professional Zigbee, 6LowPAN, Sigfox and so on.
- Software platforms Thingworx, ioBridge, Sense, etc.
The core of the IoT is machine-to-machine technology. The essence is that machines, using mobile networks, make information exchange. Communication is possible between technical devices, or data is transferred unilaterally. Technology is used in almost all spheres of human activity: banks, agriculture, manufacturing, health care and utilities.
To develop IoT applications, it is worth choosing only reliable contractors with sufficient experience, knowledge and skills. A successfully developed and implemented system can solve many production problems. The first thing to consider is how the network will help the consumer. After the entrepreneur gets the first feedback, cost reports, and performance reports, you can think about how to expand the network and what features to add.
Skills and Knowledge That a Specialist in the Development of the Internet of Things Should Possess
An IoT specialist is an engineer who can have the app programmed and develop an innovative service for the user to receive, control and manage information. In addition, the IoT specialist must understand and be able to develop and manage many IoT devices, platforms, software and hardware. A company that has decided to implement IoT tries not just to find an app developer but to hire an expert who can design and implement a data management system. The engineer must create a scalable network and keep it running at a high level.
The main 3 things IoT specialists need to know to provide quality IoT software development services:
- Programming expertise – proficiency in one or multiple programming languages (Python, C, C++, Java, PHP, Go)
- Big data skills – ability to collect, analyze, visualize and make decisions based on the work done on data processing
- Master the basics of mobile and IoT app development – the created IoT system must be able to interact firmly with mobile devices.
Additionally, the IoT application developer will need machine learning skills, concepts in chemistry, and a thorough knowledge of nanotechnology and electronics. Knowledge of cybersecurity is considered mandatory. A qualified engineer can set in motion any system: from a smart house to an industrial solution.
To Summarize
Internet of things technology allows businesses to develop, providing many opportunities. IoT is actively used in retail, manufacturing, fitness and health, and agriculture. Companies that ignore modern technology and do not want to plan their implementation in their business processes will be forced to leave the market, unable to cope with the competition.
An IoT development engineer who provides app development services should ideally know programming languages and understand the basics of cybersecurity to ensure the reliability of the built network. In addition, important skills are considered knowledge of web programming, mobile application development, and knowledge of big data. A competent specialist will be able to build a truly effective, harmonious IoT system to raise the business to a new level of profitability.
