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IoT frameworks are designed to accelerate the development process of IoT applications and solutions. You can build secure and scalable solutions using either an open-source framework or a proprietary framework. However, choosing a framework that aligns with your needs is critical to the success of your project.
In this blog, we’ll briefly cover what an IoT framework is and provide an overview of the most prominent open-source and proprietary IoT frameworks.
What is an IoT framework?
An IoT framework provides you with a solid foundation to build your application. When you use a framework, you get access to a range of features and capabilities for the development of IoT solutions, applications, and smart connected products. Since you do not have to develop your product from scratch, you can build future-proof solutions at an accelerated pace, which both improves your time-to-market and helps build a competitive edge.
There are both open-source and proprietary IoT frameworks out there. However, open-source doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get everything for free - it’s a misconception. Open-source usually indicates that the source code is available for everyone to use and improve. On the other hand, tech giants, such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Cisco, offer proprietary, paid IoT platforms.
Popular open-source IoT frameworks:
DeviceHive
DeviceHive is an open-source IoT data platform that helps you build innovative and scalable IoT/M2M solutions. You can use the framework to accelerate your IoT development and build secure and cost-effective IoT solutions and applications for a wide range of industries.
DeviceHive is a microservice-based framework that supports Python, Node.js, and Java client libraries. IoT developers use DeviceHive for its range of options for deployment and operations, which include Docker, Docker-compose, manual installation, and Kubernetes. For customization and extensibility, development teams can use its strong ecosystem of plugins.
Mainflux
Mainflux is a secure, scalable, and open-source framework to develop and manage Internet of Things solutions. Depending on the project needs, development teams can deploy Mainflux across on-premises, cloud, or hybrid environments. Leading IoT development companies use this framework to streamline all aspects of their development projects, including data, device, and event management, core analytics, application enablement and more.
Mainflux enables developers to integrate new functionalities and features into their projects using its easy-to-use APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), which enable seamless integration with ERPs, CRMs, databases, analytics programs, etc. In addition, organizations also benefit from Mainflux’s low OPEX (operating expense) due to its design and selection of core technologies.
Thinger.io
Thinger.io is a cloud-based IoT framework that lets IoT developers connect thousands of devices in a matter of minutes. With Thinger.io, you can get started with a lifetime freemium account and build and scale complex IT projects using its ever-evolving ecosystem of tools and an online community that helps you at every step of the development process.
According to the official website, the goal behind building and improving this platform is to democratize the use of IoT, making it accessible to the whole world and streamlining the development of large-scale IoT projects.
Kaa enterprise IoT platform
Based on a flexible microservices architecture, the Kaa enterprise IoT platform provides everything that you need to develop an enterprise-grade IoT application - from device connection and management to data collection, IoT dashboards, and analytics; you get access to full-stack capabilities that streamline the whole IoT development process.
Depending on your project needs, you can deploy the Kaa framework on-prem, in the cloud, or across both in a hybrid model. To manage your devices via the cloud, you can use Kaa Cloud, which lets you connect devices and manage analytics remotely. In addition to all these advantages, Kaa also keeps your data secure by encrypting it both in-transit and at rest.
Proprietary IoT frameworks:
Amazon Web Services IoT
AWS Internet of Things falls under the category of proprietary frameworks. It provides a broad and deep range of services and solutions to help IoT teams build intelligent IoT solutions with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities. With AWS IoT, an IoT team can easily connect and manage billions of devices and safeguard their device data with preventative mechanisms like encryption and access control.
IoT application development companies use AWS IoT offerings to complete complex IoT projects and streamline data analysis for industrial, commercial, customer, and automotive workloads. Additionally, the platform provides a highly secure and elastic infrastructure for IoT teams to scale easily and reliably.
Azure IoT
Azure IoT helps businesses build, deploy, and manage IoT applications at scale. IoT development agencies across the world tap into Azure’s IoT capabilities to develop IoT applications and solutions for manufacturing, retail, energy, healthcare, and logistics. The cloud services platform provides development teams with intelligent edge-to-cloud technologies and an ecosystem of thousands of partners to enable businesses to solve industry-specific business challenges.
Cisco IoT solutions
Cisco’s end-to-end IoT solutions are applied across industries such as manufacturing, utilities, smart cities, ports and terminals, rail, roadways, etc. IoT teams use Cisco’s IoT solutions to connect, manage, and scale assets, applications, and data in real-time to drive business results.
How to choose an IoT framework?
Device management is your top priority when selecting a framework to develop and deploy your IoT applications. However, in today’s competitive landscape, there are numerous other factors that you need to consider to start building on a framework that helps you achieve your project goals.
- A future-proof IoT platform
Invest in a framework that is secure, scalable, and can evolve with the market. IoT is still in an early phase, and a lot of new technologies are likely to impact its ecosystem. That’s why you should consider a platform that is continuously updating itself in line with the new standards and protocols that emerge in the IoT landscape, whether they impact the system or cloud environment, security stack, or end-point applications.
- Security
This aspect of IoT development is crucial for the success of your project. Thoroughly analyze the security aspects of any IoT platform. Choosing a secure framework will ensure that your confidential or third-party data and information is safe and secure, and that breaches and other forms of cyber attacks do not ruin your business reputation.
- Time-to-value
The ideal framework should simplify and accelerate your development and deployment process. Look for platforms that provide end-to-end solutions so you do not have to build your PoC using one framework and develop and deploy on another. Using a platform that provides full-suite IoT capabilities often leads to faster time to market and more secure and reliable products.
- Pricing
It’s one of the critical considerations in the selection of an IoT framework. Understand the pricing models of all potential IoT platforms. Speak with their teams. Look for hidden costs (if there are any) so no surprises await you when you are about to close a deal or start building a project.
- Don’t overcommit to one scenario
The success of an IoT project depends on the tech stack and resources you use to connect, control, and secure your devices and applications. Cloud is a powerful technology, but you may also need to run some workloads across edge and on-premises. So, it is essential not to overcommit to one scenario and have the bandwidth to use modern architecture to reach a wider customer base while not compromising on data security and compliance.
Conclusion: Accelerate IoT development with Kellton
We are a global IoT solutions provider with a large pool of talented IoT consultants, designers, and developers. Backed by deep domain and cross-industry experience, we can help you choose an IoT platform that best meets your project needs. Clients worldwide tap into our global network of talent to build secure solutions that help you drive real business growth.
With Kellton as your IoT development partner, you can focus on your core business while having a team that works with your best interests in mind. We’d love to talk about your next IoT project. Contact us here.
