Traditionally, there are two types of businesses, hardware / silicon manufacturers and software service providers. In the last decade a third type of that involves both hardware and software has also changed - be it manufacturers or smartphones or wearables. It makes you think that smartphones and IoT devices belong to the same family!
But, that is not really the case. Let's see why!
In the case of smartphone manufacturers following the points is worth understanding:
Hardware up-time is not critical. Hanging, manually rebooting and even shutting down for a week or more is acceptable. Importantly, consumers rarely 'twist' consumers!
Operating conditions are those in which man can thrive!
Warranty always carries — where customers have to go to service centers and arrange phones.
Thus, we can conclude that the mindset of most smartphone hardware manufacturers or software developers who consider an IoT type hardware is:
Reduce costs while quality can be compromised!
Think up-times are important but not critical.
Be dependent on people as there is always someone to take care of the hardware.
Fit multiple sensors in one palm size and develop multiple applications for each sensor!
When you develop and IoT solutions, there are major variations in product specifications - both functional and technical / structural. However, one of the key aspects that requires an overhaul is the '
Thinking Process
'! If we compare the hardware development of a smartphone with IoT devices, here are the key aspects that an IoT hardware should contain, which may not find an attractive one of a smartphone!
Only bare minimum number of sensors - no extra provisions for anything other than the intended application - Cost must be controlled!
100% uptime with both hardware and software guards for automatic and instant re-boots in case it 'hangs'.
Operating conditions can be irritating and thus rugged becomes one of the most critical aspects!
Power management should be for the battery powered by IoT devices, as this may not be an issue for those connected to direct power.
Self diagnostics, over-the-air firmware and configuration settings need to work in areas with the weakest networks / Internet bandwidth.
While the processing power of smartphones is slowly approaching a lower end of the personal computer, IoT devices cannot enjoy this luxury, especially those connected to sensors directly (Edge gateways / router etc. may still have that luxury). We are now talking about connecting to millions of sensors and the BoM cost equivalent should be controlled. Memory usage should be optimized, power management should be optimal and last but not least hardware should be industrial grade and not consumer quality.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a superset and smart phones are a subset of the IoT. This means that the smartphone is an example of an IoT device but the IoT is not limited to smartphones only. Healthable wearables are also part of the IoT. Home automation and smart home networks are also IoT devices. So any device that is smart and can be controlled or monitored via the Internet belongs to the IoT domain
Developing an IoT application to support new business efforts necessitates a large outlay of cash to get the services of industry specialists - https://www.sam-solutions.com/industries/internet-of-things/ . When it comes to hiring technology professionals, most companies want someone who have experience working with a wide range of IT infrastructures. Enterprise-wide IoT implementation technique calls for planning, organization, recruitment, training and engagement of a group of industry-experienced personnel.