As user preference for automation hits a new high, the proliferation of IoT devices is only going to increase in the near future. An estimated 80 zettabytes of data is expected to be produced by nearly 42 billion devices added to the IoT network by the year 2025. A myriad of IoT transactions are expected to bombard the servers located across the globe. Therefore, management of IoT platform is only going to become more complex in the coming times and associated IoT data connectivity would have to be upgraded for consistent operation. Hence, every smart telecom operator is looking for a capable partner that can manage the IoT platform and make its work easier. This is where an IoT services provider comes into the picture.
The Importance of a Competent IoT Data Connectivity Provider
Although an IoT operator is needed by telcos, it should have certain credentials for its services to be effective. Below are some desired functionalities of a competent IoT operater, which can make all the difference in your IoT success:
Consistent and low-latency connectivity
IoT data connectivity needs to be consistent for it to be effective. Low latency is also very important in many IoT use cases where you cannot afford any delay. For example, in an auto-drive scenario where the elements of an automobile need to respond in real-time to the instructions from the server, any delay in data sent from the server to the sensor may cause an accident. There are scenarios where you require high speed data connectivity for sending across large volumes of information and they are situations where you need to maintain a slow data rate to prevent quick sensor discharge. Therefore, you should always select a vendor based on the suitability of its services for your particular business use case.
Real-time usage monitoring
IoT transactions take place in real-time; which is why, you require a real-time OCS for monitoring them. Always look for a vendor that not only offers consistent IoT data connectivity but also has an OCS that can charge services based on the length of sessions. Make sure that the OCS meets 3GPP technical specifications to prevent revenue leakage
APIs for different business use cases
As your business operations change over time, you need to add new functionalities in your telecom solutions to meet the new requirements. This task is made simpler by partnering with a competent telecom services provider that builds APIs for different business use cases. APIs can help you in many scenarios e.g. if you wish to distribute your IOT SIM cards and do not have a partnership in place, you can use the APIs offered by the telecom services provider. Or, if you do not have a payment gateway to receive payments from your subscribers, you can simply add another API that is directly linked with MASTERCARD or VISA services. Such an IoT operator will eliminate the need for starting new partnerships. Also, you would not require any amendment or overhaul for your telecom software, which will save you a lot of money.
Analytics and reporting
For effective communication of IoT services, a telecom operator needs to have access to all the data. This data can be used for deriving insights by putting it through AI software. But when you partner with a competent IoT operator like Secure IoT Services, you get analytics embedded into the provided software. Also, you get access to your very own slave database that is updated by a master database housed by the partner.
Security
With so much information transferred between sensors and servers, there is a high likelihood of IOT data connectivity breach if the security is not up to scratch. Therefore, you should keep security as your top priority and only partner with a quality vendor that is sensitive towards the security of its clients’ data. Secure IoT Services employs security parameters better than anyone else in the business by providing its clients’ unique public IP, robust encryption and timely security updates.
Versatile solutions to meet new requirements
Technologies like IoT bring with themselves new requirements that need to be fulfilled by the IoT Company responsible for delivering services. One of the most pressing requirements of IoT is the update of all the connected devices on an IoT network. As the entire gamut of IoT devices are spread across a large area, it would be too much to expect a user to update them manually or via a wired connection. Therefore, contemporary techniques like OTA (Over the Air) firmware are required to get the work done automatically and without any hassle. Hence, partnering with a vendor that can provide all the latest functionalities is an important requirement for IoT success.
Single bill that includes IoT service charges as well
Customers hate different bills from the same operator as it leads to inconvenience. Therefore, it is essential to use a convergent billing platform that uses a centralized charging architecture like Online Charging System (OCS). An OCS charges and rates services at a single point, thereby, enabling the creation of a single invoice that reflects all service charges including IoT.
How IoT Data Connectivity Empowers Different Businesses?
IoT has great potential to turnaround the fortunes of different industries. Below are some industries that can benefit fit from IoT integration into the daily workflow:
Agriculture
As food grain supply becomes a matter of concern because of rapidly-rising population, the need to enhance agricultural processes is at an all-time high. IoT incorporation into the agricultural tasks improves a variety of processes and makes them more effective. Irrigation becomes more efficient as you know exactly which areas to focus upon, monitoring of drones via IoT-powered drones offers insights about crop condition and livestock management improves with the insertion of transponders into cattle for monitoring as well as health-tracking purposes.
Medical field
Healthcare industry can benefit immensely and patients can receive better treatment with the use of IoT in the medical field. IoT pacemakers are already a reality with many patients benefiting from the real-time updates they send to the doctor for round-the-clock health monitoring. Fitness bands are often used by fitness enthusiasts but they can also be used by patients for life improvement. By reminding patients about calorie count and blood pressure variations, they enable them to recover from lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes. IoT is also useful in inventory monitoring in the hospital premises. Defibrillators, oxygen pumps, nebulizers and other healthcare paraphernalia become easy to locate with IoT integration in devices.
Rent a vehicle
One of the most prominent business use case that has being a result of IoT innovations and advancement of IoT data connectivity is ‘rent a vehicle’ service. From bicycles to cars to motorcycles, it is possible to run rental businesses without any requirement of humans. Customers can visit any outlet and use their mobile phones for payment and take the IoT-sensor integrated vehicle to any destination. The chip embedded in the vehicle keeps the owner abreast of the movement of the vehicle at all times and also tracks additional charges (like toll tax) and vehicle condition.
Conclusion
IoT is a powerhouse tech that can transform the fortunes of any business. For any venture capitalist or small business owner, it is essential to leverage its advantages for ensuring future business success. Every MVNO or MNO should keep IoT in its vision and choose the services of the best IoT data connectivity provider to get consistent returns from an IoT venture.
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