Interoperability Challenges of IoT Ecosystems

The IoT-Internet of Things technology connects various devices to the internet and allows them to communicate, share data with other gadgets that are a part of the IoT network.

Several gadgets like smart kitchen appliances, voice-enabled speakers, thermostats, drones, cameras, and smartwatches work together as a part of the ecosystem. There is a new connectivity technology, software, and operating system launched almost every month in the IoT space. Developers and manufacturers face a big challenge when it comes to choosing the technology for designing and deploying these systems. Thus, there is an immediate need to focus on developing more solutions for dealing with the IoT interoperability challenge.

Why are IoT Regulations Important?

Even the best and the most powerful device can turn into a nightmare in case if the gadget or software manufacturer ignores potential threats.

Experts from the world over were amazed when the state of California in the US introduced a set of regulations for IoT devices sold in their territory. The state’s legislation makes it mandatory for the IoT device makers to enable sufficient data security features. Even the US federal government does not seem so keen on regulating the IoT.

Many tech-firms use the services of lobbyists in various countries to postpone the introduction of such laws. However, regulatory oversight is the need of the hour due to the diverse number of vendors, devices, and software solutions used as a part of IoT networks around the world. There won’t be any accountability on the device or software manufacturer’s role in the absence of regulations. Until various countries come up with rules for regulating such smart devices, the IoT standards can act as a self-regulation mechanism.

Why Utilize IoT Standards?

Besides helping various devices and software to integrate quickly, standardization can help in making the products user-friendly. It also allows companies to team up with manufacturers of other products and expand their market without worrying about losing their business. Several organizations are working towards setting up safety, security, and integration standards for the IoT industry.

When it comes to spearheading the security and interoperability standards for the Internet of Things technology, the Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) plays a crucial role. The organization helps industries, businesses, and customers by continuously working towards security and compatibility issues faced by IoT devices deployed across medical, industrial, automotive, and smart homes. The aim is to ensure IoT devices and software solutions are designed to work seamlessly with one another.

The organization has four-hundred members, including some of the top silicon chip manufacturers, software firms, and companies that provide IoT related services. The OCF develops specifications, and its members use Linux Foundation’s open-source platform called IoTivity as a middleware. The software ensures various IoT devices and servers can communicate easily without any physical connection. Besides OCF, there are other initiatives like BIG IoT that are trying to make the difference.

The interoperability factor is still considered as work in progress. However, industry experts advise project managers to consider it as one of the performance parameters while evaluating a platform.

What To Do To Achieve Interoperability?

When it comes to interoperability across mainstream platforms, researchers believe APIs can play a crucial role. The Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are already working as critical enablers in the data exchange layer.

Hardware-based security, software flexibility, and multimode radios approach are helping tech-professionals in facing interoperability challenges. Plus, connectivity frameworks like HomeKit, IoTivity, and BIG IoT API help in integrating various devices with cloud services like Microsoft Azure IoT, Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT, etc.

If you need an IoT app development company with considerable experience in developing IoT applications for companies in various industries, you should discuss your project with experts at Smart Sight Innovations.