Large commercial organizations need to recognize the difficulties associated with developing IoT solutions. In reality, just 26% of businesses are having success with their IoT projects, according to a 2017 Cisco report. Inadequate application integration and a lack of experience top the list of causes of IoT start-up failures. Since IoT development requires understanding and knowledge of embedded systems, analytics, hardware development, app development, and many other areas, and also hiring IoT developers, the companies were not surprised by this. The businesses acknowledge that difficulties in developing IoT applications and a lack of appropriate skill sets were to blame.
Hewe’lle’ll talk briefly about the difficulties in creating IoT applications:
- Safety and Privacy
The development of IoT apps faces many complex but highly contentious challenges, including privacy and security. Before we continue, the security we are referring to here includes not just the safety of the network but also the security of every component used in IoT applications. These apps are supported by a network that links the hardware and software parts. A significant quantity of data is sent over several connected devices, invaders’ private areas. It is susceptible to hacking and cyberattacks since there is so much massive data available. Recall the Dyn Cyber-attack from 2016; it was a DDoS assault that led to the slowing down or shutdown of essential websites. This serves as a constant reminder that creating IoT apps presents security challenges.
In addition to security being a challenge in the development of IoT software, the following essential situations also need to be taken into account:
- Data Exchange Security
It’s critical to realize that data is transferred from Internet of Things sensors and devices to a gateway platform before being stored in the cloud. When developing apps, it is crucial to make sure the data encryption protocol is followed.
Physical Security: Because IoT devices are often left unattended, hackers have easy access to them. Therefore, verifying whether the security component has been added to an IoT device is difficult.
Cloud Storage Security: Although cloud storage is regarded as safe, developers might need help to make sure that the IoT platform is correctly encrypted, capable of preserving data, and that the proper access and permission are taken care of.
Privacy Updates: IoT devices are always subject to strict rules and regulations regarding the data they collect. For instance, all fitness trackers gather user information in accordance with HIPAA regulations. This indicates that the data stored on the cloud via the IoT device complies with the necessary rules. Data privacy is ensured by adhering to laws like HIPAA.
- Connectivity
Real-time data transmission is the core of the Internet of Things application development. But because of the latency or poor connectivity, this becomes difficult. The value of connected devices that provide useful front-end data is enormous. However, more connection is needed when IoT sensors are required in order to monitor, analyze data, and provide information. The best illustration of an IoT application that suffers from connectivity is when a server failure prevents large manufacturing companies from operating IoT sensors connected to data platforms.
Connecting devices, applications and cloud platforms is the primary concern. This problem may be solved in the design and application environment for devices. For instance, a standard printer may be linked to laptops, PCs, and mobile internet access. Developers must thus be aware of the capabilities and characteristics of the device to plan their work effectively. IoT platforms and devices’ performance depends on development teams ensuring that the applications are correctly connected.
- Cross-Platform Integration (Hardware & Devices)
IoT applications must be created with future technological advancements in mind. To build IoT, hardware and software functionalities must be balanced. Development teams may focus on making the device with the best performance. Still, this focus may prevent it enables the usage of new features and functionalities while also aiding in bug fixes and reducing performance. As a result, it can be difficult for IoT application developers to guarantee that hardware and the IoT platform deliver the best performance despite frequent OS, hardware, and bug updates. Several suppliers provide SDKs and APIs for developers to add functionality to a previously established application. IoT apps must work together since they are used on mobile and web platforms.
Making the system adhere to industry standards and protocols is a challenging feat, given that the majority of IoT applications are integrated into legacy systems. Developers of IoT applications must ensure that the applications can be effectively incorporated into the IoT ecosystem without creating additional challenges (considering hardware and software).
- Data Gathering and Processing
IoT applications need a lot of data, making it difficult for developers to acquire and analyze them. Development teams must ensure that they plan adequately for data collection, storage, or processing inside an environment in addition to privacy and security considerations. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that the data size and platform requirements for any cloud storage are met. IoT application development teams should use data specialists, analytical engineers, and machine learning resources to gain insights from data stored in the cloud in order to ensure this.
Data play a significant role in IoT development, but processing or usefulness of stored data is more critical here.
- Lack of Proficiency
Only if a qualified resource works on the IoT application development will all of the previously mentioned development problems be overcome. IoT is a broad field that depends on knowledgeable resources about hardware and software implementations. The proper skills will always help you overcome the most significant obstacles and will be a valuable advantage while developing IoT applications.
Conclusion
Even though these are some of the most significant difficulties encountered while creating IoT applications, development firms must use new technologies to improve IoT innovations. To effectively establish oneself in the market, a developer must be aware of the problems and prepared to work on them.
