Internet of Things:
IoT platforms create value in connectivity

Leveraging data from connected products

LogMeIn is focused on the management of connected products. “The Xively platform can support products ranging from a lightbulb to an HVAC unit on the roof of a building,” says Ryan Lester, director of IoT strategy at LogMeIn. “The benefits include a variety of outcomes, such as better uptime, lower maintenance costs, new features such as remote control or a recurring revenue stream.”

Xively also can help in the customer service and support arena. “When a product is connected, the tech support agents know everything about it down to the serial number, when it’s offline, needs repair and so forth,” says Lester. “That often allows them to identify the problem—sometimes before the customer even knows there is one—and either push out a remote fix or proactively send out a service technician.” Revenue streams come from knowing when the customer needs to buy a new part, such ?as a filter, and proactively offering it to the customer.

Xively can consume either raw data directly from the device or data that is aggregated at the edge. The latter is a gateway model that eliminates extraneous data to simplify processing. “In either case, the data goes to a Xively cloud for analysis,” Lester says. “Then a provider of products and services can find out which features were adopted first or used most often, for example.” Using that feedback, other departments can also leverage the data. For example, marketing can find out which features should be promoted most aggressively, rather than relying on a “ship-and-forget” approach.

Several issues are holding back more widespread adoption of IoT initiatives, according to Lester. One is security. Much has been said about the hazards of connected devices, and security measures are required both at the endpoint and within the networked system. Another issue is standards. “Google, Amazon and Apple all have their own standards,” Lester says. “Software producers either have to choose one or build multiple versions to accommodate all the standards.”

The same issues face the user, whether commercial or consumer, who wants to integrate multiple sensors or devices in an IoT system. “Right now, the consumer space is leading the charge in the number of connected devices,” Lester adds, “but there is greater long-term growth in commercial applications.”