Internet of things (IoT) applications will undoubtedly shape the future of communication, transportation, infrastructure, energy management, and every other imaginable “thing” that can be connected to the internet. Thus, application areas of the IoT are growing faster than a blink of an eye. According to a research firm, Progressive Markets, the global internet of things market would grow at a CAGR of 32.7% from 2017 to 2025. Although IoT is creating new opportunities and capabilities for a business model every hour, it also gives rise to new possibilities for failure. While the IoT connects a simple application to the enormous digital information available in the world, things may get complicated quickly. Thus, here are five mistakes to learn from that can wreck your IoT project completely.
1. Ignorance Toward Scalability
When it comes to developing applications, scalability is the most important factor. It is imperative that the app developers do not forget about the number of users.Moreover, scalability prepares for sudden fluctuations and unexpectedincrease in traffic. Otherwise, people may experience frequent interruptions or slow connectivity, which can lower downthe dedicated audience.Thus, if you are planning on building an app, be certain about scalability.In addition, never forget to update the site regularly without compromising the user experience.
2. Building Smart Device Just For The Heck Of It
If you are not sure about the utility of a component, your IoT device is better off without it. Before investing money in manufacturing the product, have a clear idea about (a)why the component is necessary, (b)up to what extent it can collect the data, and (c)which problem it can solve. This homework will help you in finalizing an‘intelligent component’ for the final product. Otherwise, the designed IoT app will have several complicated parts and sensors that can make overall performance bulky and restricted. Moreover, removing unnecessary smart components save you from various security vulnerabilities.
3. SecurityLapses
There is nothing more threatening than finding loopholes in a smart device that give hackers free access to the confidential information about customers. Thus, it is paramount that you put security as a prime concern while developing an IoT product. Being a hot topic, IoT is also the main target for hackers. Thus, developing protection layers is as important as the quality of the IoT product.
4. Mistakes In Hosting
While hosting your IoT application, consider hosting it in more than one data centers. Not all users show patience for server errors or sluggish response time. Multiple hosting will provide uninterrupted service and high response time.It provides ease of access and allows people to log in and access their profile from any location. Apart from that, hosted applications offer excellent support. New updates tend to be installed centrally and eliminates the need to keep track of version numbers.
5. Fail-safe System If Wi-Fi Disconnects
Last but not the least, a fail safe plan for IoT device if it gets disconnected from Wi-Fi. While developing Internet-enabled products, it is dreadfully easy to forget about one unavoidable condition when there is no internet. Most of the smart devices in the last few years were an excellent example of failures such as smart car won’t start owing to a software update or internet-enabled device won’t turn off due to poor internet connectivity. Thus, developers should build an adaptable product that can take over if Wi-Fi gets disconnected.
Developing a flawless IoT application will increase brand loyalty and the customer satisfaction, however, committing these mistakes may lead your product to pitfall.
Nisha Dodeja, is a keynote senior consultant on digital marketing at Progressive Markets. She has been recognized for developing a robust social network strategy for the company. Nisha has written several whitepapers, case studies, and articles. She is a visiting faculty member at various educational institutions and has expertise in IOT.