Intel has announced the Intel IoT Platform. The platform is designed to help IoT (Internet of Things) devices communicate with each other simply and securely. Intel also introduced new hardware and software based upon its new platform which aims "to move IoT from infancy to mass deployment". Despite the Intel IoT group only being formed mere months ago it is expected to generate $2 billion this year, reports ZDNet. Remember, it is projected that there will be 40 billion connected IoT 'things' by 2020.
Doug Davis, vice president and general manager, Internet of Things Group, Intel, said "With this platform we are continuing to expand our IoT product family beyond silicon with enhancements to our pre-integrated solutions that make IoT more accessible to solution providers". Davis pointed out that the IoT is currently running into scalability issues and Intel's platform can help "By simplifying the development process and making it easier to deploy new solutions that address market needs, we can help accelerate innovation."
The 'robust' ecosystem put forward by Intel has already been accepted as a working standard by companies including Accenture, Dell, NTT DATA and SAP. It is hoped the Intel platform will free up developer time to focus on specific solutions rather than always having to build foundations. For example Accenture Digital group chief executive, Mike Sutcliff, said that the Intel IoT Platform can "help clients get around some of the biggest roadblocks to IoT adoption by offering a simpler, faster way to roll out end to end IoT solutions than currently exists".
Intel gave an interesting example of why businesses should be interested in the IoT. It says that a New York City estate agent intelligently managed energy use in its buildings and saved $1 million in a single year in a single building thanks to IoT systems in place.
The new Intel IoT products launched to accompany the platform include:
- Wind River Edge Management System to provide cloud connectivity, to facilitate device configuration, file transfers, data capture and rules-based data analysis and response
- Intel IoT Gateways
- Cloud analytics support for IoT Developer Kits
- McAfee Enhanced Security for Intel IoT Gateways
- Enhanced Privacy Identity (EPID) technology
- Intel API and Traffic Management solution
Obviously there's expected to be a lot of money in creating a popular platform used by businesses to implement their IoT strategies. Intel looks like a strong early supporter of IoT technology with its new platform and supporting products to help implementers.
