India is actively working on an Internet of Things platform (IoT) stack tailored for SMEs, offering them an affordable means to infuse intelligence into their products. This innovative stack will enable seamless communication and decision-making ability among various everyday devices that we use. This will transform the way we interact with and rely on the day-to-day equipment we use. The objective of the development of IoT under the public domain is to empower SMEs, allowing them to incorporate smart functionalities into their products without incurring significant expenses. This will foster a more interconnected and intelligent ecosystem.
Introduction to the Government owned Internet of Things platform
Following the success of digital public infrastructure (DPI) initiatives like Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and DigiLocker, the government is actively strategizing the development of a domestic Internet of Things platform (IoT) stack. This initiative, as outlined by officials, aims to leverage open-source tools and software to create a cost-effective and secure solution. The primary objective is to facilitate seamless integration for startups and small companies, enabling them to harness the interconnected technologies essential for device connectivity, data management, and storage.
The public IoT stack development is a well-thought-out initiative
The proposal for an indigenous IoT stack emerged during a recent collaborative meeting involving representatives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and industry executives. Recognizing the escalating demand for an ecosystem supporting connected devices and secure data storage, there is a collective push for a comprehensive stack. This stack is envisioned to effortlessly harmonize various layers, encompassing hardware, software, communication, and cloud infrastructure—the foundational elements of any robust IoT system.
Significance of having native standards for the Internet of Things applications
Officials emphasize the significance of establishing native standards for the Internet of Things applications within the country. By doing so, India can cultivate homegrown technologies to create an inclusive data economy locally. This will liberate the industry from the constraints imposed by major technology corporations that currently dominate the IoT solutions landscape. This endeavor is seen as a strategic move to foster innovation, self-reliance, and a more diversified technological landscape, ultimately contributing to the nation’s digital sovereignty.
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Interconnected devices using the Internet of Things platform stack
IoT, or the Internet of Things, refers to the interconnectedness of physical devices like home appliances, vehicles, wearables, and more, enabling them to connect to the Internet.
The functionality of these devices and their task execution rely on the Internet of Things platform stack (IoT), which encompasses various layers. Take, for example, an IoT device like a home appliance, which establishes its internet connection through telecom networks, Wi-Fi, etc. This device gathers data from its usage and communicates with cloud platforms such as Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services via a communication protocol. The cloud platform is a repository, storing and transferring the collected data through cloud applications. These applications serve as interfaces for end-users to interact with the system, while companies gain insights through the customer interface.
The IoT stack being developed as an open architecture
Currently, feasibility studies are underway to develop essential tools for the following
- Data management,
- device connectivity,
- Integration with third-party vendors,
- Application programming interfaces (APIs).
These tools are intended to support startups and companies in creating a cost-effective IoT model. The objective is to enable smaller companies to reduce operational costs, fostering a more accessible and sustainable IoT landscape.
SMEs will find the IoT platform stack very cost-effective
Using publicly available IoT solutions, SMEs can save significant costs in finding, selecting, and integrating these IoT components. Further, a standardized framework will also help the companies do away with the need for different vendors when assembling solutions on a use-case-by-use-case basis.
Conclusion
The government’s proactive step towards developing a publicly accessible IoT framework and local standardization marks a significant stride in enhancing our digital interconnectedness. This initiative not only aligns with the broader vision of digital integration but also serves as a promising avenue for the general public. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), in particular, stand to benefit from leveraging publicly available IoT Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to infuse intelligence into their products without incurring exorbitant costs.
The data generated from these smart devices will be securely stored on government-owned cloud storage, offering a centralized and reliable repository for messaging and further processing. This approach alleviates the financial burden on SMEs, sparing them from the need to invest extensively in building their own IoT framework. Instead, they can capitalize on the resources readily available in the public domain.
Drawing parallels to the success stories of UPI, Digilocker, Aadhar, and similar initiatives, the indigenous IoT framework is poised to emerge as another resounding.
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