Successfully managing IoT (internet of things)-enabled devices also means being able to successfully scale the underlying hardware and software. This might seem easy, but in reality it’s an extremely complex process. It requires additional servers, a more robust network, and greater security as the number of connected devices increases. Scaling up IoT means companies need flexibility and improved processing, so it seems obvious that cloud computing can help, says Ritesh Sutaria, CTO and director at Prompt Softech.

Do you have any idea of IoT scalability?

If we have to define IoT scalability, then we can say that it’s involves expanding a connected system and its capacity to manage such expansion. It applies to the transition from prototype to production and acts as a measurement. Besides the devices themselves, businesses need to consider scaling data storage, management capabilities, budget, and, most importantly, security.

Scalability is generally complicated because organisations must scale hardware and software simultaneously.

Is it helpful for business?

There’s no doubt that IoT scalability is beneficial because the market and its trend are constantly changing. As demand changes, it is necessary to respond to save money as well as resources. Stable growth comes with plenty of challenges; on the other hand, streamlined progression can save time and money for the organisation. A functional strategy allows the organisation to increase or decrease production and data processing as required.

Scalability of cloud computing and IoT

As of 2023, more than 15 billion global IoT devices are in service, and this is expected to reach 30 billion by the end of 2030. This requires systems that have the capacity to process, protect and store vast amounts of data. Rather than increasing physical storage by adding more hardware, companies are switching to cloud solutions.

Moving data to the cloud for scalability also enables flexibility. Companies can expand their storage based on need and delegate vital functions to the platform hosts. Organisations can use private, hybrid, public, or multi-cloud setups for cloud migration, giving them more prospects to adapt their current operation.

IoT scalability with cloud computing – key benefits

Cloud computing provides a streamlined solution to resolve the common IoT scalability challenges. Businesses can interact with data and devices in real-time, which allows them to handle multiple aspects of scaling.

  • Enhanced security:

One of the key ways cloud computing improves IoT scalability is by bolstering security. It has been observed that organisations are vulnerable to potential attacks as they expand because every new connected device adds another layer that cybercriminals could potentially exploit. Cloud storage offers real-time tracking and management, boosting threat detection and mitigation. It also ensures that the organisation’s data is secure because most platforms come with encryption and security standards. Data breaches can create a significant loss to the organisation, so the built-in safety features can support the organisation’s growth. 

  • Large processing volume:

Adding devices demands more traffic and data storage capacity. It can be expensive to install hardware to support expansion significantly when demand slows continuously, and they remain unused. Cloud computing allows organisations to manage many devices simultaneously. It is able to manage large amounts of data as it scales with the expansion of the businesses.

  • Long-term savings strategies:

Rather than investing in additional hardware, organisations can scale their storage in line their growth by interacting with their platform host. Long-term savings are possible if they have to scale down. Hardware would otherwise remain unused and become a costly investment that’s not paying off. With cloud computing, businesses can use less capacity if necessary. Moreover, it is also cost-effective as it guarantees constant connectivity.

Downtime can cost a company millions of dollars per year, so minimising this can be highly cost-effective. Improved savings can translate directly into scaling further, ultimately benefiting the company.

  • Adaptable storage:

One of the most effective ways cloud computing enhances IoT scalability is by increasing flexibility. Server scaling typically needs extra hardware, but cloud computing does not. Demand changes over time; therefore, it is a practical solution as it permits businesses to upgrade or downgrade storage per market trends. Since they are able to adapt to storage needs, they can pace their growth with their capacities.

  • Enhanced device management:

We all know that IoT devices require regular updates and security patches throughout their lifespan. Almost 66% of projects fail when it comes to expansion because they are not prepared to handle the increased demand. Therefore, it can be complicated without a reliable infrastructure with remote management capabilities.

Cloud computing provides closed connectivity between the platform and the devices, which means they can continually process and analyse data. This enhances scalability because businesses can see the real-time impact of their decisions and take action immediately.

  • A real advance:

Ritesh Sutaria

Good IoT scalability can be very useful for businesses. Adapting IoT is not enough; integrating IoT with the cloud can do wonders. Companies using the cloud to scale their management and data storage can save money on hardware and resources on processing. Scaling can be complex, but the quick response times and seamless interaction offered by cloud computing can aid in streamlining the process.

Hence, we can say that the cloud is one of the best and easiest solutions available to scale an IoT system. The addition of the cloud doesn’t just save expenditure on hardware and resource processing but also promises security and restricts data piracy. It also enables any-time access to the data from any location.

Therefore, if you are already embracing IoT technology, then don’t waste time spending money on extra hardware or software. Adopt cloud computing to enjoy the full benefits of IoT and save costs.

The author is Ritesh Sutaria, CTO and director at Prompt Softech.

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