Many people ask- what is internet of things? It has become a pretty common phrase in modern day technology and has developed beyond the science fiction status it was once associated with in the past. Simply put, the internet of things refers to the millions of interrelated computing devices, digital and mechanical machines, people and objects that can transfer data via a network without human interaction. The invention of wireless networks, digitally intelligent devices and cheap processors has made it possible to integrate any object or device into the IoT network.
As such, a component of the IoT system can be made up of a farm animal that has a biochip transmitter, a heart monitor in the human body, a vehicle with built-in sensors that notify the driver about low tyre pressure or any other object that has been assigned an IP address and can transmit data across a network. More organisations are integrating the use of IoT into their operations to increase efficiency, improve decision-making, enhance customer delivery and boost the overall value of a business. With the upcoming IoT World Congress 2018, the invention is bound to become a global language. This discussion looks at the top internet of things companies.
Top Internet of Things Companies
Konux
The company is based in Munich and provides end to end IoT solutions to ensure predictive maintenance for industrial companies. It was established in 2014 and has received global recognition, having featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2017 (industry list). Konux uses a combination of AI analytics and smart sensors to create an IoT network. With the technology, companies can plan for maintenance easily as the IoT system delivers real-time information of the machine.
DHL
It is a German-based company that delved into the IoT scene in 2017 after deploying several pilot projects on different sites around the world. Initially, DHL launched a Narrowband IoT application at a vehicle site in Liuzhou China. The application featured a low power wide area (LPWA) capability that allowed IoT devices to transfer data across networks. The company invented the technology to improve yard management of inbound to manufacturing logistics. Before the invention of LPWA, DHL’s supply chain business had collaborated with Cisco to integrate IoT cockpits in smart German warehouses like Poland, Germany and Netherlands for real-time monitoring of activities.
Microsoft
Microsoft is the best example of the top internet of things companies in the recent times. It intends to integrate IoT in most of its activities. For instance, by customising Windows operating systems to collect and analyse data. Some of Microsoft’s latest products like the Azure cloud show the company’s dedication to IoT. Microsoft has also taken to buying startup companies that have gone ahead in IoT applications. It acquired Solair in 2016, which is an Italian IoT startup company to help users improve their IoT experience. Initially, Solair promoted IoT projects in food and beverage, retail, manufacturing and transportation industries. The integration of Solair’s technology into Microsoft products like the Microsoft Azure IoT helped enhance the company’s IoT offering.
