FAQ

What is Cloud IoT?

An IoT cloud is a system for managing IoT devices and applications. This includes the underlying infrastructure, servers, and storage required for real-time processing and operations. An IoT cloud also includes the services and standards needed to connect, manage, and secure different IoT devices and applications.

What is an IoT cloud platform?

The IoT platform is the heart of an IoT project, where data (mass or not) is ingested and persisted and then used for multiple purposes.

In summary, the functionalities that this type of platform must have are:

Connectivity: it is convenient to support the main IoT protocols (MQTT, AMQP, HTTPS...), encoding formats (JSON, MessagePack...) and application formats (what fields, what type of data, what do they mean).

Database: a central database engine for relational data and time series is required.

Device management: connect devices/assets to the IoT platform and easily manage them: configuration, firmware versions, events, etc. Send data in real time; and persist, monitor and analyze them with simple tools.

Dashboards: create and manage custom dashboards with a wide range of dashboards/display charts and custom options.

Alerts and events: personalized alerts and events, configurable by each user.

Actionate devices remotely: the ability to send messages to physical devices remotely in order to activate them.

Integrations: easily integrate with third-party devices, services and applications with APIs, business workflows, etc.

Observability: observability is key in the IoT: recording metrics such as elapsed times, status data, and volumes; Set up alerts to notify interested parties.

What are the different models of the Biotz IoT cloud platform?

There are two models:

SaaS. Monthly subscription model.

Enterprise. Deployed in the client's cloud infrastructure.

The SaaS model is an operational cost (OPEX), and the Enterprise requires an initial investment (CAPEX) plus different maintenance services and/or licenses, depending on the provider.

In the SaaS model, the client has the possibility of experimenting, using the solution at a lower (variable) cost. In the Enterprise model, the customer has control of the solution, even though the technology stack has been developed by a third party.

What is a final application?

By end application we understand all the user interfaces used by the end user on various web, mobile (Android/iOS) or even desktop platforms. These final applications are fed from the data hosted on the IoT platform through an API. In this way, the final application is only responsible for a specific functionality that is created ad hoc for a specific user and use case.

Once the device data is stored in a centralized database (IoT platform), final applications can be developed that respond to specific use cases. These use cases, unlike the IoT platform, are unique to each business. They are ad-hoc projects with functionalities aimed at the end user. High added value functionalities that can ideally be monetized through multiple business models that are described below, in the Business Models section.

What are the main benefits of the IoT business model?

Companies can gain business benefits enabled by IoT technologies in several ways that directly or indirectly lead to cost savings and increased revenue:

Offering

Improved offering optimized for customer needs. The company may receive data on how the customer uses the product on site. This allows product developers to respond to customer behavior and, through software updates, regularly provide new features and enhancements.

New services and revenue streams. A connected product enables new services based on data-driven insights and a greater understanding of customer problems.

Greater differentiation and personalization. The IoT model is an integrated offer of hardware, software, installation, maintenance, customer service, etc. This gives companies more parameters on which to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. In addition, software updates based on data-generated insights also allow for further personalization and differentiation of the offering.

Profitability and cash flow

Cost savings and higher margins. Thanks to connectivity, companies can perform predictive maintenance and optimize the supply of spare parts. These cost savings can result in higher margins.

Recurring and more predictable income. With the IoT model, the company can "smooth" its income and cash flow, thus avoiding the ups and downs of a cyclical business.

Sales

Easier to get new customers. Shifting the cost from an initial capital expense to operating expenses reduces risk to customers and therefore can make it easier for the company to sign up new customers and reach new customer segments.

New pricing models are more adapted to the customer. A product-as-a-service IoT model allows for greater flexibility and better tailored pricing.

Customer relationship

Deeper customer relationship and increased customer loyalty. The nature of the relationship changes from an initial transaction when selling a product to an ongoing customer relationship that is more focused on customer service, support, and problem solving.

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