Role of hardware in IoT designs continues to grow

Hardware platforms have become an essential part of the early stage design process, enabling engineers to test their designs quickly and cost-effectively and rapidly deliver proof of concept, according to research published by global distributor Newark element14.  

Survey results show design engineers use a range of hardware platforms to accelerate development pace and shorten time to the market. Results show 50% of developers use single board computers such as the Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone Black as they provide ready-to-use embedded development platforms for building end-products. Other developers advised that they used their own design platforms (27%) or development platforms provided by the silicon vendors (19%).

Respondents to the survey, undertaken by Premier Farnell and Newark element14 in late 2018, also advised that they prefer to design a complete solution for edge-to-cloud-security themselves (58%), rather than relying on third-party providers. Security continues to be top on the list of developer considerations (52%). Developers understand the critical importance of choosing an IoT platform that efficiently, securely and economically supports their IoT applications, rather than relying on external parties which can sometimes cost more to run and maintain.

Developers gain greater access to hardware and software solutions

“Opportunities within the Internet of Things have grown as developers gain greater access to hardware and software solutions that allow them to bring products to market quickly,” says Cliff Ortmeyer, global head of solutions development for Premier Farnell and Newark element14. “Newark element14 provides access to an extensive range of development tools for IoT, and works with innovative providers to bring the latest for AI and security, including the SmartEdge Agile, adding intelligence at the edge with zero-code, to the Zymbit ZYMKEY 4i security module for plug-in security in connected devices.”

The need for common standards and policies was also highlighted as key to accelerating the benefits of IoT. Interoperability (certified standards), connectivity standards, open standards and common privacy policies were all high on the list of developer wishes.

Research also suggested that opportunities within the Internet of Things will continue to grow. Key application areas expected to grow in the next five years include home automation, industrial automation & control and Artificial intelligence. The greatest perceived opportunity for benefits is seen in professional and industrial applications, with operational applications, including opportunities to collate data across entire operations to optimizing workplace resources, reducing costs and driving business profitability.

The research was conducted between September and November 2018 with 1,042 respondents across Europe, the Americas and APAC.