Will IoT-as-a-Service Models Gain Critical Mass in 2020?

1. Consider your physical devices and how they’ll interact with users as well as the software layer, and data management. 
2. Consider your business objective in using an as-a-service model.
3. Select metrics so you can determine whether you are meeting your business goals and measure according to these key performance indicators as you use the as-a-service model.
4. Address the security needs of your data to ensure data security and regulatory compliance.
5. Select an entire platform to manage your IoT devices (such as IoT Central), or use specific connected devices for your own needs, such as connected microgrids or cooling systems, for example. 

The IoT-as-a-service market isn’t as immature as some believe. There are real-world projects where service providers manage the physical devices (along with the data they produce). Further, the companies that can clearly define their managed IoT strategies will benefit most from monetization and competitive advantage. 

In the near future, our world will be more connected and interactive. We’re quickly bringing digital life to once-analog systems; and that will require a new way of managing these technologies, along with controlling the data that flows through them. If connected systems or devices are in your future, consider how you want to manage and deliver those services. You will need staff and expertise, and you will need to ensure that these devices are patched and updated. 

It’s important to start the design process now and get the right partners in place to help your IoT-a-a-service strategy take off.