IoT connectivity management market grows

The IoT connectivity management market will be worth more than US$31 billion by 2026, ABI Research projects. At the end of 2021, the global market for the sale of data transport and the management of this connectivity to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), enterprises and municipalities was $12.14 billion.

As the adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, orchestrating the operation of multiple devices across a variety of wireless carriers and connectivity technologies can become a daunting task. IoT connectivity management (CMP) platforms help enterprises monitor and control the network connections used in infrastructure of connected devices. 

Internet of Things (IoT) networks involve hundreds or thousands of unique connections between embedded objects and dedicated servers, allowing them to share continuous observations, generate valuable data, and trigger actions across the IoT architecture. IoT connectivity management products provide a centralized view of these specified networks, their various subscription plans, and the flow of data between networks and distributed assets. They are primarily used by IT professionals and others involved in IoT network configuration, maintenance, and optimization. 

Therefore, to qualify in the IoT Connectivity Management category, a product must:

• Present real-time information about IoT-related networks and device connections;
• Collect and analyze streaming data related to connected objects and corresponding networks;
• Track IoT network data plans, including data limits and term limits;
• Provide tools to adjust plans and data flows to optimize usage and reduce costs.

The ABI Research study identified 62 companies supplying CMPs. Key players include Huawei, Cisco, Emnify, Avnet, ZTE Corporation, Aeris Communications, Comarch, KORE Wireless Group, HPE, Vodafone, and Ericsson.

Here are the top five critical factors to consider when selecting a connectivity management platform:

1. Is it user-friendly? An IoT connectivity platform should reduce complexity, not increase it. The right connectivity hub makes it easy to optimize your IoT device connections and automate daily connectivity processes, so your team can continue to innovate and grow your business. Look for a simple, easy-to-use design that makes it easy to monitor and manage IoT connectivity. Make sure your team attends vendor demonstrations and can personally test features and functions to ensure they meet their needs.
   
   
   
2. Can it adapt to my changing needs? IoT connectivity demands are changing rapidly, and more change is certain. To keep up with innovation, you’ll need connectivity management that can adapt to changing technology and business requirements. Look for an IoT management platform built on a modular architecture, allowing you to add new connectivity services that better meet customer needs or bring new IoT-based products to market quickly.
   
   
   
3. Will it integrate? Once the cutting-edge IoT solution has been created, you will need a connectivity management platform that integrates seamlessly with your existing systems. Look for a platform with an open application program interface (API) and ensure the system supports application-agnostic enablement, making it easy to communicate quickly with your technologies – without the need to modify source code.
   
   
   
4. How many carriers does it support? Possibly the most valuable benefit of a single, centralized connectivity management system is the ability to provision multiple network operators across multiple regions. Some platforms only work with a limited number of carriers, or even just a single provider and its partners. This limits your connectivity options and locks you into a finite list of tariff plans.
   
   When investing in a connectivity management platform, make sure it integrates with as many network operators as you need coverage from. It’s also important to ask about the platform provider’s plans to add more wireless providers over time and ensure their expansion plans are aligned with your long-term needs – avoiding the challenge of outgrowing the platform and switching to another. An ideal connectivity management system will open up possibilities with numerous geographically diverse carrier partnerships, ensuring that no matter.
   
   
   
5. Are you ready for emerging IoT technologies? Staying ahead of the rapid pace of change requires a connectivity management solution that can support emerging technology options. eSIM, an emerging advanced connectivity option, is a good example. Its ability to remotely provision carrier profiles for your devices is likely to revolutionize your IoT deployment in the future, providing greater coverage reliability, reduced TCO, and freedom from exorbitant roaming charges. Find a connectivity platform that will enable you to take advantage of eSIM and other future emerging technologies.

The key to IoT success at scale is to eliminate complexity. By selecting the right connectivity management platform, your organization can better manage devices, cellular technologies, and rates for optimal IoT deployment.