Xively’s cloud platform streamlines the development and management of IoT-connected products, letting companies focus on product innovation instead of building and maintaining complex infrastructure.
By removing the need to construct backend systems for connected devices, Xively helps businesses significantly reduce the time and cost required to bring a connected product to market.
TelecomsTech (TT) spoke with Xively’s VP of Product Strategy, Chad Jones (CJ), about the future of the Internet of Things and how the company plans to accelerate adoption.
Commercial adoption timeline
TT: Commercially, how long do you think it will take the IoT to gain widespread appeal?
CJ: It’s now easier than ever to connect objects to the internet, and we’re seeing a shift in business thinking from “what and why” to “when and how.” Globally, more companies are experimenting with IoT-enabled products. As these early projects multiply, we move closer to Gartner’s forecasts that the global IoT market could reach between $1.2 trillion and $14.4 trillion by 2022.
Partnership with ARM
TT: Will your collaboration with ARM drive this uptake?
CJ: Our collaboration with ARM aims to make IoT development practical and accessible for anyone building connected devices and cloud applications—from independent entrepreneurs to established OEMs. Together we launched a Jumpstart Kit that pairs ARM mbed, a rapid development platform for ARM-based microcontrollers, with Xively’s cloud services. This combination lets developers and businesses begin building connected devices immediately, shortening the path from prototype to production.
Developer interest and support
TT: What has developer interest been like? Less or more than expected?
CJ: Developer interest has been strong. Organizations are not only adopting the Xively platform but also requesting guidance on how best to connect their devices. We provide tutorials and a developer center with step-by-step advice covering everything from prototyping to deployment and ongoing device management.
Innovative IoT applications
TT: You are working with some interesting companies; what are some of the most innovative IoT applications you’ve seen so far?
CJ: One notable use case is Elektron Checkit, an IoT-enabled system for remotely monitoring food storage and preparation, launching in 2014. It aims to transform how restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and catering businesses manage food safety. Another creative example is the Connected Chair we built for BBC Newsnight: by connecting the presenter’s chair to the internet, we made it tweet each time she stood up or sat down during the show. That simple demonstration highlighted the broad possibilities the IoT can unlock.
Internet of School Things
TT: The “Internet of School Things” sounds interesting; can you explain its purpose?
CJ: Launched as a pilot in eight UK schools in 2013, the Internet of School Things explores how IoT technology can enhance learning in science and other subjects like technology and geography. By integrating IoT into classroom activities, students and teachers can make lessons more engaging and directly tied to the curriculum. The project also encourages UK businesses to collaborate with education, helping prepare students with practical skills for the digital economy while fostering innovation in a market expected to grow substantially.
Why choose Xively
TT: What makes Xively the best cloud platform for the IoT?
CJ: Xively is the first public cloud platform purpose-built for developing and managing commercial IoT products and solutions. It’s designed specifically for developers and companies creating connected devices. Beyond platform capabilities, Xively provides consulting services to help organizations gain the expertise and support needed to bring connected products to market successfully.
Explore Xively and their platform here.
What do you think about the future of the Internet of Things? Have you tried Xively’s platform?
To learn more about IoT developments, consider attending IoT Tech Expo Europe at London’s Olympia, 2–3 December 2015.