Internet of Things (IoT) provides a platform that links multiple devices together and enables them to exchange data and perform tasks based on user inputs.
New companies are trying to adopt cloud computing and IoT tools to develop systems to collect, analyze and visualize their organizational data.
However, due to the limited knowledge and the risks involved with new technology, there are some challenges that must be identified before the adoption of the technology.
Nowadays, IoT technology has become an essential part of modern companies, hence it is mandatory to identify the challenges of an IoT architecture before the adoption in the system.
Architecture represents the data about the technology such as, how technology works? how to assemble with the process? what components are involved, and the overall outline of the working system.
Thus, companies analysing the architecture and making models try new technology. If everything goes right then implementing it in the actual process.
In this article, we will see what is IoT Architecture? and how to Identify the Challenges of an IoT Architecture?
What is IoT Architecture?
Internet of things (IoT) architecture enables users to interact with digital products through a digital device such as a smartphone, tablet PC or digital camera.
The architecture also enables devices to interact with one another in a mesh network – much like how the World Wide Web works today.
Internet of things (IoT) architecture is quickly changing the way organizations thinks about big data and mobile analytics.
However, by learning IoT architecture you can better assess your company’s current technology landscape and plan for long-term strategies.
In the next section, we will see why it is important and how to how to identify the challenges of an IoT architecture?
Identify the Challenges of an IoT Architecture
To identify the challenges of an IoT architecture it is important for IT professionals to understand and identify what are the benefits they can derive from implementing such technologies. There are three primary ways to identify the challenges of IoT architecture.
1. Migration of Current System to IoT Based Architecture
The first challenge, which many of the architects face is the migration of their current client-facing software systems to iot based architecture.
This will require appropriate changes in their server and network setups and even in their current workstations.
Therefore, IT professionals who have recently converted to iot based architectural design need to prepare for a major transformation.
Hence, organizations that are not prepared for this change will find their migrations to be extremely difficult and expensive.
2. Compatibility with the Current Infrastructure and Network Setup
The second challenge, which comes to an organization while adopting the IoT technology is overall backward compatibility with their current infrastructure and network setups.
To deal with this challenge, the organization must have to check the new IoT architecture can easily integrate with the existing data and technology libraries.
By carefully designing the new architecture, it is possible to ensure that the systems running smoothly without compromising the operational efficiency.
3. Financial Challenge with IoT Architecure
When an organization adopts such a large scale transformation, it should first check out the financial savings that can be achieved.
Adopting new technology requires a very high initial cost which is effect yo the overall financial condition of the organization.
In addition, you have to identify the operational cost, data recovery cost, and maintenance cost of the new architecture.
Hence, it is essential for the enterprise to adopt iot based technology without incurring too many expenses by designing and deploying such solutions.
4. Quality of Service Should be Maintained
While undertaking such a large scale transformation of the architecture, the quality of services provided by companies usually drops.
In such a scenario, it becomes very important for organizations to adopt solutions that are cost-effective and provide high value-added services to customers.
โ Also read: What is Data Interception and Theft?
5. Security Challenge with IoT Architecture
While adopting IoT architecture it is also mandatory to check the security of the system as a large amount of the data is involved in the process.
Hence, it becomes very important for organizations to deploy suitable security features which can handle highly critical and sensitive information.
In order to deal with these security issues, it becomes essential for the organization to build very robust security systems which can handle all the critical infrastructure applications.
These security systems should be coupled with other enterprise technologies such as antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-malware and enterprise data management solutions.
6. Scalability Challenge with IoT Architecture
While an organization identify the challenges of an IoT architecture, scalability is a crucial challenge that organizations face when implementing iot technology.
This refers to the ability of the organization to rapidly add and remove various components of the solution.
Apart from this, none of the organizations wants to limit their scalability hence, companies look forward to providing well-design Infrastructure as a Service (Iaas) by adopting IoT architecture.
7. Ability to Deliver Desired Result
Organizations that use future technologies for creating enterprise solutions face challenges when it comes to availability.
This refers to the ability of the enterprise system to deliver desired results even when there is a power outage or any other technical issue.
However, when an organization uses a solution for creating solutions, it is necessary for the customer to ensure that the service provider has the capability to deliver the same on-demand service even during a power outage.
Hence, it is a challenge with IoT architecture that should have the ability to deliver the desired results and be available all the time for the customers.
โ Also Read: What is Virtualization in Cloud Computing Architecture?
8. Visibility Challeneg with IoT Architecture
One of the challenges that an organization faces when implementing IoT architecture is the lack of visibility it provides to its customers.
Customers should be able to monitor the health of an enterprise application and take preventive measures in order to avoid any damage or malfunction that may happen to the same.
When an organization has enterprise software deployed in the environment with a new IoT technology, it becomes important for the IT team to ensure visibility of the same.
In a way, visibility is one of the most fundamental requirements of an enterprise software solution.
9. Operational Challenge with IoT Architecture
Operational challenges include dealing with all the users and their individual needs. You must train employees to deal with the different types of users on the network
Each person working with the operating system must understand device management, software management, and network security.
However, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology will automate many tasks but sometimes technology also fails to deliver the desired output.
Hence, it is also a challenge to operate new technology and trained employee to handle necessary operations.
10. Data Integrity Challenge with IoT Architecture
Data integrity challenges include data recovery in the event of corruption or failure. When you have a network in which all the systems and employees are connected together, you can’t afford to lose data.
To avoid this, while adopting IoT architecture it is essential to identify how to recover data easily in the event of system failure.
Final Thought
To summarise we identify the challenges of an IoT architecture that requires optimal solutions to adopt the IoT technology. Many IT professionals are working on these challenges to make IoT technology more convenient for businesses and customers. However, it is always difficult to adapt and transform the entire system with the new technology. Nevertheless, to the development of the business, and to be in competition, it is beneficial to upgrade the system with the best future technology.