Scaling hardware and software while managing IoT devices can be a complex process. It requires additional servers, a more robust network, and greater security as the number of devices grows. Organizations require flexibility and enhanced processing, which is why cloud computing can improve IoT scalability.
“Organizations require flexibility and enhanced processing, which is why cloud computing can improve IoT scalability.”
What Is IoT Scalability?
IoT scalability involves the expansion of a connected system and its ability to handle such growth. It applies to the transition from prototype to production and acts as a sort of measurement. Besides the devices themselves, businesses must scale data storage, management capabilities, security, and budget.
Scalability is typically complex because organizations must scale software and hardware simultaneously. Infrastructure management, connectivity, manufacturing, and certifications go hand in hand. Growth depends on the number of devices they have since it ties to data. Most businesses must scale their network based on how much is produced and stored.
Is It Beneficial?
IoT scalability is beneficial because the market is constantly changing. As demand shifts, responding properly is essential to save resources and money. Stable growth has plenty of challenges, but a streamlined progression can save an organization time and money. A functional plan lets businesses reduce or increase production and data processing whenever needed.
The Cloud & IoT Scalability
Cloud computing is continuous online access through remote data centers to computing resources. It involves transferring data to remote storage so someone else can manage and monitor it. The accessibility it offers is a draw for many.
As of 2023, there are more than 15 billion global IoT devices in use, and many expect the number to reach 30 billion by 2030. Managing them all requires systems capable of processing, protecting, and storing large amounts of data. Instead of increasing physical storage by adding more hardware, many businesses are turning to the cloud as a solution.
Migrating to the cloud for scalability purposes allows a level of flexibility. Businesses can scale their storage based on demand and delegate essential functions to the platform hosts. Regarding cloud migration, they can opt for private, public, hybrid, or multi-cloud setups, allowing them more options to adapt their current operation.
Advantages of Cloud Computing for IoT Scalability
Cloud computing offers a streamlined solution to common IoT scalability issues because it is flexible and functional. Businesses can interact with their data and devices in real time, which lets them manage multiple aspects of scaling.
#1: Enhanced Security
One of the most significant ways cloud computing improves IoT scalability is through enhanced security. Organizations open themselves up to potential attacks as they grow because every new device adds another surface that cybercriminals could potentially exploit. Cloud storage provides real-time tracking and management, enabling threat detection and mitigation. An organization’s data is also ensured as secure because most platforms have encryption and security protocols already in place. Data breaches can be expensive, so the built-in safety features can help them grow.
#2: High Processing Volume
Added devices require a larger capacity for traffic and data storage. It can be expensive to continuously install hardware when expanding — especially when demand slows and they sit unused — which means the solution needs to be able to adapt. Cloud computing enables organizations to handle many devices simultaneously because it provides a high processing volume. It can handle large amounts of data because it scales with the growth of the businesses.
#3: Long-Term Savings
There’s no need to rely on extensive hardware with cloud computing. Instead of continuously purchasing additional hardware, organizations can simply scale their storage with their growth by communicating with their platform host.
Long-term savings are especially evident when they have to scale down. Hardware would sit unused and be a costly investment that’s not paying off. With cloud computing, businesses can temporarily use less space until they need more.
It’s also cost-effective because it ensures constant connectivity. Downtime can cost organizations an average of $1.5 million or more annually, so having a minimal amount can be highly cost-effective. Increased savings can translate directly into scaling further, which can be beneficial.
#4: Flexible Storage
One of the most significant ways cloud computing improves IoT scalability is through the flexibility it allows. Server scaling usually requires additional hardware, but cloud computing does not need that. Demand is constantly shifting, so it’s a practical solution because it allows businesses to upgrade or downgrade storage in response to market trends. Since they can adapt to their storage needs, they can pace their growth with their capabilities.
#5: Improved Device Management
Since IoT devices are connected, they need updates and security patches throughout their lifetime. Around 66 percent of projects fail when attempting expansion because they’re not adequately prepared to manage the increased demand. It can be complex without a reliable infrastructure capable of remote management.
Cloud computing offers secure connectivity between the platform and the devices, meaning they can continuously process and analyze data. It improves scalability because they can see the real-time effects of their decisions and respond immediately.
A Major Improvement
Proper IoT scalability can be very beneficial for businesses. When using the cloud to scale their management and data storage, they can save money on hardware and resources on processing. Scaling can be complex, but faster response times and seamless interactions due to cloud computing can help streamline the process.
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