The Internet of Things (IoT) is the collective network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies in order to communicate with other devices and systems over the internet. These devices can range from household items to industrial tools. Software engineers can harness the power of IoT with the solutions they create for companies, including start-ups.
Start-ups, founded by entrepreneurs, are in the first stages of operations and are focused on a single product or service. Most of these new businesses can benefit from the work of software engineers, who can create smart products, analyze data, and protect this data from security threats. This article looks at how software engineers can create IoT solutions that help these companies.
What do software engineers do with IoT?
Software engineers can provide innovative solutions for start-ups that are powered by the internet. This can be done through the creation of new devices and network connections. For example, a software engineer may create an IoT tool that aims to make smart buildings energy efficient. This will be done to ensure that the owner can conserve energy while paying less for the amount used. On top of this, it is beneficial for the environment.
Aspiring software engineers can learn about the Internet of Things through degree programs delivered by accredited schools, such as Baylor University. Baylor’s online Master’s in Computer Science enables students to learn how to develop and implement IoT software that can benefit both start-ups and established companies. This program is accessible for anyone with a bachelor’s degree in a related subject (e.g., engineering) and provides continuous 1:1 support to students.
Examples of useful IoT tools for start-ups
Software engineers are able to create various IoT tools to empower new businesses. Below, we take a look at several examples.
Smart products
Smart products are electronic devices that can connect, share, and interact with users and other smart devices. The smartphone is a primary example of a smart product. However, there are other devices that will be compatible with the phone in your pocket. For example, wearable devices such as the Apple Watch have features that can track your health data, allow you to control your smart home appliances, and provide your vehicle with fuel-efficient solutions.
Already, smart products have improved our daily lives in so many ways. For example, smart fridges give us the chance to see what we may need to restock our inventory, making a trip to the grocery store easier.
Data analytics
Collecting, storing, and interpreting data is fundamentally important in most professional settings today. Being able to read the data and get insights will be vital, especially when it comes to making decisions for yourself or your business. There are plenty of IoT tools that will gather, organize and present data in the simplest way possible.
Data analytics can do the heavy lifting, such as ‘crunching the numbers’ and organizing them in a neat, easily accessible way. The data can be used to make forecasts, adjust current plans, or even get an idea of what’s working and what could be improved. With IoT, it’s possible to make improvements, stay ahead of any potential issues, such as weather conditions on travel days, and so much more.
Security implementations
From individuals to start-ups to large international companies, cybersecurity is a crucial concern in today’s digital landscape. It is vital to protect your data from cybercriminals so that your clients and customers can continue to trust you with the information they hand over to you – such as financial information, their address and other pertinent information.
Software engineers can design advanced IoT tools for security purposes so that companies, including start-ups, can catch potential issues before they become much worse. This also includes detecting and patching possible vulnerabilities, allowing you to stay ahead of the curve and out of danger from cyber-attacks.
Enhanced user experience
One of the most important components for successful start-ups is user experience (UX). The start-up’s product, such as a website or app, must be easy to use and navigate. Poor UX will most likely negatively impact the development of any company or product.
IoT can play a critical role in improving UX. Software engineers can create interfaces that allow for seamless interaction with various devices. One such example is software that will enable you to use an app on your smartphone without having to use the software itself on a desktop device.
Prototyping
Prototyping provides opportunities for users to test out the product and report back to the developers. This includes any bugs that may need to be worked out, improvement requests, and even patching up any security issues that are present. There are several different types of testing when it comes to IoT prototyping, including performance, security, and user testing.
Software engineers can use IoT to create prototypes of solutions for start-ups. However, sometimes this has to be done in a time-intensive environment, especially if the solution is designed to solve a problem and needs to be delivered as quickly as possible. ‘Rapid-prototyping’ involves creating and testing versions of an IoT solution in the quickest and most efficient way possible. IoT projects can be quite complex, but without this process, there would be all kinds of low-quality solutions on the market.
Software engineers can empower start-ups with IoT solutions
The demand for software engineers is growing every day, as well as the need for useful IoT solutions, both in everyday life and within professional settings. Creative use of IoT can provide crucial assistance for start-ups and new businesses as they grow and develop. Aspiring software engineers can look into enrolling in an educational program so that they can acquire a deeper understanding of how IoT solutions can empower these companies.
