Steps to Success on the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things is a subject of much attention nowadays. It is a technology trend which produces trillions of data through connecting multiple devices and sensors with the cloud and business intelligence tools. The Internet of Things (IoT) is thus causing a large number and distinct types of products to emit colossal amount of data at a phenomenal rate.

The following list will help demystify exactly what you need to leverage IoT to transform your business.

1.  Build a connected system Before you decide on your IoT strategy, you must first think through the entire process. Determine how modifying a product, creating something new, or switching up an internal business process will change the user or customer experience.
    
2. Create a connected object This step involves choosing the right hardware for the job. You will need to find a development board that meets the form factor and computation requirements your job demands.
3. Build the IoT infrastructure Choose a cloud infrastructure that will connect your intelligent objects to the Internet. Consider how you will store data, whether you will have an API, as well as your security standards.
4. Create applications In the world of IoT, users typically care most about the connected device applications, built on cloud app platforms such as Force.com and Heroku, that allow them to view information. In addition, these apps can give your business insights into your customers and recurring revenue opportunities.
5. Tie into business systems In the IoT, you have the option of connecting applications that manage business systems, such as accounting and HR, to real-time data from products used by customers.
6. Drive business transformation Analytics and automation allow you to break down all the data your connected devices produce into categories that are relevant to your business. These can include reporting, filtering, exploring, acting, and predicting.
7. Maintain, service, and support Take the time to think through what you will need to ensure that your IoT solutions not only run for the foreseeable future, but can also be repaired with little effort. Consider items such as accessibility over time and how often upgrades will be needed.
   Reference: http://blogs.salesforce.com/company/2014/07/success-on-the-internet-of-things.html