In cloud computing, data and programmes are no longer hosted on computers in homes or offices, but in a cloud computing centre instead. The centre’s operator is responsible for security and operations, makes the required computing capacity available, and provides the necessary programmes, data security, and back-ups. This relieves customers of many costly and time-consuming tasks. Cloud technology and cloud platforms form the basis for fast, simple scalability of applications.

Cloud Computing For The Connected World

Cloud computing offers a range of solutions for the connected world. Smart home systems, for example, can tell users the current temperature in their home and let them change the setting while they are still on the road. For heating service technicians, the cloud can provide remote access to authorised heating systems so they can troubleshoot problems in the event of a breakdown.

This means they can bring along any required replacement parts to their first, and only, service visit. Customers thereby benefit from lower service costs. In the agricultural world, sensor data from asparagus fields makes its way into the cloud, too. By knowing the exact temperature of the ground, farmers can improve their harvest and their yield.

The IoT Cloud of Bosch, the global technology company, helps with these smart home and agricultural applications. It also plays a role in urban infrastructure challenges, generating an online map of available park-and-ride spaces throughout the commuter train network in Stuttgart in southern Germany. Sensors detect which parking spaces are unoccupied and send this information to the cloud, where it is added to a real-time map that users can call up on their smartphone.

Another example is the book-and-park service for lorry drivers. Whenever they are looking for a rest area to park in, their lorry sends its location data to the Bosch IoT Cloud. This then reserves an available parking space nearby and informs the driver.

Scalability Is The Key

These are just a small number of examples of intelligently connected devices, complemented by services from an IoT Cloud, forming the basis of successful IoT business models. However, a major factor in the success of connected solutions is their scalability. When necessary, business models must be able to grow quickly. For Bosch, the IoT Cloud means the company now has the complete infrastructure. It comprises technical infrastructure as well as platform and software offerings. Initially Bosch had been using it for in-house solutions. From this year, it will also be made available as a service to other companies.

The Brain Of The Connected World

The key to a successful connected world is a service that can identify objects that are web-enabled, orchestrate the exchange of data and then enable the necessary related services. This must be supplemented by big data management, systems that allow enormous amounts of data to be analysed. For Bosch, the software core enabling all this for its IoT Cloud is the company’s “IoT Suite”. This suite is a set of software services that provide all the key middleware capabilities needed to build an IoT application from top to bottom.

The Bosch IoT Suite offers the functions necessary to connect devices, users, and companies. Rules for automatic decisions can be stored in the Bosch IoT Suite – such as when patterns of wear and tear should be reported and preventive action taken to service machinery. Bosch and its customers already operate many solutions and projects that are based on this platform: the Bosch IoT Cloud currently connects more than five million devices and machines.

The Opportunities Of The Connected World

This digital transformation should not be understood as a threat. Digital transformation and increasing connectivity are huge opportunities. To those companies with a strong industrial base and outstanding hardware expertise it offers the potential not only to develop their traditional businesses but also to enter completely new fields. The key prerequisite for this is to have in-house software and IT expertise. Bosch has been building these capabilities for many years.

Originally published on Business Computing World.

Bosch will be sponsoring the IoT Tech Expo Global 2018 which is arriving in Olympia London on the 18-19 April for two days of top level content, an exhibition, start-up zone, networking opportunities and more. You will find Bosch exhibiting on stand 316.

You will be about to hear Mahesh Chikodi speak in the following sessions at the event:

Connected Industry – 18 April – 09:20 – Solo: IoT-enabled Smart Buildings

This talk will look at the IoT in enabling buildings to work holistically in helping reduce inefficiencies, optimising the use of resources and creating a comfortable and productive environment. It will also look at the way in which smart buildings interact with the cloud to gain insights from the data gleaned to uncover actionable insights.

Connected Industry – 18 April – 09:50 – Panel: Smart Structures, Intelligent Buildings and Factories

– The benefits of Intelligent buildings, such as the reduction in service costs, energy consumption and increased efficiency
– The role of smart lighting, temperature control, security systems within connected the connected building – what will be the next big addition?
– Process Automation – moving beyond IoT to intelligent objects.
– Examining new factory concepts enabled by the ‘Industrial Internet’ – utilising smart buildings and smart machinery.

To access the Connected Industry sessions you will need to register for a gold/ultimate pass. Click here to find out more and register for the event. 

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