Cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) are distinctively two separate technologies that are closely knitted. Together with these two technologies, it will lead to innovation. It alters and changes the way how we store, manage and consume information.

Generally, it is a complex web of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other electronic gadgets. These have sensors, software, and actuators that enable them to connect with each other and exchange data. As complicated as it sounds, our phone could be connected to our fitness devices which will help us track every moment in our body. Air-conditioner, refrigerator, television and other home appliances can be operated by our mobile phones. The sensors which are embedded in our vehicles help us keep a safe distance from other vehicles, thereby preventing accidents. Internet of Things (IoT) is the gateway to a whole new world of comfort and convenience by saving us a huge amount of time and effort.

Internet of Things (IoT) envisages the overall merging of several “things” while utilizing the internet as the backbone of the communication system to establish a smart interaction between people and surrounding objects.

Cloud, being the crucial component of IoT, provides valuable application-specific services in many application domains. A number of IoT and cloud providers are currently emerging into the market to leverage suitable and specific IoT based services. IoT can potentially transform business by allowing to develop smarter products and services, collect data that will influence business decisions and possibly alter the business model to enhance growth and expansion.

IoT is nothing but an extension of network connectivity and computing capability to objects, devices, sensors, and items not ordinarily considered to be computers. These things are many times referred to as “smart objects” and require minimal human intervention to generate, exchange, and consume data. They often feature connectivity to facilitate remote data collection, analysis, and management.

Healthcare is an industry where innovative IoT applications are being developed. Governments are also leveraging smart city applications, such as connected meters, sensors, and lights, to collect and analyze data and help solve issues such as pollution, traffic gridlock, and energy consumption.

Gartner predicts 21 billion connected things will be in use by the year 2020. These 21 billion things will be built, used, and embraced by three primary entities – consumers, governments, and businesses. IoT industry is expected to explode over the next few years and beyond. From smart home devices and connected cars to the development of smart cities and more efficient businesses.

IoT presents a number of technical challenges, but cloud computing helps solve them. Labeled as “the next Industrial Revolution”, the Internet of Things will continue to transform the way we live, as well as interact. And cloud computing will be the backbone of everything IoT has to offer.

The growth of IoT will put a strain on the computing resources necessary to maintain the level of connectivity and data collection that IoT devices require. Other issues, such as product development challenges, scalability, security, and more, will arise. That’s where cloud computing can help.

Why Cloud & IoT goes hand in hand?

• There are many technical hurdles to deploying an IoT solution; the cloud eases some of these burdens and accelerates development.
• IoT devices can deliver massive amounts of data and use infrastructure resources in an inconsistent manner; the cloud can provide the scalability and flexibility to deal with this.
• Data security will always be a concern in IoT; the cloud can help improve security for a different solution.
• Lack of integration and interoperability is holding back the true potential of IoT. The cloud can help IoT devices work better with current systems and with each other.

IoT promises to connect all things – people, computers, devices, and networks – but the promise cannot be fulfilled without the integration of the cloud.

Hence, the combination comes to you as a better career option for any graduate who would want to rise their individual skills themselves. The course is available here at Jain (Deemed-to-be University) with the best faculty from the industry and a rigorous course structure.