IBM Watson Internet of Things (IoT)

Watson Internet of Things (IoT) is a set of technology solutions that assist organizations in the process of connecting devices and creating Internet [[Internet of Things (IoT)|[[Internet of Things (IoT)|of Things (IoT) applications]]]], solving specific business problems.

Solutions on the Watson Internet of Things (IoT) platform help apply cognitive insights based on data from the Internet of Things (IoT) to software asset and hardware management.

Watson's Internet of Things (IoT) product portfolio helps create modern business models using a variety of revenue sources and counteracting competition.

Understanding the Interaction and Position of the Watson Internet of Things (IoT) Platform, (2016)

Watson Internet of Things (IoT) is a set of functions and technologies assembled around cognitive computing. According to the developers, they are more suitable for large-scale IoT applications than traditional computer programming technologies.

Cognitive IoT technology uses machine learning in relation to interactions with the environment, people and data from connected devices.

2022: Service closure

On November 15, 2022, it became known that IBM decided to stop developing and supporting its Watson IoT IoT platform based on its own IBM Cloud infrastructure.

IBM Watson IoT is a specialized infrastructure that provides tools and services to simplify the digital transformation of enterprises. The platform was launched about a decade ago. It offers customers a single space to manage and monitor IoT devices and collect and process generated data. IBM Watson IoT partners include embedded systems manufacturer Adesto Technologies, Cisco DNA Spaces cloud system and EnOcean, specializing in IoT solutions.

IBM closes failed cloud service

IBM previously promised that the Watson IoT platform will help organizations "succeed with an industrial IoT solution that is built for today but designed for the future." And now it is reported that the project will be completed on December 1, 2023 without providing customers with any alternative. After that, the company will close access to the platform's software interface (API).

Note that devices will no longer be able to connect to MQTT and HTTP endpoints, and existing connections will be disconnected. Current customers need to plan a transition to alternative services before the specified date, IBM said in a statement.

However, IBM does not completely abandon the development of the Internet of Things. The company supports the Open Horizon open project, which promises independent control of more than 10 thousand peripherals at the same time. The technology built into IBM Edge Application Manager allows you to deploy and remotely manage enterprise workloads in the fields of artificial intelligence, analytics and IoT.^[1]

2017: IBM and VISA transform IoT devices into POS terminals and personal assistants

Users of the IBM Watson IoT platform will be able to connect Internet devices to the Visa Token Service. Such cooperation implies that any IoT device will receive payment functionality. In other words, VISA users will have access to payment services through^[2].

Billions of connected devices and sensors around the world, by replacing confidential payment information with a unique digital identifier, will be able to make payments more securely. IBM and VISA will provide access to new capabilities for all customers, allowing them to create personalized commercial services and receive recommendations based on unique customer needs.

For example, a car connected to IBM Watson IoT will be able to send information to the owner about the need to replace any units whose resource is exhausted, or remind them that the maintenance period is approaching. A car enthusiast by pressing a button on the touch panel of the car will be able to order spare parts or schedule service in the most convenient car repair room for him. Drivers will be able to pay for fuel through the interaction of a car and a refueling gun.

A fitness bracelet connected to sneakers will inform athletes about the need to replace shoes, recommending purchasing a model from the new collection at the most favorable price.

2016: IBM to invest $200 million to open new Watson IoT unit headquarters in Munich

In the fall of 2016, it became known that IBM will invest over $200 million in the opening of a new global headquarters for the Watson Internet of Things (IoT) business unit in Munich, which will develop new solutions in the field of the Internet of Things for blockchain technologies and security systems. In addition, the company presented a number of customers and partners to whom the introduction and use of Watson IoT technologies will achieve results by obtaining insights from many sensors built into machinery, cars, drones and their individual elements, for example, bearings, or sensors installed in hospitals^[3]

According to the corporation, over 6,000 IBM customers use Watson IoT solutions. Their number over the past eight months has grown one and a half times. Headquarters in Munich will be the first cognitive "collaboration" of the Internet of Things. Customers and business partners will be able to jointly solve current business problems together with a large staff of IBM researchers, engineers, developers and business consultants in Munich.

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