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Want Better IoT App Development? 6 Top Tips | Glance

Written by Simon Lee | Aug 23, 2017

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the new tech concept that’s dominating the technology landscape. Many of the apps of the future will be designed around IoT. Designing IoT apps is more complicated than traditional apps, as they present a lot of new security concerns, given the complexity of development. Here are some tips to aid in IoT app development, so your team can create safer and more useful apps for the public.

IoT apps provide more function and versatility to users.

1. Ensure all hardware is secure. IoT apps work by connecting an app to an object via a small device, such as a sensor, that connects to the object. To ensure the app remains safe, the attached sensor needs to be secure. Purchase sensors from established vendors that provide additional security measures to protect data. Ensure that devices are equipped with Enhanced Privacy Identity (EPID), so you can minimise hacking threats.

2. Secure all data. IoT apps are designed to interact with objects, which adds an additional level of intricacy to their development. In addition to ensuring the app is secure, you also need to ensure the object is secure, so that all data stored within the object remains safe. Since physical objects are difficult to secure, you need to make sure all data is encrypted beforehand. You also need to attach external locks to the sensors, so they are difficult to remove from the object.

3. Start with the object. Before you even begin developing the app, you need to start by developing the object’s data and equipping it with a sensor. Only after the object has been equipped with data capabilities should you begin developing your app.

4. Design apps with function in mind. IoT will change the way humans conduct routine tasks by making them simpler, more efficient, and more effective. When designing an app, ensure that the application enhances the life and convenience of users, while providing a timeless use that will remain relevant for decades to come.

5. Decide how you’ll design the app. IoT apps are much costlier and more time-consuming to design, while requiring advanced technical knowledge to develop. Decide whether your team intends to build the app from scratch, or whether you’ll utilise an app development platform to expedite the process. In addition to helping with app development, app development platforms can assist with bringing the app to market and promoting the app to the public. In turn, you can reduce the time to market while increasing sales.

With an app development platform, you can get your app to market quickly.

6. Consider scalability. IoT is predicted to become wildly successful in the coming years, as city governments are designing entire smart cities based around IoT technology. As such, the potential for designing a successful IoT app is much greater, and your company needs to be prepared for rapid scalability prior to bringing the app to market. 

IoT app development entails a much more complicated process than regular app development, and the apps are more vulnerable to security threats. Since the app interacts directly with the Internet, it is more prone to hacking and viruses. It also entails an additional level of security as the object and sensor also need to be secured. With a professional app development platform, you can expedite the development process, ensure greater security, and bring the app to market more quickly. Contact us today to learn more.