This whitepaper, from Parks Associates, published on April 29, 2022, discusses the growing complexity of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem and the challenges associated with deploying IoT devices at the network edge. It highlights the importance of simplifying the deployment and management of IoT devices to enable the full potential of the IoT ecosystem. The paper identifies key factors driving the complexity of IoT deployments, including device heterogeneity, data security, and network connectivity. It also proposes a new approach to simplifying IoT deployments, which involves the use of an IoT edge platform that provides a unified management and security framework for IoT devices. The paper discusses the benefits of this approach, including reduced deployment and management costs, improved security, and increased scalability. Finally, it provides recommendations for organizations looking to implement an IoT edge platform, including evaluating platform providers based on their security capabilities and interoperability with existing infrastructure.

Keywords: Energy Efficiency/Management, Intelligent Building, Internet of Things (IoT), Property Management, Smart Spaces