CLOUD 101 FOR EMBEDDED DESIGNERS
Abstract• Attendees will learn about the PROs and CONs
of different connection options for the Internet of Things.
• The class will cover Ethernet, WiFi, cellular, and mesh networking options and also talk about tradeoffs for each (security, reliability, performance, and cost).
What is the cloud?
• Definition: Scalable servers connected to the Internet that provide certain functionality.
• Some applications in “The Cloud”:– Salesforce -> Sales, CRM– Amazon Cloud Drive, Box.net -> Data storage– Google Apps -> Office productivity– Mint, Quickbooks -> Financial
• Today, we are talking about “The Cloud” as it pertains to embedded systems.
Market evolution
For anyone who has designed or spec’d a product in the past 12 years, there has been a race to add the next thing to meet customer needs, improve the product, drive down costs, keep up with the competition:
2000
LCD, USB, Ethernet, Compact Flash
2005
Touchscreen, Video, HW Accelerators, Wireless, SD 2010
Cellular, WiFi, Security, Authentication
The new peripheral
2000
LCD, USB, Ethernet, Compact Flash
2005
Touchscreen, Video, HW Accelerators, Wireless, SD 2010
Cellular, WiFi, Security, Authentication
The cloud enables new options:•Remote diagnostics•Remote software upgrades•Remote control•Asset management•Simpler hardware
Cloud2015
The opportunity
End Users
ServiceAdmins
Site Managers
PRODUCTS STAKEHOLDERSCONNECT
What can the cloud do?
• Add value by enhancing user experience• Add revenue by offering new services • Reduce expenses by improving business processes
and managing firmware updates, support, and data collection from a central vantage point
• Understand users by analyzing use patterns• Make better decisions by integrating with existing
business systems
Converging perspectives
We’ve got problems
• New product categories are emerging• Vocabulary is not standardized• Consensus standards are immature• Differing interpretations of what IoT/M2M is
Hierarchical Taxonomy
Smart Services
Source: http://trentonsystems.com/
Machine Interfaces
Source: http://eurescom.eu
Solution evolution
Goal: internet-enable a CNC lathe
Embedded webserver
Summary: simple; not highly scalable; IT firewall issues can be challenging
CNC lathe (server) Computer terminal (client)
Ethernet
Treat devices as clients
Summary: endlessly customizable, complex, requires IT expertise
CNC lathe (client) Web application (server)
Ethernet
Buy, not make
Summary: leverages existing technologies; focus on data/stakeholders
CNC lathe (client)Application Enablement Platform (AEP)
Ethernet End Users
ServiceAdmins
Site Managers
Add cellular
Summary: increased flexibility; no IT firewall issues; increased cost
CNC lathe + Gateway
Application Enablement Platform (AEP)
End Users
ServiceAdmins
Site Managers
MNO, MVNO
CNC lathe + Gateway
CNC lathe + Gateway
Optimize cellular
Summary: add short-range RF to reduce cellular costs
CNC lathe + Short-range RF
Application Enablement Platform (AEP)
End Users
ServiceAdmins
Site Managers
MNO, MVNO
CNC lathe + Short-range RF
CNC lathe + Short-range RF
GatewayRF Aggregator
Parting thoughts
• Understand your design goals– Flexibility vs. cost– Performance vs. power
• Understand your options– Modules, aggregators, gateways, cellular networks, cloud
platforms, mobile frameworks• Focus on your core competencies; buy the rest• Prepare for the next frontier: federation of services
(CRM, ERP, social networks)
We’ve got opportunities
• Bring simplicity where there is complexity• Design solutions where there are none• Set lasting consumer precedents• Provide access to information that drives business decisions
and reduces risk• Pioneer new territory
CLOUD 101 FOR EMBEDDED DESIGNERS
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