Difference between IoT and Cloud Computing


One of the most significant distinctions between "cloud computing" and the "Internet of Things" is that cloud computing offers hosted services through the Internet, while the Internet of Things does not. On the other hand, IoT connects smart devices in the area to the network so they can share and analyse data that helps them make decisions.

What is IoT?

The phrase "Internet of Things," sometimes known as "IoT," refers to the collective network of linked objects as well as the technology that permits communication between devices and the cloud, as well as between the devices themselves.

As a result of the development of low-cost computer processors and high-bandwidth telecommunications, there are currently billions of gadgets that are linked to the Internet. This means that sensors could be used in everyday items like toothbrushes, vacuum cleaners, vehicles, and machinery to collect data and respond intelligently to what their owners do.

There has been a significant reduction in the cost of integrating processing power into relatively tiny items in recent years. For instance, it is possible to add connection with Alexa voice service capabilities to MCUs with less than 1 MB of embedded RAM.

Putting Internet of Things (IoT) technology into people's homes, places of commerce, and places of work has spawned a whole new sector of the economy. These connected devices are capable of automatically sending and receiving data via the Internet. IoT refers to the network that connects all of these "invisible computing devices" together as well as the technology that is linked with them.

Components of an IoT System

A standard IoT system accomplishes its goals by collecting and exchanging data in real time. There are three parts to an IoT system:

  • Graphical user interface − A graphical user interface may be used for the management of an Internet of Things device or fleet of devices. A smartphone application or website that can be used to register and operate smart devices is a common example. Other examples include the following.

  • Smart devices − This refers to a piece of hardware that has computer capabilities and may take the form of a television, a security camera, or even workout equipment. It does this by gathering information from its surroundings, user inputs, or use patterns and then communicating this information to and from its Internet of Things application through the Internet.

  • IoT application − An Internet of Things application is a collection of different services and pieces of software that work together to integrate the data that is gathered from different Internet of Things devices. In order to evaluate this data and arrive at well−informed conclusions, it employs a technique known as artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning. These choices are then sent back to the Internet−of−Things device, which responds smartly to what it gets.

What is Cloud Computing?

In simple terms, cloud computing is the distribution of computer services via the Internet (often known as "the cloud") to enable speedier innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. These services include servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence.

Usually, you will only be charged for the cloud services that you actually use. This can help you lower your operational costs, make your infrastructure run more efficiently, and scale up or down as your business's needs change.

Services Offered by Cloud Computing

Cloud computing represents a significant paradigm change from the conventional approach that firms use to think about their information technology resources.

Here are seven of the most common reasons why companies are turning to cloud services:

  • Performance − The most popular cloud computing services are supported by a global infrastructure of dependable data centres that are continually modernised with the newest iteration of hardware that is designed to maximise speed and efficiency. This has various advantages than having a single datacentre for a whole company, including a decrease in network latency for applications and increased economies of scale.

  • Speed − The vast majority of cloud computing services are offered in a self−service and on−demand fashion. As a result, even extensive amounts of computing resources can be provisioned in a matter of minutes, typically with no more than a few clicks of the mouse. This provides businesses with a great deal of flexibility and relieves the stress associated with capacity planning.

  • Cost − Cloud computing removes the need for upfront investments in hardware and software, as well as the cost of constructing and maintaining on−premises data centres, complete with racks of servers, round−the−clock electricity for power and cooling, and information technology specialists to manage the infrastructure. The cost may quickly build up.

  • Productivity − Managing an on-premises datacentre often involves a great deal of "racking and stacking," which refers to the process of installing hardware, updating software, and doing other labour−intensive IT administration tasks. Because cloud computing eliminates the requirement for many of these duties, IT teams are freed up to focus their efforts on the accomplishment of more significant business objectives.

  • Global scale − One of the advantages of using cloud computing services is the capacity to grow on an elastic basis. In the language of cloud computing, this translates to providing the appropriate quantity of information technology resources−such as more or less processing power, storage space, or bandwidth−exactly when they are required and originating from the appropriate geographic location.

  • Security − Numerous cloud service providers make available a comprehensive collection of security policies, technologies, and controls that work together to improve your organization's overall security posture. This, in turn, helps protect your data, apps, and infrastructure from any potential dangers that may arise.

  • Reliability − Because data may be duplicated at numerous redundant locations on the network of the cloud provider, cloud computing enables data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity simpler and less costly.

Difference between IoT and Cloud Computing

The following table highlights the major differences between IoT and Cloud Computing:

Key IoT Cloud Computing
Connectivity

The Internet is used as a point of convergence by the IoT.

The delivery of services in cloud computing is accomplished via the use of the Internet.

Features

IoT is present everywhere. These are things that exist in the actual world.

Cloud is omnipresent. These are materials that may be accessed online.

Storage Limited Unlimited
Processing

Computational powers are restricted.

It is nearly impossible to reach a limit to computational capability.

Big data

It is a source of massive amounts of data.

It handles the massive amounts of data.

Conclusion

IoT and Cloud Computing are two distinct technological advancements with the same goal of making people's lives simpler. The integration of these technologies results in increased productivity and adaptability in day−to−day activities.

IoT makes it possible for normally separate physical things, like fitness trackers, smart cars, and appliances, to talk to each other. Cloud computing helps manage the IoT's architecture.

Updated on: 09-Aug-2022

2K+ Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements