Types of IoT Software You Can Get with 2Smart

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In the nearly three years since the launch of the 2Smart Cloud IoT platform, our team has collaborated with smart device manufacturers of various scales. Initially, we focused on startups and enthusiasts creating IoT devices for personal use. However, we eventually pivoted towards enterprises and companies that maintain these devices. This shift occurred when we realized that businesses profit not only from selling devices but also from their maintenance. Although we have made significant strides in this niche, the solutions we started with are still available and effective. Below, we describe the types of IoT software provided by 2Smart and how your business can utilize our Internet of Things solutions.

IoT SaaS Platform: A Smooth Start for Launching Devices

Features

The 2Smart Cloud IoT SaaS platform offers the simplest, most accessible, and often free way to use our capabilities. Enthusiasts or startup founders can register at cloud.2smart.com and use the platform to launch their products.

Our policy for this model is to provide 2Smart Cloud functionality for free until a business starts earning from selling its devices. The platform becomes paid only after more than twenty devices are connected to an account. This allows enough time for hypothesis testing and prototyping.

2Smart Cloud IoT SaaS platform provides:

• Support for devices with any internet-enabled microcontroller.
• SDKs for ESP32 in C and C++, and low-code firmware development based on ESPHome.
• A no-code mobile app builder with an extensive widget library.
• Tools for testing, publishing, supporting, and gathering basic statistics on connected devices.

Advantages

The primary advantage is the ready-to-use infrastructure for connecting devices, available immediately after registration. Your task is to develop the physical device and create compatible firmware according to the 2Smart Cloud documentation.

While the platform supports devices with any internet-enabled microcontroller, using ESP32 can simplify firmware development thanks to low-code ESPHome support. This is useful both for rapid prototyping and for building complete firmware.

Drawbacks

The accessibility and low cost make this model ideal for hypothesis testing and proof-of-concept work. However, it’s challenging to build a unique brand presence, even on paid plans, because you cannot customize the interface that end-users interact with — the mobile app.

End-users will use the 2Smart Cloud mobile app to connect devices via standard pairing procedures. The maximum branding opportunity is to add your products to the built-in device market by arrangement with us.

For a branded mobile app with your colors and logo, consider other 2Smart Cloud models discussed below.

Application examples

We’ve used this model to connect devices developed by the 2Smart team. For instance, the built-in market of the 2Smart Cloud mobile app includes our fire lamp, LED strip, reprogrammed Sonoff devices, and Propuskator controllers.

The Propuskator case is the most extensive example. We created a proprietary cloud access control system with a mobile app for end-users. For B2C clients, we added the option to bind the controller to the 2Smart Cloud mobile app instead of using ACS. For this project, we didn’t deploy a private instance but used the SaaS model.

Client cases include connecting heat pumps and modernizing them for a better user experience. The manufacturer of this equipment initially produced pump models without remote control and telemetry gathering capabilities. However, since the hardware of these devices was based on ESP32 microcontrollers, it was easy for us to help the manufacturer modify the firmware to transform the heat pumps into connected devices. Currently, the equipment operates with the 2Smart Cloud platform, allowing end-users to control pump parameters using the cloud-based mobile application.

Another client used the SaaS platform to develop a gateway to connect Zigbee devices. This simple consumer device connects various home sensors to the cloud. The 2Smart Cloud mobile application allows monitoring sensor values from anywhere with an internet connection.

SaaS Platform with White-Label Mobile App

Features

This model allows you to continue using the public SaaS platform, but your end-users manage their devices through a branded version of the 2Smart Cloud mobile app. We customize the app’s color scheme, add your logo, implement selected features from our offerings, and publish the app in Google Play and the AppStore for you.

Advantages

You can seamlessly switch to this option when you’re ready to market your product under your own brand after weeks or months of testing on the free 2Smart Cloud tier. Branding the mobile app and publishing it usually takes about two weeks.

Drawbacks

Continuing to use the SaaS platform means you’ll need to pay for its services according to the 2Smart Cloud IoT platform pricing, where the monthly cost depends on the number of connected devices.

Application examples

While this option is available, our clients typically prefer the model described next.

Full-Scale Private White-Label IoT Platform for Consumer Devices

Features

This model is ideal for confident startups and small businesses. You receive not only a white-label mobile app but also your own branded instance of the 2Smart Cloud platform. Hosting it on any virtual server like Amazon or DigitalOcean, you pay only the monthly server fee, with no limit on the number of connected devices.

Advantages

You gain a fully branded IoT solution and your own infrastructure for developing and supporting your IoT devices. Your platform instance will receive updates with new features and bug fixes, evolving alongside the public SaaS platform.

Drawbacks

The 2Smart Cloud platform architecture ensures that end-users’ devices remain secure and cannot be accessed by the device manufacturer. This privacy feature is a significant advantage, but it may be a limitation if your business model requires administrative access to a fleet of devices.

If your business involves more than just selling consumer devices and needs remote control capabilities, consider the options described in the next sections of this article.

Application examples

A notable example of this model is the manufacturer of stylish LED lamps, Intellect. We provided them with a private white-label IoT platform, including a branded instance for developers. The Intellect team can create and connect new lamp models, monitor usage statistics, and, if needed, use the platform to develop any type of smart consumer device.

End-users of Intellect lamps use the Intellect mobile app, a branded version of the 2Smart Cloud app, delivered separately as a white-label solution. The app’s appearance and functionality are tailored to match Intellect’s brand style.

White-Label B2B Platform for Remote Device Maintenance

Features

This option for using 2Smart solutions is the first where our Business Platform appears, the tools of which become crucial to implementing the business model chosen by the customers of such a solution. You get everything described in the private IoT platform for developing and connecting devices, plus the ability to manage and remotely service your fleet of devices.

This option is ideal for small and medium businesses that sell or lease IoT equipment and provide regular maintenance. The devices don’t need to be developed in-house; they can be third-party products with firmware modified to connect to 2Smart.

The Business Platform allows you to create a hierarchy of integrators and service technicians, dividing access to specific devices, enabling them to service devices through a white-label mobile app or an admin panel.

While a white-label mobile app is used for device management, it offers customizable layouts for different user roles. End-users see basic control widgets, while technical specialists have access to full telemetry and specific sensor controls.

Advantages

Administrative tools for remote device maintenance and flexible configuration of internal processes related to access control for various administrators.

As your business grows, you can easily transition to the model described below, where the 2Smart Business Platform is used in collaboration with your partners.

Application examples

One example of this model in use is Newtwen, which received a white-label IoT application for digital twins from us. It includes a branded mobile application designed for end-users and a web application for device developers, featuring a tool for creating interfaces for upcoming digital twins. Additionally, the client received an advanced business platform for comprehensive device fleet management and monitoring.

White-Label Enterprise Platform with Multitenant Functionality

Features

This option unlocks the full potential of the 2Smart Business Platform. It provides remote device support, user management, and role-based access control, while also allowing you to connect partners, distributors, and integrators.

The Business Platform equips you with tools to build a comprehensive multitenant architecture. Devices and users are linked to specific companies or groups of companies. Each company can create its own subsidiaries, with administrators managing only their users and devices. As the platform owner, you have super admin access to monitor everything within the system.

Application examples

A prime example of utilizing the full potential of the Business Platform is MyBox, a manufacturer of electric vehicle charging stations. MyBox distributes its chargers both directly and through partners, making the multitenant architecture crucial for their operations.

Additionally, MyBox fully leverages the remote device support features described earlier.

Custom IoT Platform Based on the 2Smart Framework

Features

2Smart Cloud is not just a product for creating IoT solutions; it’s also a framework for building fully customized solutions. Our team is open to product development based on client requests, enabling deep customization of our framework to create highly tailored solutions.

When clients request such customization, we act not merely as a software company but as a full-fledged partner, assisting in the business launch and development of their unique IoT platforms.

Application examples

A notable example is MyBox again, which began with the previous model but has since moved to highly customized solutions specific to their industry.

Today, MyBox no longer uses a private instance of 2Smart Cloud but operates a fully independent platform for servicing charging stations. They are building a network that supports a broad ecosystem of not only charging devices but also other interconnected IoT equipment, all within a unified concept.

Conclusion

The versatility and scalability of the 2Smart Cloud platform make it an invaluable tool for businesses of all sizes and stages of development. Whether you’re a startup looking to test your IoT products, a small business ready to brand your solutions, or an enterprise needing a robust multitenant architecture, 2Smart Cloud offers tailored solutions to meet your needs.

From the simplest SaaS models to fully customized frameworks, 2Smart Cloud enables businesses to manage, support, and expand their IoT ecosystems effectively. As demonstrated by our collaboration with clients like MyBox, our platform can evolve with your business, providing the flexibility to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

By choosing 2Smart Cloud, you gain not only a powerful IoT solution but also a committed partner dedicated to your success in the rapidly growing IoT market. Explore the potential of 2Smart Cloud and take the next step in your IoT journey with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2Smart Cloud and how can it benefit my business?

2Smart Cloud is a versatile IoT platform that provides a range of solutions for businesses of all sizes. It offers tools for developing, connecting, and managing IoT devices, as well as options for white-label branding and multitenant architectures. Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, 2Smart Cloud can help you streamline your IoT operations and scale your business efficiently.

What are the different types of IoT software available on 2Smart Cloud?

2Smart Cloud offers several types of Internet of Things software:

• SaaS Platform: Ideal for startups and individual developers, offering a free tier for early-stage testing.
• White-Label Mobile App: Allows businesses to brand the 2Smart Cloud mobile app and publish it under their name.
• Private IoT Platform: Suitable for small businesses needing a fully branded instance of the platform without device limits.
• White-Label B2B Platform: Provides remote device support and user role management, perfect for businesses needing comprehensive administrative tools.
• Enterprise Platform with Multitenant Functionality: Enables companies to connect partners and create a hierarchical structure for device and user management.
• Custom IoT Platform: Offers deep customization for unique business requirements, transforming the framework into a bespoke solution.

How does the free tier of the SaaS Platform work?

The free tier of the 2Smart Cloud SaaS Platform allows you to use the platform’s capabilities without charge until you start earning revenue from your devices. The service becomes paid only when the number of connected devices exceeds twenty, giving you ample time for testing and prototyping.

Can I brand the mobile app with my company’s logo and colors?

Yes, with the white-label mobile app option, 2Smart Cloud customizes the app’s appearance with your brand’s logo and color scheme. The app is then published in Google Play and AppStore under your company’s name.

What support is available for device management and remote servicing?

2Smart Cloud offers comprehensive tools for remote device management and servicing. The Business Platform includes features for creating and managing user roles, remote device control, and detailed telemetry access for technical specialists.

How scalable is the 2Smart Cloud platform?

2Smart Cloud is highly scalable, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. From handling a few devices during the initial stages to managing extensive networks in enterprise-level deployments, the platform can grow with your business needs.

How does 2Smart Cloud ensure the security of my IoT devices and data?

2Smart Cloud employs robust security measures to protect your devices and data. End-user devices are secured to prevent unauthorized access, and the platform includes encryption and access control features to safeguard sensitive information.