What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing at a Glance
- Cloud computing sees computing services like storage, processing, databases, and analytics being delivered over the internet, rather than relying on on-device infrastructure.
- In IoT, the cloud acts as a centralized platform where device data is collected, analyzed, stored, and acted upon.
- Soracom offers cloud-native IoT services that streamline data routing, visualization, and system integration for scalable, intelligent device deployments.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources such as data storage, computational power, and software services via the internet. Instead of relying on local servers or physical infrastructure, users access shared computing resources hosted in remote data centers.
For IoT, cloud computing enables devices to send, store, and process data in real time while remaining lightweight and cost-efficient. By leveraging the cloud, IoT systems become more flexible, scalable, and intelligent.
How Cloud Computing Supports IoT
IoT devices are typically small, low-power units with limited processing capabilities. The cloud compensates for this by handling the heavy lifting related to data storage, analytics, and integration with other systems.
Key cloud functions in IoT deployments:
- Data Storage: Centralize and scale the storage of device-generated data.
- Remote Management: Update firmware, configure settings, or monitor devices from anywhere.
- Scalability: Handle growing fleets of devices without major infrastructure changes.
- Integration: Connect device data with third-party applications or enterprise systems.
Cloud IoT Use Cases
| Industry | Cloud Functionality Example |
| Agriculture | Syncing sensor data to dashboards for crop decisions |
| Utilities | Central monitoring of smart meters across regions |
| Manufacturing | Uploading equipment data for predictive analytics |
| Smart Cities | Cloud-hosted platforms for traffic and lighting control |
| Healthcare | Storing and analyzing biometric data from wearables |
Types of Cloud Services in IoT
| Service Type | Description | IoT Relevance |
| IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) | Access to virtual servers and storage | Scales storage and compute needs |
| PaaS (Platform as a Service) | Tools for app development and deployment | Build custom IoT apps and workflows |
| SaaS (Software as a Service) | Cloud-based applications for end users | Data dashboards, analytics, and alerts |
| FaaS (Function as a Service) | Serverless computing for event-driven tasks | Lightweight, event-triggered automation |
Benefits of Cloud Computing in IoT
- Flexibility: Adjust resources on demand as device counts grow.
- Cost-Efficiency: Pay only for what you use, with no physical server maintenance.
- Global Access: Manage and monitor devices from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Security: Benefit from cloud-native encryption, identity access management, and compliance frameworks.
- Collaboration: Share data across departments or with partners easily and securely.
Challenges of Cloud Computing in IoT
- Connectivity Dependence: IoT devices do not always have reliable connectivity to transmit data..
- Latency: In time-sensitive use cases, cloud processing may be slower than local edge computing.
- Data Privacy: Cloud-hosted data must comply with regulatory and privacy requirements.
- Vendor Lock-In: Moving between cloud platforms can be complex without proper planning.
How Soracom Enables Cloud-Connected IoT
Soracom’s platform is built from the ground up for cloud-native IoT. Whether you are routing sensor data to AWS, enabling remote firmware updates, or visualizing fleet activity in real time, Soracom offers powerful, integrated services including:
- Soracom Harvest: Automatically stores device data in the cloud with no external setup.
- Soracom Lagoon: Turns cloud data into customizable dashboards and alerts.
- Soracom Funk: Enables serverless cloud functions triggered by device events.
- Soracom Beam: Simplifies secure transmission of device data to third-party clouds.
- Soracom Canal/Door: Transmit your data from device to cloud without it ever being exposed to the public internet
With Soracom, you get cloud flexibility and IoT simplicity in a single platform that is ready to scale with your business.
Conclusion: Why Cloud Computing is Essential to IoT
Cloud computing unlocks the full potential of the Internet of Things by centralizing data, simplifying device management, and supporting powerful analytics and automation. It makes IoT more scalable, accessible, and secure. Paired with Soracom’s suite of cloud-first tools, developers can build intelligent, connected systems that evolve as fast as their ideas.
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