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How Will The Internet Of Things Impact Web App Development?

This article is about the impact of IoT on web app development. We will explore how IoT will change in the future through practical applications and examples.

Written by RamotionJun 23, 202212 min read

Last updated: Feb 12, 2024

IoT or the Internet of Things is a concept that has been discussed and implemented in all the fields related to IT. It is, in nutshell, increasing the connectivity of your devices to the internet, making them smarter and more efficient. Today we are going to discuss how the concept of IoT will affect the web development sector. The role and impact of IoT on web development. But before that let's talk about what exactly the Internet of Things is.

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the connection of physical devices, vehicles, buildings and other items embedded with electronics, sensors, software and technology to enable these objects to collect & exchange data to improve efficiency & productivity. IT is one of the areas that has a tremendous impact from internet things. The IoT allows objects to be sensed or controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, and resulting in improved efficiency , accuracy and economic benefit in addition to reduced human intervention. IoT makes hardware devices smarter by allowing them to collect and exchange data with other devices via the internet. IoT extends the power of the internet and data processing to physical objects known as IoT devices. IoT is everywhere, from healthcare to digital assistants.

IoT in web development is bringing revolutionary changes to how we interact with and perceive web applications.

IoT Web App Definition

There are two types of web application models used in the IoT area today: hybrid cloud models and embedded server standalone models.

  • The hybrid approach combines the vendor's or manufacturer's provision of Software as a Service (SaaS) web application(s) with the connection of the embedded device's web application that runs on the firmware. The data is then synchronized from the manufacturer's cloud to the embedded device via the local network of the device.
  • Embedded device web applications are executed entirely within the device's firmware, using an embedded web server such as Lighttpd or Nginx, with no external dependencies. These standalone embedded web programs, which are known to operate on printers, VoIP phones, and home routers, may be recognizable to you.

There are numerous IoT application development services companies available to create IoT web apps and provide IoT solutions for your business.

Role of Internet of Things in Web App Development

The interconnectedness between the physical world (i.e. Internet of Things) and virtual world (Web App Development) has attracted great attention in the recent years. Rightfully so, with enhanced technological innovations, a large variety of exciting business opportunities are going to arise both in B2B and B2C domains. We are surrounded by a lot of devices. From the smart phones, TVs, to the kitchen appliances and alarm clocks, billions of devices are around us every day. This awesome collection of devices has turned out to be an Internet of things (IoT).

A web application is basically a collection of resources served by the server, which provides the representation of the same resources requested from a device. Each resource can have its own representation in HTML, JavaScript, or any other format. But not all the devices are capable of running JavaScript; so for them to be able to interact with the Web App, some other interface must be provided. This interface is nothing but an intermediate layer between the device and the web app to exchange data between both with less human intervention.

All internet-connected IoT devices require a back-end and a front-end. This is why the demand for IoT and web development has grown over time. According to Statista, the number of IoT connected devices will reach 75 billion by 2025, and the data volume generated by IoT connections will reach 79.4 zettabytes (one zettabyte equals one trillion gigabytes).

Let's look at a real-world example: Google Home activates sensors whenever we make a request and collects data from us; it then analyses that data and displays the results on a screen.

Photo by Alvaro Reyes on Unsplash

This is one great example of an IoT app. Similar to Google Home - Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Microsoft Cortana, etc., use IoT app technology to serve their users.

Other great IoT-integrated devices include smart watches, smart home appliances such as washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens, and many more. Most of these devices can be linked to smartphones, allowing them to take advantage of the power of web apps. And some devices, such as smart watches, will soon support web browsers.

When it comes to cybersecurity, IoT helps to protect business and user data by utilizing critical identification algorithms and enhancing security features for web apps. The Open Web Application Security Project's (OWASP) "Internet of Things Top 10" Project aims to educate users on the key aspects of IoT security and assist vendors in building IoT devices network and Internet-accessible. The project goes over the top ten security issues encountered with IoT devices and discusses how to avoid them.

Impact of IoT on Web Application Development

Nearly everything around us is transforming in one way or another. How we do things, how we interact with things and how things interact with each other are all changing at a rapid pace. Almost every part of our lives will be led by Internet of Things – a new technological paradigm that builds on the interconnectedness of devices to enhance the way we live, work, and play.

Because of the convenience and ease of use that it provides, IoT has gained worldwide traction. The practical applications of IoT technology span a wide range of industries. Healthcare, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and many other industries are on the list. For monitoring and controlling modern smart devices, mobile and web applications are the current trend. This makes IoT a powerful factor that is reshaping the web app development processes. Same with IoT app development.

How can we impact the development of web applications with the rise and popularity of Internet of Things (IoT)?

Increasing complexity in web development

IoT web development differs greatly from conventional web development. IoT web development necessitates working with large amounts of data, complex user interfaces, and security. Thus increasing complexity in development. IoT systems, for example, deal with a large volume of data since they collect data from sensors and process it in order to transport it through the cloud network. When this type of data is transmitted over ordinary websites, it creates system delays. However, in IoT-enabled systems, this data is processed and transferred via cloud networks, so there is no need to worry about system delays. IoT development places a greater emphasis on network stability and scalability than regular web development.

Need for extensive web development knowledge

As previously stated, IoT web development varies from traditional web development in that IoT web developer must have a better understanding of databases, programming, and how things function. This raises the entrance level for web developers. Developers should also stay up to current on emerging technology.

Maintaining hybrid development teams

Companies must create hybrid teams since web developers may need to collaborate with IoT developers. IoT development and its consequences will require specialists from both industries to collaborate to create web apps, websites, and software applications. A cross-functional development team is required by businesses. They require engineers that understand the sensor and devices, as well as those who can develop APIs that allow the device and the web application to connect.

Continuously collecting vast amounts of data

Every second, IoT devices collect massive volumes of data. This data should be processed properly by the web app. Web development, for example, confronts a significant issue in getting user input from live websites. Users can provide actionable data to IoT devices. As a result, the web development team is tasked with gathering information, relaying it to servers, fixing errors, adding features, and redesigning the user interface as needed.

Security is being prioritized

Modern IoT devices lack sophisticated security mechanisms. Encryption skills will be required of web developers. To safeguard IoT devices from security breaches, they will need to integrate a number of features. There may be increased public anxiety about digital security. Modern IoT appliances will be required to include systems for user authentication, identity verification, and access management.

Dynamic UI development

IoT applications require continually changing user interfaces to meet the needs of various users. As a result, UI and UX design elements will become increasingly important. This implies that web application developers along with web designers start with the UI design approach. Using the latest front-end frameworks and web development technologies can be really beneficial.

Impact of IoT Web Application Development on Tech Industries

The influence of IoT web apps on numerous industries is enormous. IoT web application development is a booming business in the modern age. Powered by efficient tools, it enables entrepreneurs and businesses to create better web applications with greater efficiencies and lower costs. Moreover, with the growing demand for IoT web applications, a lot of vendors are offering their services on the Internet to help build IoT devices and these applications.

Since the development of IoT has given a huge impact on the tech industries. For example, improving e-commerce and mobile industry as well as creating new applications for entertainment. This is also helpful for increasing customer interaction through use of apps by creating personalized experiences for each consumers needs.

The Internet of Things is getting more secure. Banks and customers have grown accustomed to handling financial transactions via various linked devices. Smart cash points with linked cash vending machines are not prevalent. Because the amount of data sent and acquired by IoT is massive, financial institutions can effectively analyze risk. Banks will eventually begin to use sensors and data analytics to acquire a lot more information about consumers and so provide customized services. It will assist banks in better understanding how their consumers buy and spend their money.

The healthcare industry has begun to make full use of IoT technology. Tracking systems and real-time health systems are examples of IoT technology in healthcare, and they are responsible for enhancing patient treatment, diagnostics, medical and diagnostic equipment maintenance, and remote procedures.

IoT web apps in the retail industry may be used to improve customer experience, supply-chain management, smart inventory management, automated checkout, and many other things.

It has been speculated that the Internet of Things (IoT) technology is set to grow tenfold over the next three years. The companies that adopt IoT technology fast enough will gain a big competitive advantage in the market, to say nothing of the individual financial rewards. And in the very long run, IoT technology has revolutionary potential.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has given a huge impact on the tech industries. IoT web apps can be used to improve customer experience, supply-chain management, automated checkout, and many other things. Banks will eventually begin to use sensors and data analytics to acquire a lot more information about consumers and so provide customized services. Tracking systems and real-time health systems are examples of IoT technology in healthcare.

Approaches to strengthen the future of IoT

As IoT continues to flourish and deliver new opportunities, you must comprehend the new strategies that have just been developed. I have studied a lot of approaches to strengthen the future of IoT, but I have noticed that there are a few main types that stand out as different and better than the others.

  • Data abstraction - It is critical to creating a layer of abstraction between the device and the web application. It enables you to simply connect additional devices to the same application by changing the abstraction layer.
  • Data security - When your apps receive sensor data from publicly hosted IoT platforms that enable data access, storage, and analytics. You should go over the terms and conditions, as well as the privacy policies, of the public IoT platforms. The examination will aid in the development of a hybrid strategy for distributing data between private and public platforms, as well as ensuring ownership of your most vital sensor data.
  • Machine Learning - Newer machine learning algorithms are designed to use less power and space. You must be familiar with these algorithms. There has also been advancement in the discipline of NLP, which can assist you in creating a more tailored user experience for each of their users.

As IoT continues to flourish and deliver new opportunities, you must comprehend the new strategies that have just been developed. Data abstraction - It is critical to creating a layer of abstraction between the device and the web application. Newer machine learning algorithms are designed to use less power and space. NLP can assist you in creating a more tailored user experience for each of their users.

Conclusion

In the modern internet and technology landscape, there's no doubt that web applications play an integral role in how we live. Web development is becoming increasingly impactful in our daily lives, but one area that has not been completely transformed by this trend is IoT. However, as new opportunities for distributed applications are being realized thanks to the IoT, web development companies should start exploring the role that these new technologies will play in their current and future endeavors. Hopefully, this blog does just that by providing some insights into the role of IoT in developing web applications.

IoT or the Internet of Things is a concept that has been discussed and implemented in all the fields related to IT. It is increasing the connectivity of your devices to the internet, making them smarter and more efficient. The number of IoT connected devices will reach 75 billion by 2025, and the data volume generated by IoT connections will reach 79.4 zettabytes (one zettabyte equals one trillion gigabytes). The Internet of Things (IoT) is a new technological paradigm that builds on the interconnectedness of devices to enhance the way we live, work, and play. The practical applications of IoT technology span a wide range of industries including healthcare, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and more.

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