# Softeq's Chris Howard | Why Most IoT Deployments Fail

- Show: [IoT For All Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast)
- Published: 2020-05-12
- Length: 39m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2020-05-12-softeqs-chris-howard-why-most-iot-deployments-fail
- Listen: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/iot-for-all/episodes/Softeqs-Chris-Howard--Why-Most-IoT-Deployments-Fail-e28bmqk

## Summary

Chris Howard, Founder and CEO of Softeq, discusses why 75% of IoT deployments fail, citing poor planning, lack of technical knowledge among decision-makers, and insufficient budgeting for security and QA. He emphasizes the importance of a phased approach, starting with discovery and proof-of-concept phases to validate assumptions before scaling. Howard shares examples of successful projects, including a connected dog collar for a startup and a smart crib for Happiest Baby, illustrating how Softeq supports both early-stage innovation and enterprise embedded development.

## Chapters

- [0:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2020-05-12-softeqs-chris-howard-why-most-iot-deployments-fail#t=3) Introduction and Softeq Background
- [4:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2020-05-12-softeqs-chris-howard-why-most-iot-deployments-fail#t=283) Softeq's Role in IoT Development
- [11:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2020-05-12-softeqs-chris-howard-why-most-iot-deployments-fail#t=660) Why IoT Projects Fail: Planning and Complexity
- [16:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2020-05-12-softeqs-chris-howard-why-most-iot-deployments-fail#t=965) ROI, Security, and Scaling Challenges
- [27:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2020-05-12-softeqs-chris-howard-why-most-iot-deployments-fail#t=1666) Case Studies: Connected Dog Collar and Smart Crib
- [32:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2020-05-12-softeqs-chris-howard-why-most-iot-deployments-fail#t=1963) Advice for Success and Future Outlook

## Topics

- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Security & privacy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/security-and-privacy)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Softeq (company)
- IBM (company)
- NASA (company)
- Compaq (company)
- HP (company)
- Disney (company)
- AWS (company)
- Azure (company)
- Happiest Baby (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [#014: Why Your IoT Project Still Hasn’t Taken Off — And How to Fix It](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-08-05-014-why-your-iot-project-still-hasnt-taken-off-and-how-to-fix-it) (Coredump Sessions)
- [128: Creating an App for Your Hardware Device](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2022-06-08-128-creating-an-app-for-your-hardware-device) (Product Startup)
- [The EEVblog Sparkgap Generator](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-11-20-the-eevblog-sparkgap-generator) (The Amp Hour)
- [13 Reasons Why New Hardware Products Fail](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-11-23-13-reasons-why-new-hardware-products-fail) (Predictable Designs Podcast)
- [Proof of Value (PoV) with Paul Glynn, CEO of Davra](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2022-08-18-proof-of-value-pov-with-paul-glynn-ceo-of-davra) (Over the Air)

## Citing this page

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