Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf IoT Solutions | Brash Inc.'s Richard Beranek | Internet of Things Podcast

IoT For All Podcast · 27 Feb 2024 · 23m · Episode 333

What this episode covers

Richard Beranek, Managing Partner at Brash Inc., discusses the strategic decision between custom and off-the-shelf IoT solutions for product development. He explains that while off-the-shelf hardware and software offer speed and vendor support, custom development is often necessary for specific functional requirements, legacy system integration, or seamless user experiences. Beranek advises companies to start with proof-of-concept prototypes using existing tools to validate their thesis before committing to expensive custom engineering, noting that most successful deployments are hybrid approaches combining both.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 06m

    428: Sprinkling a Little IoT

    Jonathan Beri, CEO of Golioth, categorizes the complex IoT landscape into five distinct 'clouds': device, connectivity, data, application, and development. He argues that hardware companies should start with their chip and OS choice to leverage vendor support, rather than building proprietary infrastructure or locking themselves into a single cloud provider like AWS. Beri highlights the importance of using open standards and modular design to avoid vendor lock-in and reduce the burden of device management, OTA updates, and telemetry.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 09m

    The EEVblog Sparkgap Generator

    Dave Jones of EEVblog and Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics discuss the pitfalls of IoT white goods, illustrated by Jones's new Miele dishwasher, and explore local IoT solutions using MQTT and ESP8266. Jones provides an update on his upcoming multimeter Kickstarter, detailing the challenges of cross-platform app development, Bluetooth packet corruption, and the high costs of custom packaging and PCB revisions. The hosts also analyze the bankruptcy of TechShop, debating the viability of commercial makerspaces versus non-profit models, and critique a Shark Tank pitch for a barcode luggage tag to emphasize the importance of product-market fit.

  • Over the Air · 35m

    Embracing a Consumer-Centric Approach to Product Development

    Doug Roberson, CTO of Alterco Robotics (maker of the Shelly IoT brand), explains how the company uses a consumer-centric approach to product development by listening to customers via social media and forums. He discusses the importance of versatile hardware form factors, such as the Shelly 1 relay, and the critical lesson that a working prototype does not guarantee a profitable product due to Bill of Materials costs. Roberson also emphasizes data privacy by offering local control options and advises founders to build experienced teams and say 'no' to superfluous features to avoid failure.

  • The Hardware Entrepreneur · 43m

    #017 - How *not* to think about IoT, with Michael Vladimer of Orange IoT Studio, USA

    Michael Vladimer, co-founder of Orange IoT Studio, outlines a framework for building successful IoT products, arguing that they must solve compelling problems rather than just connecting everything. He defines the core MVP of an IoT device as consisting of sensors, connectivity, computation, and user interface, while warning against expecting users to invest smartphone-level effort into these devices. Vladimer also discusses the nuances of IoT security, advocating for context-specific standards based on data sensitivity, and shares insights on cross-cultural communication and storytelling in product development.

  • Over the Air · 26m

    IoT Strategy: Firing Bullets Instead of Cannonballs

    Craig Salvalaggio, COO of Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), discusses the company's 18-year evolution from traditional industrial robotics to a connected IoT strategy. He explains how AMT shifted from building custom, isolated systems to leveraging partnerships with companies like Soft Robotics Inc. for vision and grasping technologies. Salvalaggio advises non-IoT companies to start with small, self-serving pilots ('firing bullets') rather than large, undefined platform investments to validate value and educate customers.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by IoT For All Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.