Introduction: Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Enterprise IoT
Enterprise IoT is a market with unparalleled momentum. It is characterized by a combination of fast-moving technological development, changing regulations, and rising customer expectations of connectivity and efficiency. There are a number of major players, including equipment manufacturers, IT service companies, infrastructure suppliers, and a growing number of AI innovators. They are all fighting for leadership, deploying advanced technologies such as AI-based analytics, automation, and green data center solutions. The equipment manufacturers focus on hardware integration, while the IT service companies on the integration of data, and the aggregation of data. The new AI companies are disrupting the traditional business models with cutting-edge analytics and machine learning, which can optimize operations. Several regions are experiencing a surge in growth as companies focus more on sustainability and digital transformation. In North America and Asia-Pacific, strategic deployments of IoT solutions will help to shape industry standards by 2024–25. Strategic leaders need to understand these dynamics if they are to take advantage of this opportunity.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
These vendors offer comprehensive IoT solutions that integrate hardware, software, and services for enterprise applications.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| General Electric |
Strong industrial IoT expertise |
Industrial IoT platforms |
Global |
| Siemens |
Robust automation and digitalization capabilities |
Smart manufacturing solutions |
Global |
| Honeywell |
Diverse industry applications |
Building and industrial IoT |
Global |
| Schneider Electric |
Energy management and automation leader |
Energy and sustainability solutions |
Global |
Specialized Technology Vendors
These vendors focus on specific IoT technologies or applications, providing niche solutions tailored to particular industries.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| PTC |
Strong in augmented reality and CAD integration |
Product lifecycle management |
Global |
| Bosch |
Expertise in sensor technology |
Connected devices and services |
Global |
| Oracle |
Robust data management capabilities |
Cloud-based IoT solutions |
Global |
| SAP |
Strong enterprise resource planning integration |
IoT data management |
Global |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
These vendors supply the necessary hardware and infrastructure to support IoT deployments across various sectors.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Amazon |
Leading cloud infrastructure provider |
Cloud IoT services |
Global |
| Cisco Systems |
Networking and security expertise |
IoT networking solutions |
Global |
| Microsoft |
Comprehensive cloud and AI integration |
Cloud IoT platform |
Global |
| IBM |
Strong analytics and AI capabilities |
IoT analytics and AI solutions |
Global |
| AT&T |
Extensive telecommunications network |
IoT connectivity solutions |
North America |
| Intel |
Leading semiconductor technology |
IoT hardware and edge computing |
Global |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- A Canadian company specializing in the IoT and edge computing. A recent contract with a major automobile manufacturer has been a big win, but the competition from Cisco and Verizon is fierce, and they are offering more flexible and cost-effective solutions.
- Helium (USA): The company specializes in decentralized wireless networks for IoT devices. Recently it has entered into a partnership with a smart agriculture company to connect the countryside, and it complements the traditional telecommunications companies with its own, low-cost, community-based network solutions.
- Zebra (USA): provides advanced tracking and visibility solutions through the use of IoT-enabled devices. It has recently implemented a large-scale application for a logistics company, greatly increasing the efficiency of the supply chain. By focusing on a narrow range of applications such as retail and logistics, it is competing with established players such as Honeywell.
- Sigfox (France): Provides low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) solutions for IoT applications. Recently expanded its network in Europe, challenging traditional cellular networks by offering a more energy-efficient alternative for IoT deployments.
- Wizoot (India): focuses on smart city solutions and IoT applications. It has recently worked with local governments to develop smart waste management systems. It complements the efforts of larger companies by addressing local needs with tailored solutions.
Regional Trends: In 2023, IoT is expected to be widely used, especially in North America and Europe, mainly due to the demand for smart cities and industrial automation. As for the technology, it is also expected that low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN) and edge computing will be used, which are expected to optimize the ability of communication and data processing. Moreover, decentralized solutions are also popular, especially in remote and underdeveloped areas, and this trend is expected to challenge the traditional telecommunications business model.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- AWS and Siemens have entered into a partnership to integrate the IoT solutions of Siemens with AWS cloud services in order to improve the automation and data analysis of industrial automation and thereby strengthen their competitiveness in the smart manufacturing field.
- Cisco acquired the IoT security firm, Kenna Security, to bolster its cybersecurity offerings for IoT devices, enhancing its market share in the rapidly growing IoT security landscape.
- IBM and Verizon announced a collaboration to develop 5G-enabled IoT solutions for smart cities, aiming to leverage their combined expertise to capture a larger share of the urban infrastructure market.
Competitive Summary Table
| Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
|---|
| Biometric Self-Boarding |
Gemalto, NEC Corporation |
At many of the world's major airports, Gemalto has introduced biometric boarding, thereby facilitating passenger traffic and reducing waiting times. NEC's technology is characterized by its high accuracy and the possibility of integrating it into existing security systems. It has been used at Tokyo's Haneda airport. |
| AI-Powered Ops Mgmt |
IBM, Cisco |
The IoT platform, based on artificial intelligence, enables the prediction of malfunctions, reducing downtime in production plants. Also, several logistics companies have already adopted Cisco's artificial intelligence-based network management tools to optimize their supply chains. |
| Border Control |
Thales Group, HID Global |
Biometrics is used to improve security and the speed of border crossings. HID's identity management systems are widely used in many countries, enabling a more rapid movement of people through the border. |
| Sustainability |
Siemens, Schneider Electric |
Among the IoT solutions developed by Siemens is one that allows real-time monitoring of energy consumption, which enables companies to reduce their carbon footprint. Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure platform is known for its capacity to optimize energy consumption in industry and to promote sustainable development. |
| Passenger Experience |
Amadeus, SITA |
Through the use of data analysis and mobile applications, Amadeus offers travellers a more personal experience. SITA’s smart airport solutions make use of IoT to make the flow of passengers more efficient and improve satisfaction, as recent projects at major airports have shown. |
Conclusion: Navigating the Competitive IoT Landscape
Enterprise IoT Market by 2023 is characterized by a high degree of competition and significant fragmentation. Both established and new players will be competing for market share. Regional trends point to a growing emphasis on localized solutions as vendors tailor their offerings to local requirements and regulatory environments. Meanwhile, the established players are utilizing their existing IoT-based systems and integrating advanced features such as automation and AI to enhance their offerings. While the new players are focusing on scalability and flexibility, thereby presenting themselves as agile alternatives. The evolution of the market will be characterized by an increasing focus on automation, AI and sustainable practices. Strategically, these are the capabilities that decision-makers will need to assess in order to navigate the increasingly complex IoT landscape.
