Item: Microsoft Azure IoT Central
Rating: 7
Author: Alfred Brock

Overall Satisfaction with Microsoft Azure IoT Central

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use Azure IoT Central to run our applications for monitoring the sensors we have in our tanks. We have plant biomes as well as a fish [tank] set. We are able to both monitor and adjust the sensors as well as remotely control our heaters, filters, and other devices attached to the systems. We also use it [facilitates] data collection from all points.

Pros and Cons

Pros

It allows us to collect information at one point remotely.
It allows us to control our conditioning and feeding systems remotely.
We can collect data from various points and then transform it when received at a central point.

Cons

I would like to more easily integrate other systems like PowerBI.
Support is sometimes slow especially when we are doing something new.

Most Important Features

Ease of use
Reliability
Cost level

Return on Investment

It has allowed us to expand the number of times data is collected without adding cost.
It has allowed us to train our technicians in the use the technology so they gain more useful skills.
We have been able to develop a business model that is not bound by our physical location.

Alternatives Considered

Siemens Embedded IoT Framework

Microsoft Azure IoT is easier to use and is ultimately more powerful. We selected Microsoft IoT Central because it is a familiar platform at a reasonable price. We were pleased with the capabilities right away. Siemens had some more in-depth support available but it was mostly geared towards getting the software going in the first place. That additional setup time as well as the complicated manner in which to expand the system were major concerns. By its nature and capabilities, Microsoft Azure IoT lent itself to adaptation and expansion internally.

Key Insights

Do you think Microsoft Azure IoT Central delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Microsoft Azure IoT Central's feature set?

Yes

Did Microsoft Azure IoT Central live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Microsoft Azure IoT Central go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Microsoft Azure IoT Central again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Azure AD Security Governance, AudioCodes Mediant Enterprise Session Border Controllers (E-SBCs), Skype for Business (formerly Lync), now part of Microsoft Teams

Likelihood to Recommend

One scenario where it was appropriate was allowing us to communicate through apps with our temperature, moisture, and water quality sensors. It's great to have the recordings done automatically and sent back to a central processing point. It is also highly useful when used to collect this data around the clock. One situation where it was less appropriate was in trying to extend our beginning services to other businesses. This is really more of a logistical problem and not really one for the software.

Comments

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