Intel launches IoT platform to take the fight to ARM

IT chip vendor Intel has launched an IoT (Internet of Things) platform, which it said will unify gateway, connectivity and security components thus also simplifying IoT deployments. The silicon giant has also announced integrated hardware and software products based on the Intel IoT Platform.

Some of the system integrators that are partnering on the IoT platform with Intel include Accenture, Capgemini, HCL, NTT Data, Tata Consultancy and Wipro. Intel said together with these partners’ solutions it will be able to offer a repeatable foundation for IoT, making it easier for developers to focus on customers’ specific requirements.

“With this platform we are continuing to expand our IoT product family beyond silicon with enhancements to our pre-integrated solutions that make IoT more accessible to solution providers,” Doug Davis, Vice President And General Manager, Internet of Things Group at Intel said.

“IoT is a rapidly growing market but faces scalability hurdles. By simplifying the development process and making it easier to deploy new solutions that address market needs, we can help accelerate innovation.”

The integrated hardware and software products Intel is promoting with the IoT platform include API management and service creation software, edge-to-cloud connectivity and analytics, intelligent gateways, and a range of scalable IA processors.

“Accenture is focused on helping clients realize the business value of the IoT as quickly and easily as possible,” Mike Sutcliff, Group Chief Executive, Accenture Digital said. “Our combined capabilities can help us achieve that, and can also help clients get around some of the biggest roadblocks to IoT adoption by offering a simpler, faster way to roll out end to end IoT solutions than currently exists.”

Historically Intel’s strength has been in PCs and servers but it is easy to imagine what the vendor’s motivations might be to venture out to the potentially huge  IoT space. One motivating factor might be mobile chip giant ARM’s recent developments in IoT. On the other hand, ARM also reckons it could have a strong hand to play in the enterprise game, so expect to see these two chip leaders increasingly stepping on each others’ toes.