Microsoft Unveils new Plug-and-Play Service Preview
Microsoft announced their Plug-and-Play IoT service at their Build developer conference earlier this year. The tech giant has now released a preview version of the software for users to trial with its initial offering of features. The plug-and-play service is intended for use with IoT devices on the cloud, making for a much easier way for developers to code for and interface with those devices.
The product was initially devised to help with the problems of scaling IoT architecture. Traditionally, scaling up an IoT deployment has been difficult because of the work required to connect to devices and roll out updates. Microsoft’s plug-and-play service utilizes the cloud to facilitate the connection and updating of software on these devices. Thanks to the appeal of Microsoft as a brand that manufacturers can trust, a wide array of different devices is supported.
Microsoft’s Modeling Language Already being Used
Established IoT devices producers Kyocera, Compal, and STMicroelectronics intend to release the first wave of devices scheduled to work alongside Microsoft’s system. Users of these devices now have the benefit of using Azure IoT Hub or Azure IoT central to do their systems development and have no fear that there will be compatibility issues with their IoT devices. Azure has a catalog of tools that are certified for its use, so users can browse the system to verify that their devices are covered in the scheduled list.
While the preview period if underway, users within the Central US, Northern Europe, and Japan East regions will have access to the software on a trial basis. The company intends to roll out further trials in other areas over the coming months. The tech giant already has the majority holding in operating systems for users, and this step towards providing a framework for IoT devices helps to link those two fronts. If anything, Microsoft is solidifying its hold on the develop market by giving them more accessible ways to interface with their IoT devices.
