How (and Why) to Build Your IoT Architecture in the Cloud
Cloud architecture for IoT refers to the different modules that make up each organization’s system for cloud computing and data processing. A strong cloud architecture helps ease the transition of data through new IoT technologies.
To be successful, cloud architecture must remain fluid and flexible, ready to take on new softwares and platforms without friction. Any organization working with big data for an IoT application should be aware of how and why an IoT cloud architecture should be agile and how the different layers of that architecture work together.
Cloud Architecture for IoT Must Be Agile
Most people encounter the Internet of Things every day. For example, in retail, connected devices enable digital signage, mobile shopping options, and even item tracking. IoT cloud architecture keeps those features working and gives them the flexibility needed to keep improving.
For those data processing functions to continue improving, an organization’s data platforms must be extremely agile. The greater the agility, the more an organization can utilize new and improved technologies.
Talend Data Fabric makes data architecture more agile because it has the ability to support different platforms and software. As new software is developed, a strong cloud architecture will seamlessly adopt those new programs into its platform for better data optimization.
Cloud Architecture Layers
In an effective IoT cloud architecture, data flows through different layers. Each layer makes the data more and more functional for analysis and insights.
Cloud architecture will look different in each organization, but the bulk of any organization’s cloud architecture lies in the processing/reporting layer. Here is an example of a cloud architecture infrastructure that uses Talend’s services to support IoT.
1. Cloud Sources/Internal Aggregate Layer
This is where all of the data getting ready to be processed comes from. It can be made up of any public information from SaaS platforms, IoT, and other cloud sources. This is the first layer within the cloud architecture, and it is where data processing begins.
2. Ingestion Framework Layer
Talend’s ingestion framework allows for all unstructured, semi-structured, and structured data to flow from the cloud sources and other public platforms into the reporting layer. It acts as the middleman between original data and the processing/reporting layer.
3. Reporting Layer
The makeup of the reporting layer varies based on the needs of each organization, but in most reporting layers, there will be different zones through which data flows. For example:
- Raw Zone — Talend brings all of the information from the ingestion framework into the raw zone. The raw zone is simply a place for the raw data to land in the reporting layer. It is essentially the final step before the processing of data takes place.
- Useable Zone — This zone uses various types of machine learning to help create visibility and pull out operational data. In this case, the useable zone is where data is sifted through and processed for generating insights in the final zone.
- Final Zone — The final zone focuses on generating insights through the combination of historical data and real-time data. Data in the final zone is ready to be used for analysis and decision-making.
4. Outbound Services/Storage Layer
Finally, Talend provides outbound services, such as APIs and managed access, so information can easily be shared with both internal and external parties.
Building Your Cloud Architecture for IoT
Talend Data Fabric helps organizations build a single platform that matches their specific needs. The modular architecture is flexible enough that it allows organizations to build on their needs as the company grows and changes. For proper optimization of big data, keeping up to date with new technologies is key.
