German engineering group Robert Bosch will launch its own cloud for IoT services to run applications for its connected mobility solutions, connected industries, and connected buildings businesses.
The first cloud infrastructure, Bosch IoT Cloud, is set to be located at its headquarters in Stuttgart and will include technical infrastructure, platform and software.
Bosch CEO Volkmar Denner said: "As of today, we offer all the ace cards for the connected world from a single source.
"The Bosch IoT Cloud is the final piece of the puzzle that completes our software expertise. We are now a full service provider for connectivity and the internet of things.
Initially, the service will be used by the company for in-house solutions and by 2017, it will be used be offered as a service to other companies.
Denner, who is responsible for research and advance engineering on the Bosch board of management, said: "A major factor in the success of connected solutions is their scalability.
"Business models must be able to grow quickly when necessary. The Bosch IoT Cloud means Bosch now has the relevant infrastructure. We see this as a major milestone for Bosch."
Bosch claims that the cloud solution will have better security to address the concerns of consumers. The security will conform to the legal framework of German and European data-security regulations.
Denner said: "Many companies and consumers state that security concerns keep them from using cloud technologies and connectivity solutions.
"Consumers want to know whether their data are protected and secure. For this reason, the security we offer our customers is always state of the art."
Bosch has developed the IoT Suite of software for the Bosch IoT Cloud.
The IoT cloud identifies any objects that are web-enabled, orchestrates the exchange of data, and enables a multitude of services and business models.
It also facilitates analysis of large amount of data and allows storing of automatic decisions in the Bosch IoT Suite.
An automatic decision storing feature would help in reporting of wear and tear as well as preventive actions.
Denner said: "The Bosch IoT Suite is the brain of the connected world. It offers all the functions necessary to connect devices, users, and companies."
The company said that it is involved in all three aspects of IoT which include sensors, software as well as services.
It has already launched several IoT products and solutions including Bosch Smart Home System, which can remotely change and adjust the temperature at home.
The company has also developed an IoT solution for heating technicians which helps troubleshoot problems in the event of a breakdown.
Bosch IoT Cloud can also generate an online map about the availability of park-and-ride spaces throughout Stuttgart’s commuter train network.
"Digital transformation and increasing connectivity are huge opportunities for us," Denner said.
"In particular, it offers those companies with a strong industrial base and outstanding hardware expertise the potential not only to develop their traditional businesses but also to enter completely new fields.
"The key prerequisite for this is to have in-house software and IT expertise."
