Intel has taken the wraps off its Internet of Things (IoT) platform that will simplify things for companies in the long term and offer comprehensive hardware and software solutions.

The IoT platform is basically composed of a set of mechanisms that will aid companies in staying secure against cyber attacks, simplify connectivity, and help them derive the optimum value from the information they generate.

Intel made the announcement on Dec. 9 and revealed that the IoT platform, which is an amalgamation of software and hardware solutions, was designed to aid the company's customers in rolling out comprehensive systems smoothly and rapidly.

"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," said Doug Davis, vice-president and general manager of Intel's Internet of Things Group.

Davis also acknowledges that even though IoT is a burgeoning market, developing at a quick pace, it faces plenty of challenges and "scalability hurdles." However, by streamlining the development process, as well as simplifying the use of novel solutions that cater to market requirements, Intel could aid in accelerating innovation.

Intel also took the wraps off its Wind River Edge Management System. This technology provides cloud-based connectivity for several IoT operations and also aids in the transfer of files, data capture, and configuration of a device. This is part of the company's roadmap of providing software and hardware solutions that will support the IoT platform.

The company has also introduced a new IoT Gateway design, which integrates the Wind River Edge Management System through one of its agents so that it can quickly and effectively use, manage, and make provisions for gateways "throughout the lifecycle of a system." This process will aid in reducing the time span needed to market a product, as well as the costs incurred.

Currently, the IoT Gateways are available from seven original device manufacturers (ODMs), with 13 more slated for release in 2015. These gateways are not only capable of gathering data but also translating the information. They are also capable of converting machinery that has "never been networked" into "connected devices."

Companies such as Capgemini, Accenture, Dell, SAP, Tata Consultancy, HCL, Wipro, Booz Allen Hamilton and NTT Data will partner with Intel in creating and using IoT systems in numerous industries.