Where should data from the Internet of Things be processed? In central data centers, in the cloud, or at the edge where data is generated? Wikibon’s Research Director Peter Burris outlines where most of IoT data processing should happen, and why the edge of the network is proving invaluable for current data demands.

Every week we round up the latest developments in the Smart World, from new developer platforms to smart city initiatives around the world. Here’s what you missed in the Smart World:

Verizon shells out $2.4BN for Fleetmatics

Verizon Communications, Inc. has acquired Fleetmatics Group Plc. for an all-cash sum of $2.4 billion. Fleetmatics offers a cloud-base vehicle management platform that is available for small business and enterprise options. Its tools help organizations better coordinate the activities of their truck drivers, technicians, and other field personnels. Its enterprise offering offers even more robust features such as fuel-efficient route recommendations, and the ability to configure when vehicles are due for check up. The acquisition is part of Verizon’s plan to expand beyond telecommunication services.

Read more about Verizon’s acquisition of Fleetmatics here.

Particle courts enterprise IoT developers

Particle Industries, Inc. launched its enterprise cloud Internet of Things (IoT) platform, which it boasts can help companies build connected products in as little as six months, with prototypes created in less than a day using the company’s toolkits. Particle Cloud has been in operation for months, providing infrastructure that connects physical devices to the Internet a secure application program interface alongside development tools. A management console helps in the easy monitoring and updating of these connected products.

Read more about Particle’s cloud IoT platform here.

iBeat closes $1.5m seed round

iBeat, Inc. has closed approximately $1.5 million in a seed round of funding. iBeat makes smartwatches that monitor cardio activities and detects unusual activities such as erratic patterns of the heart, or cardiac arrest, upon which the user is immediately alerted. If the user does not respond, iBeat will alert emergency contacts as well as emergency responders to ensure immediate medical attention provided. iBeat will use the new funding to expand its infrastructure and operations, hire talent and commercialize its first product.

Read more about iBeat’s seed funding and plans here.

Analyst outlines 7 reasons why IoT action will be at the edge

Central data centers, in the cloud, or at the edge, where should IoT data be processed? Wikibon’s Research Director Peter Burris believes that most of it should happen at the edge. Burris enumerates the seven reasons why: Latency, such as in situations where IoT automates machine control; Limited bandwidth to transport exabytes of data; Cost; Duplication; Threats to data in motion; Data corruption; and Geo-fencing regulations in some countries.

Read more about Burris’ reason why IoT data processing should be at the edge here.

Google to start testing delivery drones in U.S.

Google announced that it will be teaming up with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct tests for its Project Wing drone delivery initiative as part of the company’s intention to further the drone industry. Testing will include what the company calls an “open-interface airspace management solution for low-altitude, small UAS operations.” This initiative is expected to positively impact drone use and testing in the U.S.

Read more about Google’s newest drone initiative here.

Intel recalls Basis Peak fitness watch

Intel Corp. has taken a huge hit with its Basis Peak fitness tracker with the announcement of a safety recall. The company has discovered that the fitness band could burn the wearer due to the overheating LED at the back of the band. Basis Peak continuously monitors for the user’s heart rate using LED technology, which is the part of the device that is overheating and has reportedly burned some users.

Read more about the safety recall for the Basis Peak here.

Tune in next week for more interesting stories, discoveries and innovations in the world of smart and connected things.

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