Navigating the Transition: The Future of IoT Solutions in the Post-Deprecation Era of IBM Watson IoT Platform on IBM Cloud

IBM has recently announced the deprecation of IBM Watson IoT Platform, with the end-of-support scheduled for 1 December 2023. This decision marks a significant transition for organizations utilizing the platform’s capabilities. However, IBM remains committed to the industrial IoT markets, and IoT platform functionalities continue to be a crucial component of hybrid cloud solutions for Asset and Facilities Management. This article will explore the deprecation details, outline migration options for IoT applications, and provide additional information for users affected by this announcement.

IBM Watson IoT Platform Deprecation Details

The deprecation process involves several stages, starting with the initial announcement in November 2022 and concluding with the end-of-support date. At the end-of-support, all IBM Watson IoT Platform instances will be deactivated and deprovisioned. It’s important to note that this deprecation only applies to specific IBM Watson IoT Platform instances, and other services utilized alongside the platform will remain unaffected. Paid instances of the IBM Watson IoT Platform on IBM Cloud will continue to function until the end-of-support date. Regular reminders will be sent to users with active instances to ensure awareness of the approaching deadline.

Next Steps for IBM Watson IoT Platform Users

Users of IBM Watson IoT Platform must decide on alternative solutions for their IoT devices and applications before the end-of-support date. IBM offers several migration options to assist organizations in making this transition:

IBM’s Hybrid Cloud Solutions for Asset and Facilities Management: The technology underlying the IBM Watson IoT Platform is still available as an embedded component within IBM’s hybrid cloud solutions for Asset and Facilities Management. Platforms like IBM Maximo Application Suite and IBM TRIRIGA Application Suite offer advanced features and capabilities. These solutions run on Red Hat® OpenShift® and provide comprehensive hybrid cloud solutions for asset management and facilities management. Organizations seeking increased experience and capability can explore these options.

1. IBM Maximo Application Suite

IBM Maximo® Application Suite is a comprehensive suite of applications designed for asset monitoring, management, predictive maintenance, and reliability planning. This suite can be accessed as a managed Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution or deployed in any Red Hat OpenShift® environment.

Unlock the full potential of your enterprise assets with IBM Maximo Application Suite. It provides a unified and integrated cloud-based platform that leverages artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and analytics to optimize asset performance, extend asset lifecycles, and reduce operational downtime and costs.

By harnessing the market-leading technology of IBM Maximo, you gain access to configurable Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), and Asset Performance Management (APM) applications. Additionally, the suite offers streamlined installation and administration processes, enabling you to experience enhanced user workflows and improved data sharing.

With IBM Maximo Application Suite, you can maximize the value derived from your assets while benefiting from a more efficient and user-friendly asset management solution.

IBM Maximo Monitor: As the closest alternative to the IBM Watson IoT Platform cloud service, IBM Maximo Monitor is available as software or as an IBM Managed Service within IBM Maximo Application Suite. It offers remote monitoring capabilities and can serve as a viable replacement for existing IBM Watson IoT Platform users. To learn more, refer to the documentation on remote monitoring in IBM Maximo Application Suite.

2. IBM TRIRIGA Application Suite

Streamline the management of real estate portfolios throughout their lifecycle with the TRIRIGA Application Suite. This suite provides an intelligent asset management solution integrated with an Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS), enabling you to optimize your real estate and facilities management operations.

In today’s evolving facilities management landscape, data and AI have become increasingly vital tools. IBM® TRIRIGA® empowers organizations with an intelligent asset management solution that aligns with the requirements of modern facility management.

By leveraging real-time insights infused with AI capabilities, TRIRIGA supports dynamic space planning. Occupants can easily make service requests and book rooms, enhancing their experience. The suite enables you to optimize your portfolio by right-sizing it and increasing efficiency in lease administration, capital projects, and more.

TRIRIGA is designed to be simple, fast, and flexible, offering a modular solution with a comprehensive range of applications. This allows you to maximize the lifecycle of your buildings while also preparing for future needs.

Experience the power of TRIRIGA Application Suite, the intelligent asset management and IWMS solution that empowers you to optimize your real estate and facilities management processes with ease and efficiency.

3. Open Source MQTT Broker Technology (Eclipse Amlen Broker)

IBM has open-sourced the core MQTT broker technology that powers the IBM Watson IoT Platform. Organizations looking to manage their own IoT devices and data ingestion can leverage this open-source technology.

Eclipse Amlen Broker is a highly scalable and secure message broker designed for various use cases, including IoT, web, and mobile applications. It provides seamless support for the MQTT protocol (version 5 and 3.x), along with compatibility for JMS and custom protocols.

Built on the foundation of IBM WIoTP Message Gateway broker, Eclipse Amlen™ benefits from a mature and production-ready codebase that has been extensively used by numerous companies and organizations. This ensures its reliability and robustness in real-world scenarios.

With its user-friendly interface and intuitive features, Eclipse Amlen™ offers an easy-to-use experience for developers and system administrators. It allows for efficient handling of messaging between devices, web applications, and mobile apps, making it a versatile solution for diverse communication needs.

The scalability of Eclipse Amlen enables it to handle large-scale deployments and handle high message throughput effectively. Its secure architecture ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data exchanges, providing peace of mind for sensitive applications.

Whether you require seamless IoT integration, web communication, or mobile messaging capabilities, Eclipse Amlen™ Broker offers a reliable and powerful message broker solution to meet your needs.

4. Alternative IoT Data Ingestion Techniques

IBM Cloud provides various services for real-time analytics on IoT data. Organizations can explore alternative data ingestion techniques using these services to meet their specific requirements.

Migration Assistance

IBM offers migration assistance options to support organizations transitioning from IBM Watson IoT Platform to IBM Maximo Application Suite. For-pay migration assistance from IBM teams is available, including the IBM Sustainability Expert Labs. These labs provide deep technical expertise and a proven approach to migrating solutions to IBM’s hybrid cloud technologies. Advisory Services are available to assess, recommend, and plan the migration approach, while Migration Services assist with application remediation and migration. For further information and to get started, contact your local IBM account manager.

Conclusion

The deprecation of IBM Watson IoT Platform on IBM Cloud necessitates careful planning and consideration for organizations using the platform. By understanding the deprecation details and exploring the migration options provided by IBM, businesses can navigate this transition successfully. Whether opting for IBM’s hybrid cloud solutions for Asset and Facilities Management, leveraging the open-source MQTT broker technology, or exploring alternative IoT data ingestion techniques, organizations can continue their IoT journey while embracing the evolving landscape of IoT.