CES 2020: Avnet unveils IoT solutions initiative

Using Avnet’s IoTConnect platform, powered by Microsoft’s Azure IoT Suite, developers can seamlessly connect devices that address both the software and hardware needs of IoT solutions.

“IoT is complex, with unique hardware, software and security requirements at every stage of the development cycle,” said Pete Bartolotta, president of business transformation for Avnet. “With our Partner Program and the upcoming Marketplace, we are putting proven IoT solutions in the hands of partners and systems integrators so they can scale their own businesses and accelerate the adoption of IoT.”

Avnet’s newly expanded suite of IoT solutions allows critical IoT devices, assets and systems to be connected securely—without compromising speed and simplicity—by leveraging pre-built and proven Smart Applications that are equipped with a suite of AI services for specific industry verticals.

Avnet’s new Partner Program enables system integrators (SIs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to build new solutions and service models for their practice on Avnet’s IoTConnect platform.

It also allows them to enhance these solutions using Avnet’s Smart Applications and access devices certified for use on the IoTConnect platform. Partners can leverage proven applications in combination with Avnet’s extensive ecosystem of experts to accelerate and scale their IoT solution development.

Partners using the platform can rely on Avnet’s automated management of recurring solution billing and take advantage of easier proof-of-concept deployment via the platform’s “Play Zone” feature, which enables members to test new technology solutions in a safe environment.

The new solutions developed in the Partner Program will then be made available on Avnet’s Marketplace when it launches this spring. The Marketplace will offer a curated catalogue of trusted IoTConnect platform certified devices and applications, across a range of verticals, for faster IoT development.

Through the Marketplace, more developers can create new applications on Avnet’s IoTConnect platform and SIs can offer end-to-end solutions and expand their reach.

At CES 2020, Avnet is demonstrating how its customers and partners are taking advantage of the new Partner Program. One such example is Capstone, an Avnet customer that was able to quickly build, deploy and manage their IntelliH2O® smart meter -- a Water-as-a-Service™ (WaaS) solution that monitors utility meters -- across their network of customers. Avnet’s Partner Program enabled Capstone to get to market early and multiply their recurring revenue streams.

“While other companies only enable themselves, Avnet’s solutions truly enable its customers,” said Jim Williamson, Capstone’s chief technology officer. “Other companies couldn’t help us with anything but the IoT platform, but Avnet helped us with everything from time to market to compliance issues. They already had the right answers for all the areas that we don’t specialise in, which helped us stay ahead of our competition and greatly expand our capabilities.”