The IoT is Changing the Way We Do Application Development

On a broad scale, there are two types of software: that which manages hardware (like operating systems) and that which automates business processes (like a CRM). Lets call these system and application software for the purposes of this discussion.

System software is used by machines through direct interfaces with the machine or indirectly through drivers. In all cases, changes and enhancements to the software need to be backwards compatible so that these changes do not prevent the machines from continuing to function properly. Indeed, to make use of these changes, the machines usually have to wait until their firmware is updated.

Application software is primarily for use by humans. So, when a change or enhancement is made, then users are usually notified of the new way they have to use the software. Backwards compatibility is not often considered by application developers.

Enter the world of IoT. This is all about enabling devices to collect and exchange data, as well as communicating with back end business processes. The role of software development for IoT will fall on application developers, not systems programmers. Therein lies the potential problem.

Application developers must be taught and managed to make sure that their software is backwards compatible. If its not, then chaos will ensue as devices will no longer function until their interfaces are upgraded. This means an increased importance must be placed on disciplines like regression testing, use case definitions and versioning.

There are other things that the IoT is changing in the way we put together applications. These include reduction of latency, increased efficiency and speed, improved security and thinking in terms of micro services. There are others, but in my opinion these are the hot buttons. I'll speak on those another time.

Oh, and if you're wondering why I have made no mention of the cloud - that is because, in my opinion, the time to consider whether or not to use the cloud has passed. The cloud is the future, so now our cloud discussions need to focus on the best way to use the cloud.