Avnet has introduced a partner program for developers of Internet of Things solutions.
The new offering, which was unveiled in conjunction with this week’s CES conference in Las Vegas, seeks to make addressing the software and hardware needs of IoT solutions using Avnet’s IoTConnect platform easier for system integrators and original equipment manufacturers.
This spring, Avnet will add an online marketplace to the program as well. When up and running, that portal will help program members with products to sell reach a broader potential audience, Avnet says, while also providing solution makers access to a certified catalog of IoTConnect platform devices and applications they can use in system development.
“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, in prepared remarks. “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.”
Powered by Microsoft’s Azure IoT Suite, IoTConnect aims to streamline the potentially complex task of connecting IoT devices and systems securely without compromising speed or simplicity. Stocked with reusable, industry-specific “Smart Applications” that draw on artificial intelligence services, the platform includes automated billing management functionality, along with a “Play Zone” feature for testing proof-of-concept solutions. Partners can tap into an ecosystem of affiliated IoT experts as well for consulting and assistance.
Avnet is utilizing its presence at CES this week to showcase early partner program members. Those include Plano, Texas-based Capstone, which credits the program with helping it rapidly build and deploy IntelliH2O, a “Water-as-a-Service” solution that monitors utility meters.
“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,” said Capstone CTO Jim Williamson in prepared remarks. “They already had the right answers for all the areas that we don’t specialize in, which helped us stay ahead of our competition and greatly expand our capabilities.”
IoT and embedded offerings have been Avnet’s sole focus since it sold its technology solutions group to Tech Data for $2.6 billion in 2016.
