Firmware development in IoT is often confused with software development, though there are some major differences between these two areas. Proper firmware development requires extensive knowledge not only in coding but also of the hardware, as both are strongly connected. In this article, we elaborate on this topic and explain what to look out for when searching for IoT firmware development services. We invite you to read on.

The Rise of Firmware Development in IoT

Internet of Things (IoT) has become more than an innovation; such devices are more commonly deployed in public spaces and even private households. They enable us to increase convenience, optimize resource management, and even improve security. But why is their firmware so important?

All IoT devices are embedded systems, and good firmware is the basis of every embedded system. However, with IoT, there is one additional factor that you need to consider: connectivity.

Most IoT devices are part of a larger system that needs to be integrated and managed via a single hub. This means that the connections between such devices need to work seamlessly without error. For this to happen, such devices need to have good low-level coding—their firmware must be optimized for fast and reliable communication between them.

At the same time, this connectivity is a gateway for potential wrongdoers. It creates an additional door for cyber threats to enter the system. Therefore, security, starting from the firmware, is also paramount, as it must ensure that this additional door is equipped with the finest “locks.”

All of this led to a new specialization in IT: IoT firmware development. Such services are laser-focused on these two aspects (connectivity and security), which are the most critical aspects of smart devices. This is why we may observe a rise in the number of companies looking for IoT firmware developers. With more such devices being created, the demand for experts in the field is rising.

What Should You Focus on When Selecting IoT Firmware Development Services?

There are several key challenges in IoT firmware development that need to be addressed before the process starts. They can be a basis for service selection—the way your potential developers tackle the problem might indicate whether they are a good choice. What do you need to look out for?

Lack of Standards

There are no official security standards for IoT devices. Each development company may approach this topic differently, which will be reflected in the firmware designed for your devices. Therefore, you should start your search by asking the potential provider for the standards they follow.

At the same time, this creates a major problem. If you are not an expert in the field, how can you know what features you should look for? There are no guidelines nor a checklist that you could juxtapose with what the developers offer you. This is why if you do not have sufficient knowledge, you should put your IoT firmware development only in the hands of trusted, reputable, and well-known companies.

Insecure Connections

Another problem arises with connectivity and its security. After all, you don’t want your IoT devices to only pair with each other—you would like to gather some data sent to your centralized server, wouldn’t you? This creates yet another potential attack surface, and if we add to that the fact that more and more such devices utilize mobile networks and can access the public Internet, the list of vulnerabilities gets extremely long.

This is why when selecting your development company, you should pay special attention to the security measures they introduce in the firmware (and also software). After all, if your end users’ data gets leaked, you will be counting the damages (both in terms of PR and potential lawsuits).

Third-Party Components

Firmware is written for hardware; this is unavoidable. Therefore, using third-party manufacturers poses another threat you should look out for. If the components come from unreliable sources, they might create additional vulnerabilities, negatively impacting your devices.

This might also impact the type of firmware you will be using, so it is crucial to consult your component choice with the firmware provider.

Conclusive Engineering for Secure IoT Firmware Development

At Conclusive Engineering, we offer you firmware development services for IoT. Our team of specialists is ready to design, develop, test and deploy firmware for your devices that will be excellent both in terms of security and connectivity. Why should you work with us?

  • We have extensive experience and can carry out projects using multiple technologies.
  • We can support other steps in the process of developing your IoT embedded system.
  • We prioritize good communication—you will know what stage your project is in, and we will discuss your goals to match our services with your needs.
  • We offer flexible billing options that can be adjusted to your preferences.

Contact us at Conclusive Engineering—let’s talk about your project.

Conclusions

Connectivity and security are the two main features to look for when searching for the right firmware development services in IoT. They are critical for designing a high-quality device and maintaining client trust. Therefore, opt only for reliable, trustworthy, and experienced developers like us at Conclusive!

You may also read: Where to Find Good Firmware Development Services?