LogMeIn’s Xively is ready to connect “The Internet of Things” as a brand new PaaS (platform as a service) offering APIs for interacting with real world objects, along with real-time messaging thrown into the mix for good measure.
The cloud-based service originates from Cosm, the IoT (Internet of Things) platform by Pachube, which LogMeIn purchased back in July 2011.
LogMeIn secured another huge partner for this venture, ARM, whose technology forms the basis of many popular devices including the iPhone. Offering the first development kit for Xively, known as the “Xively Jumpstart Kit,” this will get any budding developer on the platform going.
Included in the kit is a Cortex-M3 processor, USB connector, Ethernet port, flash storage, and application board. Interest from ARM is quite a clear sign of the potential Xively has, and the future of the “Internet of Things” it provisions.
The Internet of Things is an exciting prospect; a generation of real-world devices which can interact autonomously with one another. LogMeIn has chosen to showcase the potential on its Xively website with a range of innovative products.
A simple idea (usually the best) is a personal favourite, called “The Goodnight Lamp.” Consisting of a set of house-shaped lamps these can be given to loved ones living away, as they turn them off and on; the other will react remotely letting you know they’re around and safe.
Others have more public safety uses, such as the “Fukushima Radiation Monitoring” product whose purpose is as the name suggests, but showcases how important these devices can be for alerting to disasters and potentially saving lives.
With libraries for just about every popular language; nearly anyone with development knowledge can get started creating solutions to get their real-world devices connected to the internet. Have a great product idea? Take “The Goodnight Lamp” creators’ lead, and try get it funded on Kickstarter.
Considering access to Xively is free for personal use (up to 5 devices) there is no excuse if you have the slightest interest, or take a 10-minute test drive. For commercial use, Xively ranges from $999 to $39,000/year dependant on your needs.
Are you excited about Xively and the future of “The Internet of Things”? Do you have any great ideas for your own development?
