The software giant, Microsoft has decided to invest $5 billion over the next few years in IoT (internet of things). The company has reportedly increased its investment cap to support R&D in IoT.
Microsoft wants to support the innovation and automation in IoT. The $5 billion fund is dedicated to IoT research for the next 4 years. The company already has IoT offerings that include OS for devices, cloud services, and advanced analytics. Microsoft’s R&D department will focus its efforts on creating innovative business applications that enable intelligent action.
In an official statement, Microsoft said, “This (investment) will support Microsoft's technology platform, as well as supporting programs, thereby enabling continued research and development in key areas, including securing IoT, creating development tools and intelligent services for IoT and the edge, and investments to grow our partner ecosystem.”
Microsoft Azure, the company’s cloud platform already supports a number of IoT functions. Azure is being used for IoT deployment across the country. India’s first smart street lighting project in Jaipur is being deployed using Azure. Jaipur’s municipal corporation maintains 1 lakh public street lights using IoT technology deployed on Azure.
IoT is a network of interconnected smart devices and sensors. These devices include smartphones, connected vehicles, and home appliances. While the company did not disclose the specifics of its R&D plans, the official statement ensures that India will drive a major part of IoT R&D for Microsoft.
Microsoft is working with researchers from IISc Bengaluru on IoT technology. The researchers from IISc Bengaluru have been using the network of IoT with Microsoft Azure analytics to find out how cloud technologies can help in solving water scarcity in Bengaluru. The company has also worked with Tata Motors for its connected vehicles project.