Forrester Names Leaders in Industrial IoT Platforms

Forrester Wave Report Identifies Top Industrial IoT Platform Providers

Forrester’s latest Wave analysis ranks C3 IoT, Microsoft, PTC, and SAP as the leading industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platform vendors. The study evaluated 15 software providers with a global footprint and clear, demonstrable support for industrial domains and their communication protocols.

In addition to the four leaders, Forrester’s list includes Amazon Web Services (AWS), Atos, Bosch, Cisco, GE Digital, Hitachi, IBM, Oracle, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Software AG. The leaders distinguished themselves with robust public‑cloud capabilities, advanced IoT analytics, digital twin technology, and outcome‑based solutions—particularly predictive maintenance.

Key Industrial IoT Players Also Leading the Blockchain IoT Space

Aftrex Market Research highlights Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Samsung, and SAP as major contributors to the blockchain‑enabled IoT ecosystem. The research projects the global blockchain‑IoT market to exceed $254 billion by 2026, underscoring the convergence of these technologies.

Ericsson Boosts U.S. R&D and Manufacturing to Accelerate 5G and AI Deployment

Ericsson announced plans to expand its U.S. operations, opening a new research and development center and adding manufacturing facilities. The company will hire over 200 software engineers and approximately 100 AI specialists, reflecting its commitment to serving the U.S. market—its largest in the last seven years, which accounts for roughly 25% of Ericsson’s global revenue.

IoT and Cybersecurity Startups Receive Strong Private‑Funding Support

According to Semiconductor Engineering, the first half of 2018 saw significant investment in tech startups. While automotive-focused ventures led with $4.9 billion, IoT startups attracted $2.5 billion and cybersecurity firms garnered $1.2 billion in private capital.

Accenture Expands Industry X.0 Capabilities Through Strategic Acquisitions

Accenture has acquired Mindtribe and is pursuing a deal for Pillar Technology to strengthen its IoT practice. Mindtribe specializes in connected hardware integrated with digital services, whereas Pillar Technology offers agile development and testing of enterprise‑grade applications and embedded software.

AI-Powered “Waldo” Robot Identifies the Original in Under Five Seconds

Redpepper’s AI-enabled robot, “There’s Waldo,” can locate the authentic Waldo in a 1980s “Where’s Waldo?” book in just 4.45 seconds, showcasing advances in computer vision and AI accuracy, as reported by The Verge.