UPDATE: INTERNET OF THINGS: 10 MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES

• Intel – retains the IoT leadership. Intel took 1st place in IoT in 2014 and has remained the absolute leader in the Internet of Things to date.
• Samsung – jumped to 2nd place from 9th in 2014. Samsung targets a 90% devices IoT ready by 2017 and 100% by 2020.
• Google – for keeping up its IoT’s promise of creating an unified, one language network of interoperable IoT devices.
• IBM – from out of top 10 in 2014 Q4 to 4th position in 2015 Q3, thanks to their massive workforce and latest investments in IoT.
• Amazon – another new entry to our Top 10, Amazon is the black horse of IoT with many aces up its sleeve.

Top 5 Companies in the Internet of Things landscape is published by WT VOX and web surfing on a quarterly basis.

1. INTEL – THE INTERNET OF THINGS ENGINES (RETAINS 1ST PLACE)

After missing the smartphones wave, Intel is betting big on the Internet of Things.

Smart, connected objects, were always a priority for Intel. There is a reason for that as embedded sensors, connected objects, IoT, IIoT, IoE, were  the fastest growing verticals at Intel last year. ($2.1 billion in revenue in 2014) Intel is already making money from IoT.

Intel has also started an IoT consortium together with Dell, Samsung and a few other major players earlier this year. Then again, at the beginning of 2015 Intel launched its own IoT Platform, a platform that helps companies to test, deploy and secure connected devices.

Much of this plays into the company’s vision of the future, a future that signals Intel’s commitment to developing the Internet of Things and most likely its intense desire not to miss out on another major computing shift.

2. SAMSUNG – INTERNET OF THINGS IS INTERNET OF EVERYTHING (+6)

In the IoT era, sensors are key components. Energy efficient, smart, compact. Samsung is working on chips, such as the embedded package on package (ePOP) and the Bio-Processor, which are energy-efficient and compact enough to go into a wide range of devices, especially wearables and mobile devices.

For expanding IoT devices and components, creating an open ecosystem, supporting the developer community and collaborating across industries, Samsung receives a well deserved 2nd place.

“I know in my heart that neither one single company nor one industry alone can deliver the benefits of the Internet of Things,” said Mr. Yoon. “To create this IoT universe, we have to see the potential of the Internet of Things across all kinds of industries. Only if we work together can we improve people’s lives.”

3. GOOGLE – IOT FROM A TO Z (+7)

Sundar Pichai detailing on Google’s IoT strategy.

Google has been quiet on its internet of things plans, especially since they’ve acquired Nest. Apparently quiet, as there is the potential for 50 billion connected devices by 2020 and Google knows that. Behind curtains Google is very active in the IoT space.

It gets a well deserved 3rd place for active work on multiple fronts: Google IoT Cloud Platform with tools to scale connections, gather and make sense of data. Brillo IoT, the operating system for the Internet of Things. The Thread Group, a Google-backed effort to determine ways for IoT devices to talk to one another. Nest, bought by Google last year for $3.2 billion. Google Beacons, an open-source alternative to Apple.

Google’s mission is to fulfil its IoT’s promise by creating a complete network of interoperable IoT devices and finding answers to key research questions, such as how to preserve privacy and ensure security in an increasingly “smart sensors” environment.

Google has already expanded its Android platform beyond smartphones and tablets to digital health, connected cars, TVs, wearable devices and smartwatches turning them all into a perfect IoT system.

4. IBM – BIG DATA ANALYTICS IN IOT (NEW ENTRY)

Over the past century, IBM has contributed tremendously to rapid advances in technology and its capability in research will continue to impact many industries. IoT is no exception. IBM has engaged in building an interconnected, instrumented and intelligent IoT environment to help providers achieve better outcomes, payers improve operational effectiveness.

IBM is building up a great portfolio in IoT thanks to its big data analytics and cognitive computing (Watson), IBM Bluemix platform/service and educations markets involvement, respectively.

With a dedicated Internet of Things workforce of just over  1,400 employees and with investments of $3 billion (£1.75 billion) over the next five years, IBM has reached the fourth place in IoT out of nowhere last year.

5. AMAZON – IOT STARTS WITH SMART HOMES (NEW ENTRY)

In 2013, Amazon introduced a platform called Kinesis to process and analyse high-volume data streams from any number of sources and in real time, company’s first foray into the IoT business.

The Amazon’s IoT portfolio is vast. From simple devices that let users scan barcodes or speak the names of products into a microphone to Dash Button, an intelligent button that can be glued to various surfaces around the home and when pressed, restocks consumable products like detergents, bin bags or toilet paper, all, of course, through Amazon.

More recently, Amazon has acquired 2lemetry, a startup that has developed an enterprise-focused platform to track and manage IP-enabled machines and other connected devices. Amazon also sells smart home devices such as smart locks and connected thermostats.

All together, coupled with the work Amazon has put intoEcho, its own connected-home assistant hardware, pushes Amazon in our Top 10 IoT Companies, straight to position 5.