A Simple Overview of Internet of Things Software 

IoT software is the key to transforming raw data from devices into insights that can improve operations, cut costs, and create new business opportunities. 

At 1NCE, we make IoT simple, scalable, and affordable. Since 2018, we’ve helped more than 25,000 customers connect and manage over 30 million devices across 170+ countries - with connectivity and software in a single, seamless platform. 

This guide explains what Internet of Things software is, why it’s an integral part of your project, how to choose the right solutions, and how 1NCE OS tools can streamline your IoT projects. 

What is Internet of Things Software Place in the Stack? 

The IoT ecosystem has five core layers: 

• Device hardware (sensors, gateways, boards) 

• Sensor data collection 

• Data transport and connectivity 

• Cloud data storage and processing 

• Applications and analytics 

IoT software sits across all five layers, enabling seamless communication and control. Its main functions include: 

• Device Operation - IoT operating systems (OS) run on low-power devices, managing tasks like data collection, communication, and processing. 

• Device Management - Software updates, configuration, and health monitoring keep devices running reliably — even at massive scale. 

• Data Management - Collects, filters, and structures IoT data so it can be analyzed and used to trigger actions. 

• Connectivity Management - Ensures devices stay online, providing connection status and preventing downtime. 

• Security - Handles authentication, encryption, and access control to protect devices and networks. 

• System Integration - Connects IoT data with ERP, CRM, or cloud services like AWS IoT Core or Microsoft Azure IoT. 

Tip: The best IoT software platforms combine these functions in a way that is easy to deploy and manage - with APIs and developer tools that accelerate time-to-market. 

What IoT Device Software Should You Consider? 

The software used in IoT can vary depending on your device type, connectivity, and industry. However, most IoT projects rely on: 

• Embedded Operating Systems - Lightweight OS such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or Raspbian that run on resource-constrained devices. 

• Connectivity Middleware - Protocol stacks supporting MQTT, CoAP, HTTP, LTE-M, NB-IoT, Wi-Fi, and more. 

• Cloud Integration Software - Bridges that securely deliver data to cloud services for processing and analytics. 

• Device Management Tools - Dashboards and APIs to monitor fleets, deploy updates, and troubleshoot remotely. 

According to LinuxGizmos, Linux-based solutions still dominate the IoT OS landscape, with Raspbian leading adoption - thanks to its low hardware requirements and open-source flexibility. 

The Role of IoT Connectivity Software 

Connectivity software is what makes an IoT network dynamic and reliable. It enables: 

• Real-time device monitoring 

• Secure network access and authentication 

• Automatic network switching for roaming devices 

• Power-saving features to extend battery life 

How 1NCE OS Helps 

1NCE OS provides a ready-to-use software toolkit that supports connectivity, integration, and device lifecycle management: 

• Device Authenticator - Simplifies secure device onboarding and identity management. 

• IoT Integrator - Offers open-standard tools for connecting devices to your cloud applications. 

• Device Inspector - Enables remote fleet monitoring, helping you quickly spot issues. 

• Device Locator - Retrieves device geolocation data without GPS, saving power and cost. 

• Energy Saver - Optimizes power consumption, ensuring long battery life for devices deployed in the field. 

Together, these tools reduce setup complexity, improve reliability, and help businesses scale IoT globally. 

Ensuring Hardware - Software Compatibility 

Before rolling out IoT devices, make sure: 

• Your devices support the network technology you plan to use (2G–5G, LTE-M, NB-IoT). 

• SIM card form factors and slots match your devices. 

• Your chosen IoT platform supports your communication protocols (UDP, CoAP, MQTT). 

• APN settings and cloud integrations are properly configured. 

Best Practice: Test your IoT devices with your SIM cards and software tools in advance. 1NCE customers often run small pilot deployments before scaling to thousands of devices, ensuring smooth operation. 

Choosing IoT Device Management Tools 

When your fleet grows, manual device control isn’t an option. Look for IoT device management platforms that provide: 

• Remote configuration and firmware updates 

• Health monitoring and status alerts 

• Role-based access control for security 

• Smooth integration with your cloud software 

• Predictable cost models 

AWS IoT Device Management and 1NCE OS both provide these capabilities - helping teams remotely switch networks, diagnose devices, and scale globally without adding complexity. 

Customizing IoT Data Streams 

IoT generates enormous amounts of data. Customizing your data streams lets you focus on what matters. You can: 

• Choose which metrics to track (temperature, energy use, pressure, etc.) 

• Trigger automated actions when thresholds are reached 

• Route data to your preferred cloud or on-premise system 

• Filter and enrich data in real-time 

Learn more from AWS IoT SiteWise about organizing data streams and associating them with assets for better analytics. 

The Bottom Line 

Internet of Things software isn’t just a layer in the stack - it’s what makes the stack work. It enables secure connectivity, scalable device management, and actionable data insights. 

1NCE OS was built to take the pain out of IoT deployments. With global coverage, a robust software toolkit, and simple pricing, 1NCE helps businesses launch and manage IoT projects faster — from pilot to global rollout. 

Ready to scale with IoT software? 
Explore 1NCE OS and see how our tools can keep your devices connected, secure, and efficient — for life.