Cloud platforms and connections

Major platforms

• AWS — broad infrastructure and IoT services.
• Microsoft Azure — strong enterprise and Windows integration.
• Google Cloud — data and machine-learning strengths.
• IoT-specific platforms — device registries, dashboards, and rule engines.

Connecting a device

A typical connection sequence:

1. Device connects to the network (WiFi, Ethernet, cellular).
2. Device authenticates with the platform.
3. Device registers and receives credentials.
4. Telemetry is published to a topic or endpoint.
5. The platform stores, visualises, or triggers rules.

Check your understanding

• Name two cloud platforms and one strength of each.
• List the steps a device follows to connect to a cloud platform.