Abstract

Internet of Things technologies and platforms can provide both novel applications and business strategies for the companies of different technological application areas. However, risks for intensive participation in utilizing novel and expensive technologies into their business and products, might be considered risky by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Thus, the role of the open source platforms and possibility to test them in the small-scale pilot studies, becomes crucial. In this work, we discuss four different SMEs participating in the open and research-driven IoT pilots in the context of the smart cities. We demonstrate the value of the open Internet of Things platforms can provide for small and medium-sized enterprises working in the area of smart cities, as well as challenges we met.