What’s a good IoT sensor solution for small businesses and data centers?

On our most recent IoT Podcast, we got a question from Frank about monitoring the various data center locations he’s responsible for. Specifically, Frank wants to monitor room temperatures and for water leaks. While this could be done with consumer gear, we recommend using enterprise-grade solutions. Yes, they will cost more, but depending on the value of the data center (which is likely very high), it’s worth the extra cost.

We recommend looking at solutions that offer both wired and wireless connectivity options, including cellular backup systems. You don’t want to lose a data center because the internet connection went down at the wrong time.

Initially, we researched Swift Sensors, which is a smaller brand in the enterprise sensor space. Unfortunately, while temperature monitors are readily offered by Swift, we couldn’t find any leak detection sensors. So we turned to myDevices.

Advertising as “Infinite Plug-and-Play IoT Solutions”, this company provides a plethora of sensors and lets you bundle up the ones you need into a custom solution that fits your needs. MyDevices also sells the connectivity gateway, which includes LorRAWAN support, a device management console, a mobile app, and support for a fixed monthly fee.

That fee includes a set number of devices with the lowest, free plan supporting up to 10 devices.  That’s probably not enough for Frank’s use case but the next tier up allows for 75 devices.

Each cellular gateway costs $453 to get you started plus the additional cost of a data plan. Then it’s simply a matter of picking from the wide range of sensor options.

Stacey likes the $249 Netvox Water Rope which has a 300-meter water detection wire. A 50-foot option can be had for $99. There are several temperature sensors with prices starting at $46 each and going well into the several hundred dollar ranges. So depending on the application, you’ve got choices.

Because the myDevices system is plug-and-play, you can later add other sensors to the system for monitoring doors, wastebaskets, and even mousetraps. There is no lack of options here, so instead of buying a one-off, purpose-built solution, you’re investing in a system that can grow and change over time.

To hear Frank’s question, as well as our discussion on the topic, tune into the IoT Podcast below: