(NOTE: This story was originally posted to CRN.com Dec. 12.)

Internet Of Things Platform Picks

Solution providers foresee lots of opportunity around the Internet of Things. While Microsoft and Amazon Web Services are both leading cloud providers, IoT requires a bit more than the cloud. On top of Azure and AWS, IoT customers expect a platform that will scale to comply with thousands of connected devices. Customers also want data analytics and direct monitoring services as part of the offerings.

Microsoft, based Redmond, Wash., and Seattle-base AWS are racing to provide a secure, end-to-end platform for the Internet of Things. In 2015, Microsoft launched its Azure IoT Hub as an integral part of its Azure IoT suite, and not long after AWS unveiled its AWS IoT platform.

Here's a breakdown of AWS IoT and Azure IoT Hub.