Implementing Cooperative IoT Systems – A Product Development Method

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly capable of enabling cooperative products built by more than one company. Such cooperative IoT systems are developed by orchestrating existing products to provide novel value. This paper presents a novel development method for implementing such systems. The method was developed based on a 41-month longitudinal study in which teams from three large companies implemented a cooperative IoT system. The method identifies three phases that design, build, and evolve the IoT system. Three key factors observed in the case study are highlighted. This method provides a practical guide for research into IoT system development and practitioners seeking to implement such systems.