Azure Releases Catalog of Certified IoT Devices

The Azure Certified for IoT device catalog aims to help developers easily find the right IoT devices. (Image courtesy of Microsoft.)

Last year, Microsoft launched the Azure Certified for Internet of Things (IoT) program in an effort to help customers choose devices compatible with Azure IoT technology. Since then, the program has grown to include over 100 partners and 175 devices in what Microsoft claims is “one of the largest device ecosystems in the industry.”

Microsoft is now expanding the program by announcing the Azure Certified for IoT device catalog. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a comprehensive list of all of the Azure Certified devices available from any of the program partners. The catalog will be accessible to anyone looking for IoT devices, and Microsoft hopes it will make it easier for developers to find exactly what they need for their IoT solutions.

Finding the Right Azure Certified IoT Device

The Azure Certified for IoT device catalog is more than just a list of products—Microsoft has implemented search features that make it quick and easy to find whatever you need. There are 14 main filter categories, including Industry, Device Type, Tested Compatible Sensors and Cloud Protocol, each of which has a number of options to refine your search.

For example, Microsoft explains that “looking for gateways that connect to the Azure cloud via Wi-Fi using Java code over MQTT will be a matter of a few clicks.” I tested out these search criteria, and within a few seconds had narrowed the catalog to six suitable devices. But if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can submit a request and the Azure team “will do our best to include it.”

The catalog also offers instructions on connecting to the Azure IoT Suite and Azure IoT Hub, and each device page includes a summary, specifications, similar devices and links to the manufacturer's website. Furthermore, the catalog makes it easy for developers to request a demo of any device.

An example of a device page from the catalog. Not pictured: information on sensors and connectivity, device specifications, learning resources and similar devices. (Image courtesy of Microsoft.)

If you’re an IoT device manufacturer, Microsoft believes the new catalog will offer value to you as well. It suggests that the catalog will offer global exposure to your product, and will open new markets with Azure IoT customers. Microsoft will also provide metrics on your devices, so you can gauge consumer interest and help refine your business. Lastly, as an incentive, Microsoft is offering a $3,000 of Azure credit to the first 25 partners that enroll at least 10 devices in the catalog.

So whether you’re looking to buy or sell Azure-compatible IoT devices, the Azure Certified for IoT device catalog seems like a natural place to start. You can access a preview of the device catalog here.

For more Azure IoT news, check out Microsoft Helps Engineers Patch IoT Products Post-DDOS Attack .