Smart cities are growing fast. They use technology to improve how cities run and how people live. At the heart of these cities are IoT platforms. These platforms help connect devices, collect data, and make better decisions. Choosing the right platform is a big deal for city planners and tech leaders. Below, we’ll break down the top IoT platforms smart cities use, their market share, and what this means for your city or your business.
1. Cisco IoT platform holds approximately 14% of the smart city IoT market share
Cisco has a strong name in networking, and it has carried that power into smart cities.
With 14% of the market, Cisco’s IoT platform is used in a wide range of smart city projects. What makes it popular is its focus on security, scalability, and real-time data.
Cities that use Cisco often start with traffic and safety systems.
Cisco helps manage traffic lights, monitor air quality, and even detect gunshots in high-risk areas. If your city is just beginning to explore IoT, Cisco provides a solid backbone.
The platform’s strength lies in how it brings together different systems under one roof.
You can manage data from traffic sensors, CCTV, public transport, and emergency systems all in one dashboard. This helps decision-makers get a full picture without switching tools.
Actionable tip: If you’re a startup or a system integrator looking to work with city governments, learning how to build on top of Cisco’s platform is a big advantage.
Their DevNet resources are very developer-friendly, making it easier to create smart city apps that fit city needs.
2. IBM Watson IoT accounts for around 11% of the smart city IoT deployments
IBM Watson IoT is known for its analytics power. It holds 11% of the smart city market because of its ability to understand complex data. Cities don’t just want data—they want insights.
That’s what Watson delivers.
Cities use IBM Watson to predict events. For example, a city might use it to understand when water pipes will burst or when energy use will spike.
Watson looks at past data and predicts what will happen next.
One strong area for Watson is public health. Some cities use it to track air pollution and link it with health emergencies. It helps them make smart choices like rerouting buses or sending alerts to hospitals.
Actionable tip: If you’re offering smart health, environmental, or predictive services, Watson is a good platform to build on. Get familiar with how to train Watson’s AI on different data sets.
That skill will open up doors in city tenders and innovation labs.
3. Microsoft Azure IoT has a market share of about 17% among smart city platforms
Azure IoT is currently leading the race in smart cities, with a 17% share.
That’s no surprise given Microsoft’s wide ecosystem and integration ability. Many cities already use Microsoft products like Office and Azure, so adding Azure IoT just makes sense.
Azure stands out for its wide range of services. It supports edge computing, AI, digital twins, and seamless device integration. This flexibility makes it easy to start small and scale fast.
A city might begin with waste management and later add water and energy monitoring.
What really sells Azure to cities is its secure, cloud-first model. With rising concerns around privacy and cyberattacks, Azure’s compliance with global standards is a big plus.
Actionable tip: To make the most of Azure IoT, learn how to use Azure Digital Twins. This tool helps map out a city in a virtual model so that planners can test new ideas before real-world deployment.
That’s a strong pitch when selling to cautious city planners.
4. Amazon AWS IoT Core powers 15% of smart city IoT implementations
AWS IoT Core is Amazon’s way of managing devices and data in real-time.
It controls 15% of the smart city market, mainly because of its cloud dominance. The same power that runs Amazon’s global services now helps cities run more smoothly.
Cities trust AWS because of its uptime and global reach. Whether it’s a small town or a mega city, AWS can handle the load. It’s especially popular in smart lighting, energy use, and water management systems.
One key feature is how easily it connects with AI tools like AWS SageMaker.
This helps cities not only collect data but also use it to make decisions—like adjusting power loads or predicting traffic.
Actionable tip: If you’re in the business of developing dashboards or control systems for cities, AWS IoT Core offers tools like AWS IoT SiteWise and Greengrass that help you process data locally.
Use this to build quick, reliable apps that cities can trust.
5. Google Cloud IoT supports roughly 10% of smart city IoT projects globally
Google’s strength is in big data, and that’s exactly what it brings to the table with Cloud IoT.
Holding 10% of the market, Google’s platform is favored for projects that need large-scale analytics and machine learning.
Cities that deal with massive transportation systems or high population densities often choose Google. The integration with BigQuery means cities can handle billions of data points without lag.
A unique advantage is the simplicity of setup. Google offers plug-and-play tools that speed up pilot projects.
This makes it attractive for innovation districts or tech-forward cities looking to test ideas fast.
Actionable tip: If you’re targeting smart mobility or environmental data services, use Google’s ML tools to offer real-time insights.
The ease of use makes it a great pitch for public agencies that don’t have deep tech teams.
6. Siemens MindSphere controls about 6% of the smart city IoT market
Siemens has always had a strong presence in infrastructure.
With MindSphere, it’s brought that expertise into the IoT space, capturing about 6% of smart city usage. The platform works well for industrial and utility-grade solutions.
Think of traffic systems, power plants, and heavy infrastructure.
MindSphere connects machines to the cloud and uses analytics to keep them running efficiently. It’s especially good for cities focused on long-term efficiency and reliability.
Cities like using Siemens because of its history in engineering. There’s trust that the platform won’t break under pressure. That makes a difference in large-scale rollouts like metro systems or energy grids.
Actionable tip: If you specialize in heavy infrastructure or energy, MindSphere offers great opportunities.
Learn how to build custom applications for predictive maintenance or system optimization. These are high-value services that cities are willing to invest in.
7. Oracle IoT Cloud has a 4% share in smart city deployments
Oracle’s IoT Cloud might not be the biggest, but it plays an important role. At 4% market share, it’s often the choice for cities that already use Oracle for data management or ERP systems.
The platform is strong in areas like smart parking, fleet tracking, and energy usage. It gives real-time updates and helps manage distributed devices without needing too much custom setup.
Where Oracle shines is in its ability to connect with other business systems.
That makes it easier for cities to track budget impact, citizen services, and maintenance schedules all in one place.
Actionable tip: If you provide services that need close interaction with city finance or operations teams, Oracle IoT can give you a great edge. Learn how to link your smart solutions with Oracle ERP or Analytics Cloud.
That kind of integration is hard to beat.
8. PTC ThingWorx holds around 3.5% of smart city IoT applications
ThingWorx is known for being flexible and fast. With 3.5% of the market, it’s commonly used in innovation zones or smaller-scale deployments where speed matters.
What makes it unique is its visual development environment. You don’t need deep coding skills to build and deploy a working smart city solution. That speeds up experimentation and allows smaller cities to catch up with bigger ones.
Cities use it for water management, lighting control, and even waste monitoring. It’s good for proving concepts before spending big.
Actionable tip: If you’re working with regional or low-budget governments, show them a quick demo using ThingWorx.
They’ll appreciate the fast turnaround. Use the low-code features to build prototypes and sell your idea faster.
9. GE Predix is used in about 2.5% of smart city infrastructure systems
GE Predix was built with industrial systems in mind. Its 2.5% market share comes mainly from cities focusing on utilities like water, gas, and power.
What Predix does well is machine-level data integration. It talks to turbines, meters, and valves like no other. For smart cities trying to reduce downtime in public utilities, that’s a big win.
It’s not always the most flexible platform for non-industrial tasks, but it’s unmatched in systems that need to run 24/7.
Actionable tip: If your service involves industrial control systems, use Predix’s strength in digital twins and predictive maintenance. Cities love platforms that reduce repair costs and improve uptime.
10. Huawei OceanConnect has a 5% share in Asia’s smart city IoT projects
Huawei OceanConnect is a regional powerhouse, especially in Asia. With 5% of the market, it’s often chosen by governments for smart street lighting, surveillance, and public safety.
The platform supports a large number of devices and works well with Huawei’s hardware. It’s also priced competitively, which makes it appealing for cities with tight budgets.
Its main selling point is its end-to-end approach. Huawei can provide the devices, network, and platform in one package.
Actionable tip: If you’re looking to expand in Asia or partner with municipalities there, understanding how OceanConnect integrates with Huawei gear is key.
Offering complete solutions that tie into their ecosystem will give you a strong entry point.
11. Bosch IoT Suite powers around 3% of European smart city projects
Bosch’s IoT Suite is deeply rooted in European cities. With 3% market share, it’s often chosen for its privacy controls and industrial-grade reliability.
It’s strong in smart homes, energy efficiency, and mobility systems. European cities appreciate Bosch’s commitment to open standards and security.
Bosch’s platform is also known for its edge analytics, allowing cities to process data locally and reduce latency.
Actionable tip: If you operate in Europe, align your services with Bosch’s focus on GDPR-compliant and energy-efficient solutions. That will help you align with policy goals and secure contracts faster.
12. Hitachi Lumada is involved in roughly 2% of smart city platforms
Hitachi Lumada is growing quickly, even though its current share is 2%. It’s especially active in Japan and in projects focused on public transit and sustainability.
Lumada connects data from sensors, trains, and traffic systems. It analyzes patterns to reduce congestion and energy waste. Its modular nature allows cities to add features over time.
It’s also backed by Hitachi’s deep hardware knowledge, making it ideal for physical infrastructure projects.
Actionable tip: If you’re offering solutions in rail, buses, or energy optimization, consider Lumada. Learn how its building blocks can plug into city projects step-by-step. This makes it ideal for phased rollouts.
13. Schneider Electric EcoStruxure is integrated into 3% of smart city IoT systems
Schneider’s EcoStruxure focuses on energy and sustainability. With 3% market share, it’s commonly used in buildings, smart grids, and renewable energy projects.
Cities use it to control street lighting, monitor energy use, and reduce carbon footprints. It integrates well with solar and wind systems.
What makes it stand out is the blend of hardware and software. Schneider provides both, and that creates a smoother setup.
Actionable tip: If you’re building anything related to smart energy or LEED-certified infrastructure, aligning with EcoStruxure can give your proposal a strong sustainability edge.
Use its energy dashboards to demonstrate savings clearly.
14. SAP Leonardo IoT contributes to approximately 1.5% of the smart city market
SAP Leonardo is often tied to enterprise systems. At 1.5% market share, it’s popular in cities that want to track the financial impact of their IoT investments.
It connects IoT with procurement, asset management, and budgeting. This helps cities understand the total cost and ROI of smart projects.
Cities often use it for smart parking, fleet management, and infrastructure upkeep. It works best when integrated with other SAP tools.
Actionable tip: If you’re bidding for a project in a city already using SAP, pitch your solution as a plug-in for Leonardo. Focus on showing how it improves city spending and resource allocation.
15. Ericsson IoT Accelerator is used in about 1.8% of global smart city deployments
Ericsson’s IoT Accelerator plays a key role in connected infrastructure, especially in telecom-powered cities. With 1.8% market share, it’s often used by cities relying on cellular networks for real-time data collection.
Its strength is in mobility and connectivity—great for smart transport, connected vehicles, and even emergency communication systems. Cities use it to create networks that can scale fast without needing massive fiber deployments.
The platform also supports 5G, which gives it an edge in next-gen smart cities focused on real-time services.
Actionable tip: If you offer smart transportation or mobile health solutions, partner with Ericsson’s telecom ecosystem. Use their connectivity to deliver reliable data transmission even in dense urban areas.
16. Intel IoT Platform supports around 2% of smart city technology stacks
Intel’s IoT platform isn’t as widely known for its software as others, but it’s powerful at the device level. With 2% market share, it’s often the unseen force powering smart devices and gateways in cities.
Cities that want robust hardware often choose Intel-powered platforms. Whether it’s cameras, air quality sensors, or traffic counters, Intel provides the processing power for real-time decisions.
Its edge computing capabilities are especially useful in areas with low connectivity or where latency matters.
Actionable tip: If you build or integrate devices, designing around Intel’s architecture can help you ensure performance. Use their dev kits to reduce time to market and increase compatibility with existing city systems.
17. Alibaba Cloud IoT accounts for 4% of smart city platform usage in China
Alibaba Cloud IoT is one of the dominant players in China. With 4% of the market, it is the go-to platform for cities looking to scale fast using cloud services and integrated e-governance tools.
Its strength lies in data fusion—merging data from citizen services, transportation, environment, and even retail systems. Cities use it to understand trends and improve daily life.
Alibaba also offers AI-based decision support tools, making it a fit for forward-looking cities that want predictive power.
Actionable tip: If you’re working in China or Southeast Asia, aligning your solution with Alibaba Cloud’s APIs can fast-track approvals. Learn how to localize your application using their tools for smart retail, transport, and city services.
18. Telit IoT Platform is found in approximately 1.2% of smart city applications
Telit may be smaller in market share—just 1.2%—but it has a loyal following in the M2M (machine-to-machine) communication space. Cities use Telit for tracking, asset monitoring, and environmental data.
Its platform excels at connecting different devices through cellular networks. That makes it a good fit for mobile or distributed city systems like bike-sharing, mobile air sensors, and remote lighting.
Telit is easy to deploy and supports a broad range of devices, which is ideal for pilots and public-private collaborations.
Actionable tip: If you’re focusing on smart mobility or want to create a sensor network that works on a tight budget, Telit’s plug-and-play options can help. Use it to demonstrate quick wins to city managers.
19. Nokia IMPACT IoT platform supports 2% of connected city infrastructure
Nokia IMPACT is a strong player in connected infrastructure. With 2% of the smart city market, it supports energy, utility, and emergency communication systems.
Cities choose IMPACT for its reliable device management and end-to-end security features. It’s especially useful in managing large numbers of sensors or connected vehicles.
It also has native support for mobile networks, making it useful in areas where broadband coverage is uneven.
Actionable tip: If you’re working with municipal partners on telecom or emergency infrastructure, Nokia IMPACT gives you the tools to manage systems remotely and securely. Learn how to use their management suite to control and update devices city-wide.
20. AT&T IoT Platform powers 3.5% of North American smart city networks
AT&T is more than a telecom company—it’s also a leading IoT provider in North America. With 3.5% of the smart city market, it’s widely used for transportation, security, and environmental monitoring.
Cities choose AT&T because of its reliable network coverage and integrated solutions. From smart street lights to connected police cars, AT&T provides both the connectivity and the tools to manage devices.
Its smart city solutions are often bundled, making it easier for city planners to get started.
Actionable tip: If you’re in the U.S. or Canada, partnering with AT&T can give you access to prebuilt infrastructure. Focus your pitch on speed-to-deployment and data reliability—those are AT&T’s key selling points.
21. Verizon ThingSpace is used in roughly 2.3% of U.S. smart city projects
Verizon ThingSpace has carved out a space with about 2.3% market share in smart city deployments. It’s especially strong in asset tracking, environmental monitoring, and emergency response systems.
Cities rely on Verizon’s network and IoT tools to connect sensors and get real-time insights. The platform supports LTE-M and NB-IoT, which helps reduce power usage and extend device life.
ThingSpace is often part of larger city projects that include both fixed and mobile components.
Actionable tip: If you’re building low-power solutions or need a network-first IoT partner, Verizon gives you tools and reach. Use their certified devices and cloud management tools to make your project rollout smoother.
22. Orange Live Objects platform accounts for 1% of smart city IoT usage in Europe
Orange Live Objects is used mainly in France and surrounding countries, with about 1% market share. It focuses on mobility, environment, and safety.
Cities use Orange for real-time traffic data, parking management, and water quality monitoring. Its strength is seamless integration with Orange’s telecom services, making setup easier.
The platform supports a wide range of protocols and is compliant with European data regulations.
Actionable tip: If you’re operating in France or Western Europe, aligning with Orange gives you instant credibility. Use its prebuilt solutions to offer cost-effective proposals to local governments.
23. ZTE IoT platform supports 1.7% of smart city solutions in Asia
ZTE may not have a large global presence, but in Asia, it powers 1.7% of smart city platforms. Its platform is often used in smart policing, traffic management, and community safety.
ZTE offers both hardware and software, which helps reduce integration friction. Its platform also supports edge analytics, which is useful in areas with patchy connectivity.
ZTE is often involved in public-private partnerships, especially in rapidly growing cities.
Actionable tip: If you want to work with fast-growing municipalities in Asia, learn how to build end-to-end solutions using ZTE. Focus on safety, efficiency, and quick deployment.
24. KT-MEG IoT platform is used in about 0.9% of South Korean smart cities
KT-MEG, short for Korea Telecom Micro Energy Grid, holds 0.9% of the smart city platform market in South Korea. It’s tailored specifically for smart energy management and green infrastructure.
KT-MEG helps cities monitor, analyze, and reduce their energy consumption in real time. It connects buildings, homes, and even street lighting systems to a central energy dashboard. This makes it easy to spot waste, automate usage, and meet climate goals.
South Korean cities use KT-MEG to lower costs and emissions while preparing for carbon-neutral policies.
Actionable tip: If you’re offering energy-related products or consulting in South Korea, work on KT-MEG integrations. Their public APIs and dashboards are a great way to offer extra value, especially for sustainability-driven cities.
25. Sigfox connectivity platform underlies 2% of low-power smart city systems
Sigfox is not a traditional IoT platform, but a connectivity network designed for very low power and low bandwidth use. It supports about 2% of smart city systems—mostly small devices that need to send occasional data.
Cities use Sigfox for trash bins, parking sensors, water meters, and other tools that don’t need constant connection. What makes Sigfox stand out is its low cost and ultra-long battery life.
Its network reaches across many countries, which makes it ideal for cities with a wide range of sensor deployments.
Actionable tip: If you want to offer simple, long-life sensor solutions, look into how Sigfox devices work. You can use them to build affordable proof-of-concepts or pilot programs that prove value quickly to city officials.
26. LoRa-based platforms are used in over 10% of smart city sensor networks
LoRa, short for Long Range, is a wireless protocol that’s exploding in smart cities—powering more than 10% of all sensor networks. Cities love it because it’s cheap, has a long range, and doesn’t require a lot of energy.
It’s perfect for outdoor applications like flood detection, air quality monitoring, and smart farming in urban areas. The ecosystem is growing fast, with many device makers supporting LoRa natively.
One key advantage is that cities can deploy their own private LoRa networks without relying on a telecom carrier.
Actionable tip: Learn how to set up and manage LoRaWAN networks. If you’re a system integrator or device builder, adding LoRa compatibility can open up opportunities in smart lighting, waste, and mobility solutions.
27. Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) solutions represent 8% of all smart city deployments
NB-IoT is another low-power, wide-area technology like LoRa but operates on licensed cellular bands. It powers 8% of smart city deployments, especially in areas like utility metering and environmental monitoring.
Cities trust NB-IoT because it rides on secure cellular networks and can reach underground or distant sensors. It’s perfect for tracking hard-to-access assets like sewage systems, parking sensors, or remote meters.
Many telecom providers offer NB-IoT as part of their smart city packages, making it easier to roll out.
Actionable tip: If you’re working with municipalities that already have mobile network partners, offering NB-IoT devices will fit right in. Focus on how this tech lowers operating costs and improves long-term maintenance.
28. Edge computing-enabled IoT platforms are used in 6.5% of smart cities
Edge computing is changing how data is handled in smart cities. About 6.5% of cities now use platforms that process data locally—right where it’s collected—before sending it to the cloud.
This helps reduce delays, boosts privacy, and lowers bandwidth costs. Cities use edge platforms for high-speed applications like traffic lights, surveillance cameras, and emergency response systems.
Edge computing also helps in places with weak internet coverage, making it possible to build reliable systems in rural towns or older city areas.
Actionable tip: Focus on building or integrating edge nodes that can work offline or handle AI tasks locally. Cities love systems that keep working during network outages. That reliability can make your proposal stand out.
29. Multi-platform integrations (e.g., Azure + AWS) appear in about 5% of projects
Cities are getting smarter about mixing and matching platforms. Around 5% of smart city projects now use multi-platform setups, like combining Azure’s data tools with AWS’s device services.
This hybrid approach allows cities to get the best of each world. One platform might be better for data, another for security, and yet another for AI.
Integration is key here. Middleware, APIs, and standard protocols make it easier than ever to stitch together a working system from multiple vendors.
Actionable tip: If you’re a developer or systems architect, knowing how to build bridges between platforms will make you extremely valuable. Learn to use APIs, microservices, and containerized apps to link different environments seamlessly.
30. Open-source IoT platforms (like Kaa or ThingsBoard) are present in 2% of smart cities
Open-source platforms may only hold 2% of the smart city market, but they have a big impact. Cities with tight budgets or unique needs often choose open-source options like Kaa, ThingsBoard, or Eclipse IoT.
These platforms are fully customizable and often come with no licensing costs. They’re used for pilot programs, local innovation projects, or in schools and universities working on smart city ideas.
Open-source tools offer great freedom but also require more technical expertise.
Actionable tip: If you’re looking to build a portfolio or pitch a low-cost project, start with an open-source platform. Learn how to customize it and show the city how much they can save by avoiding vendor lock-in.
wrapping it up
Smart cities are not about just using technology—they’re about using the right technology, the right way. Every platform we covered has a different strength. Some offer speed, some offer security, others offer cost savings. The trick is knowing what your city or client needs most.
