Platform enables secure cloud access for IoT applications

Atmel has announced it is collaborating with leading social communication platform WeChat, on its IoT Platform with the Atmel SMART SAM W25 module integrating a secure ATECC508 CryptoAuthentication, for cloud access targeting next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) applications. WeChat IoT Platform delivers cloud services for seamless accessibility to the Internet (cloud) ensuring every 'thing' is smartly connected and supports the recently launched Airkiss 2.0 protocol for Wi-Fi provisioning and service discovery.

The new platform, which is currently available in China, delivers a complete edge node-to-cloud solution from a single vendor for IoT developers to build leading-edge applications for tomorrow's connected devices. Consumers can easily access information from their IoT devices via the Weixin app, WeChat's sister product targeting users in China, on mobile devices. Developers can now build next-generation IoT devices using the Atmel | SMART SAM W25 development board for seamless and secure connectivity on the WeChat IoT Platform, supporting the Airkiss 2.0 protocol for wireless provisioning. Consumers can then instantly connect to their IoT devices via the Weixin app.

The SAM W25 module is part of the Atmel SmartConnect family of wireless devices, and includes Atmel's 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi WINC1500, along with an Atmel | SMART SAM D21 ARM Cortex M0+-based MCU and Atmel's ATECC108A optimized CryptoAuthentication engine with ultra-secure hardware-based key storage for secure connectivity. The module is ready-to-use and FCC certified delivering an easy-to-use, plug-and-play solution. Designers are demanding more flexible, cost-optimized modules that provide a complete end-point solution from a single vendor. The fully-integrated SAM W25 delivers this secure 'plug and play' solution integrating wireless technologies with the design flexibility required for IoT designers, says the company.

"The IoT is the next big technology wave for the mobile, home automation, smart city, automotive and industrial markets and requires developers to now consider the complete edge-node-to-cloud communication to deliver tomorrow's secure, smart and connected devices," said Pierre Roux, director of wireless solutions, Atmel. "Weixin is one of the leading providers of IoT cloud services and a fully integrated provider with a host of capabilities ranging from simple texting to payment, portal and more. IoT developers and manufacturers using the Atmel SmartConnect SAM W25 evaluation board on the Weixin IoT Platform will have access to one of the largest user communities currently available for cloud services. Our collaboration with Weixin is just the beginning of a long-term collaboration as it is transitioning to IoT."

Weixin started as a messaging app and has been developing into an all-in-one platform, which provides users with a wide range of services from hailing a taxi, shopping, to paying utility bills. As of the third quarter of 2015, the combined monthly active users' accounts for Weixin and WeChat reached 650 million.