Local startup Whizpace's IoT solution picked for Microsoft platform

A TECHNOLOGY solution by Singapore-based startup Whizpace has been certified by Microsoft and inducted into the Microsoft Azure Certified for Internet of Things (IoT) programme, Whizpace said on Friday.

Whizpace was the first Singapore company to join the Microsoft ScaleUp programme in 2019, which provided access to technology, mentorship and other support to help it explore emerging technologies and tap newer markets. As part of the programme's outcomes, Whizpace's products were added to the Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT global database of IoT solutions that have been pre-tested and verified to work with Azure cloud services.

Being certified by the Microsoft programme will significantly reduce time-to-market for customers adopting its solution, as it saves them time in selecting and connecting the right devices and platforms that will work together, Whizpace said.

"Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT validates our ability to jumpstart customers' IoT projects with pre-tested device and operating system combinations," said Pankaj Sharma, co-founder and chief technology officer of Whizpace. "Decreasing the usual customisation and work required for compatibility ensures Whizpace helps customers get started quickly on their IoT solution."

Whizpace founder and CEO Oh Ser Wah said: "Microsoft has provided us valuable guidance not only technically but also from business and operation perspectives. We hope this collaboration will eventually bring value to our customers."

Whizpace's technological solution involves repurposing unused television broadcasting airwaves known as TV white space (TVWS) to transport data for IoT applications. TVWS is used to generate a form of "super Wi-Fi" that can traverse longer distances and penetrate obstacles better than regular Wi-Fi, while costing less.

Some ways in which the solution has been used include providing Internet connection to remote communities, flying drones, and managing devices in factories full of Wi-Fi blocking structures like metal equipment.

In 2018, Whizpace received the Best Innovation Award in the Emerging Enterprise Awards, and won the IEEE N3XT Star award, given to the top three engineering-driven companies globally selected by non-profit IEEE.

Said Jerry Lee, director of marketing for Azure Internet of Things at Microsoft Corp: "Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT extends our promise to bring IoT to business scale, starting with interoperable solutions from leading technology companies around the world. With trusted offerings and verified partners, Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT accelerates the deployment of IoT even further."