In-field Updates: How Features as a Service (FaaS) will Secure and Advance the IoT

With an ever-growing amount of sensitive data being stored and transmitted digitally, it’s more important than ever that devices be as secure as possible. Rather than relying on add-on solutions or software, it’s now vital that security begin at the core of the device. Equally important, the device’s features and capabilities must adapt to shifting priorities throughout its lifetime and allow it to withstand any number of security threats.

Given the emphasis on securing the device at the core, security may be the next market for computing performance that can be “switched on” at any point throughout the lifecycle of a chip via reconfigurable silicon activated in the field. This approach represents a new opportunity for semiconductor companies to assume a more active role in the customer-facing services ecosystem. In this model, chipmakers are able to provide the most relevant protections for their products while generating additional revenue by enabling chips to be activated, reconfigured and personalized after they reach the customer.

The idea that chipmakers can add optional services to silicon to be activated and paid for only when needed – what is being called Features as a Service (FaaS) – is ideal for secure provisioning across hardware components and devices. It may also create a market for supplementary computing performance that can be switched on and off during and after peak use, unlocking the full value of SoCs.

FaaS and the IoT

If executed effectively, FaaS has the potential to open up a wide range of new usage models for semiconductor companies, including the generation of additional revenue streams in IoT device security. With industry analyst firm Gartner forecasting that 6.4 billion “things” will be in use globally by the end of 2016, the promise of a broad new market in connected devices is already a reality.

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But with so much invested in transitioning to these new devices, consumers will want to ensure that the smart things they’re surrounding themselves with will have longevity and will be secure. For the average user, the pain point of choosing, learning and implementing smart devices (including ensuring they are compatible and properly connected) is significant enough that they prefer not to do it all over again every couple years. Plus, nobody wants to think they’re buying the most cutting-edge product only to see one with better features come to market a couple months later.

Conversely, device makers and chip manufacturers might hesitate to invest in creating products that never or rarely need to be replaced. Whether or not we want to acknowledge this factor, businesses without repeat customers rarely stay in business long.

FaaS addresses both of these problems. For consumers, it can ensure that secure, in-field activation extends the lifetime of a product. For OEMs, it makes a sound case for broad adoption, creating post-purchase revenue streams.

Using FaaS to Realize the Potential of IoT

Lately we’ve been hearing a lot about IoT applications and devices to support smart homes, for example (thermostats, security systems and the like), but FaaS can unleash the full potential of IoT in a variety of sectors.

If executed effectively, FaaS has the potential to open up a wide range of new usage models for semiconductor companies, including the generation of additional revenue streams in IoT device security. With industry analyst firm Gartner forecasting that 6.4 billion “things” will be in use globally by the end of 2016, the promise of a broad new market in connected devices is already a reality.

Imagine an industrial chip that never becomes obsolete because it can be reprogrammed for a different application as technologies advance or markets demands shift. The potential that exists now is broad and diverse, but the future potential – the uses that haven’t even been invented yet – is boundless.

Some early use cases have already been demonstrated, including Rambus’ recent partnership with Movimento that gives auto manufacturers the ability to use FaaS to securely send updates to a car’s computer software. Another emerging use of FaaS is home entertainment systems that give users access to movies and other copyrighted content on-demand in a way that prevents unauthorized distribution. In an industry that has sought for years to retain its products’ value by preventing illegal sharing, this solution has the promise to bring exclusivity back to Hollywood’s post-theatre viewing experience.

Making it a Reality

As the IoT landscape continues to mature, the view of what is most important for mass adoption will sharpen. It is expected that IoT chips will morph to support multiple sensing functions, broadening their functionality and applicability to a whole host of applications that can be turned on as needed. Chipmakers are braving new world of connectivity and FaaS will certainly be a critical part of it.