Lock-in in IoT has more layers than in ordinary software. Devices may only work with the vendor’s cloud. A proprietary radio may require the vendor’s gateways. Data may be exported only in the vendor’s format, or not at all. Cellular connectivity may be tied to one operator’s SIM with no remote profile switching. Each layer is a point where the supplier can raise prices, discontinue a service or go out of business, taking the deployment with it.
The defenses are open standards such as MQTT, LwM2M and Matter, eSIM with remote provisioning, contractual rights to data and firmware, and documented exit procedures. Some lock-in is a reasonable trade for an integrated product that works; the point is to choose it consciously and price it into the total cost of ownership rather than discovering it later.
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