Evaluating distributed IoT databases for edge/cloud platforms using the analytic hierarchy process

Decision-making is not a trivial process. It involves studying and analyzing different alternatives. In addition, it requires defining criteria for evaluating the alternatives. A problem arises when evaluating criteria that conflict or when dealing with qualitative criteria. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is a multi-criteria decision tool that simplifies the decision-making process. It can evaluate both qualitative and quantitative criteria. Moreover, AHP justifies the final decision by providing the mathematical reasoning behind the judgment. The aim of this research is to evaluate available Internet of Things (IoT) databases in an edge/cloud platform by applying AHP and to suggest a suitable approach for developing a database application. In this study, four alternative database development tools are evaluated: DaDaBIK, DataFlex, Oracle Application Express, and FileMaker. We define our criteria, explain why they are selected, and assign each a weight based on its importance. We then evaluate the candidates using the weighted criteria. FileMaker is found to be the best choice because it offers the best usability, portability, and supportability for IoT scenarios. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.