MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight, publish-subscribe network protocol commonly used for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and is a cornerstone in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems. It is designed for connections with remote locations where a small code footprint is required, or the network bandwidth is limited. MQTT is particularly useful for its simplicity and efficiency in constrained environments, making it ideal for IoT applications where devices need to communicate reliably over potentially unreliable networks.
MQTT's relevance in the platforms-and-operations quadrant stems from its role in enabling efficient, real-time communication across distributed systems. Its ability to handle thousands of lightweight clients and its minimal use of bandwidth make it an attractive choice for operations that require scalable and efficient messaging solutions. Given its widespread adoption and proven reliability, MQTT is placed in the "adopt" ring, signifying its maturity and readiness for use in production environments across various industries.