M2M deals @ Mobile World Congress 2013


Telecom Lead @ Mobile World Congress 2013: The 2013 MWC has become the platform for several M2M deals.

In fact, 2012 Mobile World Congress set the tone for M2M market growth.

According to Analysys Mason, there will be 2.1 billion M2M connections in less than ten years. However, manufacturers often cite one major obstacle to progress: the high cost of international connectivity.

Aspenta, a U.S. mobile network operator, announced m2mConnect and nSIM: new global technologies that redefine machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.

These major innovations reduce drastically the costs of international M2M connectivity, and offer manufacturers one global SIM, one contract and one support channel.

Aspenta CEO Walid Moneimne said: “Our technology significantly reduces roaming charges, so manufacturers can implement M2M connectivity far more easily. They can create new revenue sources by providing new services to customers, and cut costs by making operations more efficient.”

READ Mobile World Congress 2013 HERE

Gemalto, digital security provider, expanded portfolio of Cinterion Machine-to-Machine (M2M) solutions.

(source: techreleased)

The new solution include a range of advanced M2M wireless modules enabling reliable communications, ruggedized Machine Identification Modules (MIMs) for secure connectivity to mobile networks, flexible subscription management services, and an enhanced cloud-based platform for application enablement to connect assets and enterprises.

Gemalto’s M2M offerings transform machines and equipments into manageable assets, allowing companies worldwide to create new business opportunities while improving efficiency and productivity.

For instance, auto makers use automotive grade Cinterion MIMs to power onboard safety systems such as eCall, which automatically calls for help in the case of a road incident.

Utilities companies integrate Cinterion communication modules for secure smart metering to improve energy conservation.

Enterprises and M2M solution developers use the cloud-based Cinterion SensorLogic platform to make informed decisions based on data transmitted from connected devices for a wide assortment of solutions such as efficient cold chain logistics or deployment of standards-based healthcare services.

Robin Duke-Woolley, CEO of leading M2M analyst firm Beecham Research, said: “Our recent research on M2M solution requirements identified end-to-end solution security, IT integration and reducing complexity of the value chain as the top three priorities for M2M solution providers. Gemalto is clearly addressing all three of these.”

Meanwhile, Sierra Wireless has introduced advanced architecture for embedded wireless communications, designed to simplify and accelerate the development and deployment of M2M solutions.

The architecture will be available across 2G to 4G technologies in the next generation of AirPrime embedded wireless modules.

“While we are seeing rapid growth in the number and types of devices that include integrated wireless connections, the complexity of building and deploying those devices and their related applications remains a key issue for M2M developers,” said Didier Dutronc, senior vice president, M2M Embedded Solutions for Sierra Wireless.

In yet another deal, Optus Business has adopted the Jasper platform to wirelessly connect machine-to-machine (M2M) and consumer electronics devices.

The Jasper Wireless platform will provide Optus Business with the applications and services necessary to deliver new categories of connected devices on its network, as well as connect and manage a range of embedded wireless devices.

“M2M communications come into their own in remote or scarcely populated environments. Australia is a vast area and so delivering communications brings with it a whole host of unique challenges,” said Cindy Patterson, chief revenue officer, Jasper Wireless.

Newport Media, a fabless communications semiconductor company, has launched its first system-on-chip (SoC) product designed to address the market for IEEE 802.11 based-M2M connected products.

Mohy Abdelgany, president and chief executive officer of Newport Media, said: “As impressive as this growth has been, the market for other connected devices – the Internet of things – is forecasted to far exceed that of smartphones and tablets. Newport Media believes that the key to this growth, and the use of Wi-Fi as the preferred method of connection, is the ability to drive down the total cost of connecting to the Internet.”

The NMC1500 drives down the total solution cost by significantly reducing the processing and memory resources required by the terminal’s main micro controller unit (MCU).

Requiring less than 4KBytes Flash and 1KBytes of RAM from the main MCU to host its driver software, the NMC1500 allows customers to significantly reduce total bill of materials (BOM) cost by enabling main MCUs that are much lower cost than otherwise would be necessary.

Mobily, a mobile operator in KSA, and Jasper Wireless, agreed to wirelessly connect machine-to-machine (M2M) and consumer electronics devices in Saudi Arabia.

Marwan Al Ahmadi, chief business officer at Mobily, said: “Jasper’s cloud-based model will enable us to accelerate time-to-market with new agile services, as well as give us full visibility and intelligent control of how devices are connecting to and using the network.”

American telecom giant AT&T and Axeda are making it easier for businesses to remotely manage and monitor their global machine-to-machine connections with a new central reporting wireless console available with the AT&T M2M Application Platform powered by Axeda.

SAIC, a FORTUNE 500 company, is utilizing one platform for easier activation and deactivation of device SIMs, better management of security plans with real-time remote asset alerts and alarms, and application extension through the use of SIM-based logic.

Chris Hill, senior vice president, Advanced Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions, said: “Our collaboration with Axeda is a great example of our connected vision at work in the field, impacting how a company can monitor assets no matter where they are in the world.”

According to Analysys Mason report — M2M scorecard for communications service providers: 2012– AT&T tied for the highest score and is ranked as an Industry icon. AT&T received top scores in M2M partnerships, M2M R&D and M2M organizational structure. AT&T has excelled in crafting its partnership strategy and internal organization. Its R&D focus – both in core research and solution development – is superlative.

Meanwhile, Deutsche Telekom and Qualcomm announced an Internet of Everything (IoE) development platform, based on Qualcomm Gobi QSC6270-Turbo chipset.

With support for Oracle Java ME Embedded 3.2 available, this IoE development platform is intended to target developers looking to create the next generation of M2M applications for various verticals, helping accelerate the IoE market.

Tekelec’s ThinkingNetworks foundation, an intelligent, virtualized control layer through which operators, can create elastic network streams for over-the-top (OTT), cloud, M2M and best-effort services.

Ericsson and SAP announced their M2M deal.

Steven Hartley, telco strategy analyst, Ovum, said: “Ericsson and SAP have combined to provide cloud-based management of M2M implementations. Ericsson’s Device Connection Platform & Service Enablement Platform is to be combined with SAP’s HANA platform in an offering to mobile operators that provides enterprises with end-to-end management of M2M solutions. Closer integration of the M2M operational ecosystem has been needed for many years and this is another sign that M2M is maturing.”

Recently, Deutsche Telekom and IBM announced their collaboration to provide an integrated solutions portfolio that enables cities to make smarter use of their services through intelligent data capture and analysis.

The Smarter Cities solutions will build on IBM’s expertise from thousands of smarter city engagements combined with Deutsche Telekom’s global Machine-to-Machine (M2M) capabilities, which include M2M solutions integration and advanced network connectivity.

Arvind Krishna
[email protected]