The M2M World Alliance, comprised of Etisalat, KPN, NTT Docomo, Rogers, SingTel, Telefonica, Telstra and VimpelCom, has officially unveiled its solution which aims to simplify and promote the adoption of machine-to-machine (M2M) communications worldwide.
The solution will leverage the operators’ combined global presence to the benefit of customers who are looking for a regional or global M2M deployment. It allows companies to enjoy connectivity throughout the Alliance coverage area with in-market rates. Additional benefits include easier compliance with local market regulations and the potential for multinationals to provide global technical support from a single market.
The name “M2M World Alliance” has recently been created to identify the group’s coordinated operations. Its multi-coloured logo represents the Alliance’s aspiration to coordinate the delivery of M2M services globally.
“We believe that our unique and seamless solution will drive rapid growth in the adoption of M2M communications worldwide by giving our customers the ability to operate connected devices globally at a reduced cost,” says Angel David Garcia Barrio, chairman of the M2M World Alliance. “With operations in more than 60 countries, the Alliance’s global footprint presents multinational organizations with a seamless approach to deploying connected devices in multiple countries at one time.”
M2M communications are used when machines – a broad term for equipment used in all sorts of industries, including consumer electronics, utilities, agriculture and construction – connect and exchange information with information technology infrastructure. It is considered by many as the latest stage in the internet’s evolution: when cyberspace reaches beyond the traditional confines of computers to connect to any device with a microprocessor.
Major growth areas identified by the M2M World Alliance for its global solution include connected cars, fleet management, smart meters, consumer electronics, game consoles, wearable electronics, tele-health and security solutions.
“Leveraging on the Alliance footprint and fast innovation combined with our strong regional presence, markets insights and relationships, now we are inviting companies with an interest in this innovative technology to approach a member of the Alliance and arrange to try it out,” says Khalifa Al Shamsi, the chief digital services officer at Etisalat Group. “Given that M2M technology can have a direct positive impact on Businesses Digitization journey to enhance their business processes, product offerings, operational efficiencies and revenue; we are expecting serious interest from potential customers.”
Global M2M connections will grow from approximately two billion today to reach 18 billion in 2022, according to a study by Machina Research, a London-based consulting firm focused on emerging opportunities with new forms of connected device.