Cellular & Hybrid Networks' Pivotal Role In M2M Solutions

M2M Defined

Machine-to-machine (M2M) is the process of connecting people, devices, and technology systems. M2M involves moving data from physical assets to a remote IT system and is leveraged by just about every market segment in almost every environment. It connects and networks machines and devices that run applications to deliver up-to-the-minute data to and from a wide variety of assets, including buildings, vehicles, monitoring devices, digital signage, e-readers, and more.

Five primary technologies are universal to almost every M2M deployment: 1) a machine with embedded intelligence; 2) hardware that extracts the data from the machine; 3) a communication network; 4) middleware that bridges the network and the IT system; and 5) an enterprise application.

By networking machines to automate business processes, enterprise organizations are reaping tremendous benefits in a variety of areas. One key benefit is the reduction costs by cutting down on maintenance and equipment downtime, while simultaneously increasing service and support revenue. Another key advantage is the utilization of M2M applications to remotely monitor equipment, preventing unnecessary failures and downtime. With the explosion in M2M applications, early adopters are discovering very innovative ways to network their assets, and in the process develop a competitive advantage that greatly improves their business models.