M2M Branches Out In The Enterprise

By Brian Albright, Field Technologies magazine

Wireless and cloud computing advancements are pushing M2M (machine-to-machine) technology into more applications.

Enterprise-scale M2M deployments are shifting from niche solutions to solutions that can be rapidly deployed and leveraged for multiple applications, touching multiple business centers. Open, standardized platforms are replacing proprietary systems and making it easier (and more cost-effective) for firms to utilize M2M. “The days of engaging in large, costly service engagements to create custom applications are being replaced with agile firms that can enable customers to deploy their solutions quickly and reliably,” says Jim Wert, GM and VP of deviceWISE at ILS Technology. “The shift to rapid deployment has forced customers to off-load some of the responsibilities to manage their solutions to third-party SaaS providers who specialize in operating M2M solutions.”

There has also been a focus among solutions providers on simplifying the integration of the various components needed for M2M deployments. “This includes use of platforms to reduce custom work, hosting solutions in the cloud, using pre-integrated components, and a general interest in enhancing standards at several layers, from hardware protocols to industry application interoperability,” says Bruce Thompson, senior product manager for M2M solutions at AT&T Business Solutions. “There is increasing recognition of what M2M technology is, how it can be applied, and the proven benefits across many industries and applications.”