M2M Heavyweights Flex their Muscle
Although the concept of machine to machine communication (M2M) has been around for quite some time, marketplace recognition of M2M solutions had lagged until relatively recently. The winds of change officially began blowing this past fall when Verizon, AT&T, Telefonica, T-Mobile and others all announced new programs aimed at making it easier to connect intelligent devices to the carriers’ cellular networks. As we begin 2010, the market continues to flash signs that the world is entering an era of connectivity and intelligent device networking.
For starters, lets consider the recent announcement of a collaborative deal between T-Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, and Telit. The deal seeks to jointly expand the positions of all 3 companies in the M2M market and focuses on product/solution development, simplification, standardization, and sales. Although not officially announced it is highly likely that the agreement will promote the usage of Telit Cellular M2M Modules for devices to be connected to the networks of T-Mobile and Deutsche Telecom.
Not to be outdone, Vodafone reached an agreement with Numerex in early February. The agreement will allow Numerex to use Vodafone’s network in the United Kingdom to test and implement M2M solutions. Both partners are seeking to magnify their presence in the UK M2M market and also simplify development and deployment of M2M solutions in the country.
In addition to the deal with Telit discussed earlier, T-Mobile also signed an agreement with Huawei (a recent entrant into the M2M module market) at the end of January. The two parties are looking to obtain pilot customers and develop M2M solutions as part of the deal.
Last but not least, AT&T announced an extension of a deal with Mobile Virtual Network Operator Kore Telematics. The agreement allows Kore to manage access to AT&T’s control center. The control center is designed to help speed time to market for M2M devices and solutions.
In the end, the agreements seem to indicate that collaboration will be needed in order to succeed in the complex world of connected devices and M2M. Additionally, it looks as if the “Heavyweight” companies of the M2M marketplace are beginning to jockey for position in their attempts to grab a piece of the multi-billion dollar M2M pie.
