M2M - The gateway to a new world of business opportunities (page 1 of 3)

M2M (which stands for machine-to-machine, man-to-machine and machine-to-man,) combines telecommunication and information technology to automate processes, to integrate all company assets with its IT system, and to create value-added services.

It allows a simple way to use wireless data as a link between systems, remote devices or locations and individuals. This link is typically used for collecting information, setting parameters, sending / receiving indications of unusual situations or taking care of on-line transactions on countless machines such as elevators, vending machines, automatic metering, you name it.

As a result, your business becomes more effective. Customer service is improved, and practically limitless opportunities are created. New M2M applications are continuously emerging, and they may serve almost any business area and physical environment. It is fair to say that only imagination limits applications. For example, here is a list of the areas in which M2M applications can demonstrate concrete business potential: Telemetry, Telematics / in-vehicle applications, Public traffic services, Industrial applications, Security and surveillance, Sales & payments, Fleet management, Telemedicine and Public services.

For example, the Nokia platform consists of two elements - gateway software and a connectivity terminal. The Nokia M2M Gateway bridges the GSM or other telecom network and the Internet. It provides wireless connection establishment and protocol translation between applications located in the company server and in compatible remote devices. The terminal consists of a GSM engine, SIM-card reader, application interface, integrated antenna, external antenna connector and power interface.

Characteristics of M2M solutions
The M2M business is about creating solutions aimed at improving existing business or creating new opportunities. It combines telecommunication and information technology to automate processes, to integrate all company assets with its IT system, and to create value-added services to be used by the employees or customers of a company.

M2M solutions are often vertical applications tailored to serve the specific needs of one company or corporate body. The ultimate goal is to increase the performance and competitiveness of the company and that may be achieved through increased efficiency or better service, and although some of the M2M solutions are internal to a company and focus is on improving processes, an ever-growing number also aim to serve the customer base of the company. As solutions should be designed to grow along with the company and its needs, technology development or changes in the business environment may create a need to introduce new applications or services.

It is because of the dynamic nature of M2M solutions that they should not be seen as narrow vertical applications, isolated from the external world, but rather as a tool to integrate devices, applications, people and companies to become interactive parts of the mobile information society.

M2M business opportunities
The obvious beneficiaries of M2M applications are corporate bodies, the customers of M2M solutions. Companies are constantly looking for new ways to increase efficiency, cut costs and improve customer service to gain a competitive edge in their core business. The possibilities raised by M2M solutions are already widely recognised in several industries.