The term "machine-to-machine" (M2M) invokes images of pristine data centers lined with technology, blinking lights and no human presence. However, without exception, current M2M deployments across various industries are improving the lives of users. Ultimately, behind every M2M connected device is a user who expects a quality of service for the usage, management and billing of these connections that a Communications Service Provider is ideally suited to deliver.
Technology has reached a point where transmitters and power sources can be embedded economically in almost anything, and many industries—including healthcare, power companies, education, security and emergency services, and transportation and logistics—have embarked on initiatives that will transform their landscape in a matter of years. A few examples include:
- Connected Commerce. Vehicles and their drivers are constantly connected to dispatch centers, emergency services or concierge support through telematics and embedded telephony devices.
- Connecting Energy Consumption. Homes and businesses, and their residents are connected to the power grid through smart meters.
- Connected Classrooms. Students and teachers are connected to lesson plans and reference material through smart tablet devices.
- Connected Healthcare. Healthcare practitioners and their patients are connected to patient records, diagnostic equipment and support from other medical specialists.
Enabling these new business models requires:
- New Network Connections. These connections—on public or private networks—are optimized for the type of communication required.
- Increased Storage Capacity. Data collection and storage facilities to support the massive volumes of data that M2M connections generate will be a necessity.
- Intelligent Business Support Systems. Applications that can efficiently manage users and device, frequently with complex hierarchical relationships, and apply the associated pricing, billing and settlement algorithms that monetize large-volume, low-value connections.
CSG solutions have enabled M2M business models for CSPs and other industry players, with proven scalability and flexibility to efficiently manage the high device and transaction volumes.