A global network of interconnected and uniquely identified objects that communicate with each other using standard communication methods. M2M, an acronym for machine-to-machine communication, brings an innovative drive into the already present future, impacting numerous industrial and service sectors: building automation, intelligent transportation, parking management, eHealth, security, goods handling and storage are just a few of the areas towards which M2M technologies are directed, historically developed for remote control of industrial plants.
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According to the main market research, the M2M sector is expected to grow to nearly 300 million connected devices by 2015. Europe leads this growth with over 35% of the market and 110 million devices, followed by North America with 79 million and Asia-Pacific with 66 million. Within these forecasts, Italy will have a significant presence with about 15 million devices, of which over 3 million are dedicated solely to metering.
Connecting a large number of remote devices spread over the territory is a problem not only of networks but also of managing the collected data and exchanged information. M2M applications offer, for example, solutions that allow companies to collect and analyze information from devices or assets located across wide geographic areas in order to improve supply chain management, optimize service costs, and enhance customer billing processes.
In contexts like this, opportunities offered by the Cloud come into play. Many remote devices can be managed better and with greater benefit if connected to centralized management systems to which they periodically provide information about their status and/or consumption.
However, currently M2M Cloud services do not yet solve all the support problems for large numbers of connected devices, with different characteristics and operating using different protocols.
Furthermore, with the multiplication of interconnected machines, it is possible that the volume of generated data will overwhelm networks that are not robust enough, even 4G.
To address this possible scenario, it is necessary to introduce new connection methods to multiply network access.
So, although technologies are now mature and the Cloud is increasingly able to support information exchange in “As a Service” mode, uniformity of technological and organizational standards is needed to manage all the information produced by new technologies.
M2M Cloud services and other particularly current topics will be explored at M2M Forum 2012, May 3rd in Milan.
An appointment to understand the current market and development trends of the machine-to-machine sector. A fixed point on the state of the art of technologies and applications developed so far in Italy, but above all a look at business models and future challenges awaiting Italian and foreign operators.
Participation in the event by visitors is free and reserved for industry operators, until places run out.
For online registration: www.m2mforum.it
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