M2M Now Jan 2013

Ready for Mobile World Congress yet?It’s coming! See Page 39TALKING

HEADSILS readies for the challengeas CEO Yentz predicts a battle for M2M in 2013

P R O F I T F R O M A W O R L D O F C O N N E C T E D D E V I C E S

V O L U M E 3 I S S U E 1

4 AGRICULTURECASE STUDIES

M2M tackles hungrybats, thirsty cattle,

grapes and WireRats™

4 AGRICULTURECASE STUDIES

M2M tackles hungrybats, thirsty cattle,

grapes and WireRats™

TALKINGHEADSILS readies for the challengeas CEO Yentz predicts a battle for M2M in 2013

BOLD MOVE BY ONESERVICE PROVIDER Deutsche Telekom andMaingate promoteCapEx-free smart meters

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M2M Now: ISSN 2046-5882

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Most M2M forecasts are wrong: So say researchers! • Taiwan wakesup to M2M • Stand by, Oracle’s coming • Nothing Smart about myMetering! • The Contract Hot List • Company, Market, People &Product News • Latest News & Videos at www.m2mnow.biz

SMART HOMES& UTILITIES ISSUEReports from Amsterdam& London: What do userswant in a smart home?

FLEET & ASSETTRACKINGFollow yourassets, nomatter whereor when

SMART HOMES& UTILITIES ISSUEReports from Amsterdam& London: What do userswant in a smart home?

FLEET & ASSETTRACKINGFollow yourassets, nomatter whereor when

ALSO INSIDE!ALSO INSIDE!

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JANUARY 2013

28.2 x 28.2 x 2.2 mm | SAME SIZE | SAME FORM FACTOR | SAME AT COMMAND SET

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As part of the xE910 family, the HE910 is the smallest HSPA+ penta-band LGA module and supports the most popular bands worldwide: 850/900/1700/1900/2100MHz. Additionally, it provides ubiquitous 2G coverage through quad-band GPRS and class 33-EDGE. A dual-band version of the HE910 will be available in 2013 to make it even easier for developers and integrators in CDMA markets to expand their opportunities quickly into HSPA+.

A dual-band, 3.5G HSPA variant, the UE910 module, supporting analog audio and SIM chip, is arriving soon further enhancing the comprehensive product coverage by the xE910 form factor family.

The GE910 family is comprised of two variants: the GE910-QUAD featuring quad-band 2G cellular data connectivity, and the GE910-GNSS, a competitively priced GSM/GPRS + GNSS solution supporting GPS and Glonass which significantly improves overall location resolution performance.

The DE910 1xEV-DO and CE910 1xRTT, dual band modules serve CDMA markets allowing easy integration of 2G or 3G technologies into the same design as required.

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GSM | GPRS

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UMTS | HSPA

UE910 FamilyComing soon.

As industry’s only pure-play m2m, Telit creates value by partnering with customers to provide expert guidance and support from concept development through to manufacturing quickly bringing ideas to market in all application areas including the new “smart” space, thanks to an unmatched portfolio of modules and services. We look forward to supporting you.

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Join the Telit Technical Forum: www.telit.com/techforum

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CONTENTS

M2M Now January 2013 3CONTENTS

Check Out Our Website!www.m2mnow.biz

Cover Sponsor: ILS Technology reportsthat it provides a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use power tool that helps customersconnect the dots without any addedinfrastructure or programming; it is

offered at a reasonable cost and with a short implementation timeframe. Platforms such as these are what enterprises are looking for totranslate their visions into business innovations. Products like thedeviceWISE M2M Application Deployment Kit, take the M2M marketfrom the best possible, easily managed connection development spaceto the best possible, easiest to consume deployment space.www.ilstechnology.com

SMARTHOMES16

OPINION24

ASIA FOCUS

34

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Send your News to the Editor:[email protected] • www.m2mnow.biz

CONTENTS 3

COMMENT – by the Editor, Jeremy Cowan 4The $$ cost of M2M hype and false hopes

PRODUCT NEWS 5 Newtec wins satellite award; Digi launches compact module

MARKET NEWS 6Global satellite SCADA and M2M forecast; and Contract Hot List

PEOPLE NEWS 7Senior appointments at Netgem, Concirrus and INSIDE Secure

COMPANY NEWS 8 Landis&Gyr creates 200 new jobs; Etherios acquired by Digi International

TALKING HEADS 10ILS is up for the challenge as CEO, Fred Yentz predicts a battle for

M2M in 2013

SMART METERS 13Smart choices in Amsterdam, but we find ‘intelligent data’ too

SMART HOMES 16What do customers want in a smart home? Jeremy Cowan reports

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: SMART METERS 20Deutsche Telekom and Maingate unveil bold CapEx-free meter roll out plan

AGRICULTURE CASE STUDIES 22Barry Nay lifts the lid on four case studies showing M2M’s agricultural impact

OPINION 24A new strategy for efficient, low cost M2M

ASSET TRACKING 26Bob Emmerson learns how to follow your assets, no matter where or when

EXPERT OPINION 28Telenor Connexion expands its services to support customer product lifecycles

VIDEOS FOR YOU! 30See how businesses are benefiting from M2M Now’s video marketing skills

EVENT DIARY 32Our listing of key events worldwide; Plus MWC 2013 Barcelona Preview

ASIA FOCUS 34Steve Rogerson finds Taiwan is hurrying to catch up in M2M expertise

RESEARCH 37Oracle flexes its research muscles and prepares to launch in M2M

BACK PAGE 38Jeremy Cowan admits it: There’s nothing smart about his metering!

TALKINGHEADS10

How often have you looked at M2M research figures and muttered, “Really?” I don’t have empiricevidence (yet) but many people I talk to are as unimpressed as I am by forecasts of millions ofcellular M2M connections, billions of connected devices and trillion dollar revenues. Eventually suchfigures become meaningless. Even worse, they actively damage future investments in machine-to-machine communications, investments that still offer some of the brightest financial hopes fornetwork operators worldwide. It’s simple. If you hype a service too far it will surely fail to meet itsstellar forecasts. It’s surely not in any of our interests for this market to acquire a reputation forover-promising and under-delivering.

Amid falling profits from voice traffic and zero margins on mobiledata, operators cast around for Hope. Then the CFO meetssomeone at a conference who’s making steady money byconnecting Things, not People. So he has a long, hard look at theresearch. Except that some analysts seem to see this sector as onein which to bash out a quick report to boost cashflow thenignore again.

I talked along these lines recently with one eminent researcher inthis space, and a member of M2M Now’s Editorial Board, RobinDuke-Woolley, CEO of Beecham Research. He pointed out thekind of errors that are being made. “Growth rate projections areoften far too high for what is essentially a solutions business, not aconsumer products business. New projects and technology changesare also often assumed to happen much too rapidly. Those 10-yearforecasts then typically multiply all the assumptions in shorter rangeforecasts, claiming preposterous accuracy with big headlinenumbers. The forecast errors for these are potentially huge.

He’s not alone. James Brehm, senior strategist at global consultingand market analytics firm, Compass Intelligence wrote a sensiblereport this month headlined ‘Why most M2M forecasts are wrong’.(Read it at www.M2MNow.biz, Search: ‘Compass’). He said, “Whilethere are many companies providing annual data on the M2Mmarket, most analyst firms make assumptions that are notgrounded in reality. The majority … do not take availability of

components, migration paths from 2G to 3G to 4G LTE, end-userbehaviour, socio-economic factors, and so on into considerationwhen building forecasts.”

Now, I’m not privy to the various methodologies of rival analysts,and I’m not so green that I can’t spot a sales pitch, but we will betaking a closer look at the claims of M2M researchers in an attemptto de-bunk some of the hype, to point out the successes andfailures of some forecasts, and establish what separates accurateclaims from self-serving exaggeration. Meanwhile, my old man hada quote for every occasion and one from Scottish novelist, AndrewLang (1844-1912) seems appropriate. “He uses statistics as adrunken man uses a lamp-post, for support rather thanillumination.” Perhaps we should study future forecasts with amore sober eye.

COMMENT

M2M Now January 20134 COMMENT

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M2M Now: ISSN 2046-5882

Tony Jackson,Director, Telecoms,Convergys SmartRevenue Solutions

Gwenn Larsson,Head ofMarketing, TelenorConnexion

Marie-Paule Odini,HP CMS

Fergus O'Reilly,Chief SolutionExpert, SAPConsume to Cash

Robin Duke-Woolley, CEO,BeechamResearch

Baard Eilertsen,President & CEO, Maingate

Ann Hatchell,BridgewaterSystems

AlexanderBufalino,SVP, GlobalMarketing, Telit.

Erik Brenneis,Head of VodafoneM2M

Jeremy Cowan

EDITORIAL ADVISORS

The $$ cost of M2Mhype and false hopes

© WeKnow Media Ltd 2013

“He uses statistics as a drunken manuses a lamp-post, for support rather

than illumination.” Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

PRODUCT NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF I NEWS IN BRIEF I NEWS IN BRIEF I NEWS IN BRIEF I NEWS IN BRIEF I NEWS IN BRIEF I NEWS IN BRIEF

Modular, open integration platform launched for building automation Diehl Controls, a Z-Wave Alliance memberand a European provider of heating andphotovoltaic controls, has developed anopen integration platform that forms acomplete modular home control solutionfor networked homes. The Smart EcoSystem employs the Z-Wave wirelessstandard to control appliances, radiators,lighting and other residential andcommercial building systems viasmartphone, tablet or PC, locally orremotely.

Using the Smart ECO system, end userscan monitor and control the energyconsumption of all appliances at a glanceand in forthcoming applications, integrateelectrical and thermal energy storagesystems. The connection and interaction

between energy consumers, energygenerators and energy storage in thehome can now be realised in definedexpansion steps, making it a new optionfor energy providers, telcos and OEMs.

Platform provider adds two new smart grid nodesAmbient Corporation of Massachusetts,provider of a secure, flexible and scalablesmart grid communications andapplications platform, has launched twonew smart grid nodes: the AmbientMicroNode™ and Ambient MiniNode™.These are designed to complement theAmbient Smart Grid Node™, which nowhas more powerful grid analyticscapabilities.

These additions to the family are said tooffer utilities reliable and efficientmanagement of multiple smart grid

applications through a singleinfrastructure that uses an open IP-based architecture.

Ambient’s CTO, Ram Rao, said, “Ithas always been our philosophy tooffer a network platform withchoice in the communicationstechnologies since no singletechnology will be suitable for allgrid scenarios. With the launch ofthe Ambient MiniNode andMicroNode, we … also (offer)greater choice to match priceperformance in the hardwareto facilitate thosecommunications andapplications.”

The Newtec MDM6000 Satellite Modem, anew generation satellite platform, has wonthe Satellite Markets and Research MostInnovative Product Award. Through thecombination of new high speed andefficiency technologies, the modemachieved the world speed record earlier thisyear. Slava Frayter, the company's VPAmericas, accepted the award on behalf ofNewtec at the Satellite Markets andResearch Vision Awards reception duringSATCON2012 in the Javits ConventionCenter, New York City.

The Newtec MDM6000 Satellite Modemwas launched in September and completesNewtec’s modem portfolio to cover all IP

applications and any speeds. This particularmodem handles data rates up to 380Mbpsin each direction.

The high-speed MDM6000 modem is in fullcompliance with the DVB-S2 standard andalready supports the upcoming S2Extensions. Newtec has teamed up withother DVB-members in order to define and

develop the update on the DVB-S2 standard.Newtec’s contribution to the standard hasresulted in new satellite transmissiontechnologies that are already implementedin the MDM6000 Satellite Modem. Thosetechnologies include smaller roll-offs,advanced filtering, more and betterMODCODs, FEC upgrades and widebandsupport (72Mbaud).

Newtec modem wins satellite markets and research vision award

Digi International has launched a compactwireless system-on-module for developingconnected devices based on Freescaletechnology. The ConnectCard™ for i.MX28module’s small form factor and integratedWi-Fi and Bluetooth networking options aredesigned for developing portable medicaldevices and other products in energy,transportation, industrial or buildingautomation. Through the iDigi® DeviceCloud™, developers will have immediate

access to an applications developmentplatform and device managementfunctionality.

“The ConnectCard i.MX28 provides theperformance and flexibility of a system-on-module, but in an ultra-small form factor,”said Larry Kraft, senior vice president ofglobal sales and marketing, DigiInternational. “Customers can develop andmaintain their connected devices easily

using the iDigi® Device Cloud.”

The ConnectCard for i.MX28 is smallenough for the most compact designs. Themodule is said to offer easy designintegration, low-power operation andunique interface flexibility. It features anintegrated 32-bit ARM core running at upto 454 MHz, on-chip power management,Bluetooth 4.0, and dual Ethernet and802.11 a/b/g/n networking options.

Digi launches compact wireless modulefor developing connected portable devices

Full reports on these and other News stories can be found at www.m2mnow.biz

The AmbientMicroNode™

M2M Now January 2013 5

M2M Now January 2013

It's free to be included in The Contract Hot List (below), which shows the companies announcing recent contract wins or productdeployments. If your contract is not listed here just email the details to us now marked "Hot List" <[email protected]>

Vendor/Partners Client, Country Product/Service (Duration & Value) AwardedAeris Communications Acura, USA Selected as Communications Provider for upcoming luxury sedan 11.2012Bosch Healthcare Doro, Provider of TeleCare systems in Europe chooses mobile partner 11.2012Ericsson Megafon, Russia To provide cloud-based M2M services for enterprises 11.2012Ericsson TeliaSonera, Sweden To provide cloud-based M2M services for enterprises 11.2012Ericsson 3, UK To provide cloud-based M2M services for enterprises 11.2012FTS Unnamed M2M enabler, Germany Leap™ Billing to enhance content & M2M billing and customer experience 10.2012Gemalto Standard Bank, South Africa Supplying multifunction EMV contactless payment card for fares & goods 11.2012Gemalto Vodafone Group, International To provide and operate global TSM platform and deploy NFC services 11.2012Globecomm Systems Inc. NATO Comms & Information Agency US$4.5m to upgrade GPS-based Force Tracking System 11.2012Landis+Gyr Helen Electricity Network, Finland Smart metering provider enables HEN to complete deployment project 11.2012Locamation SSE, UK Starts smart grid automation pilot project with UK power distributor 10.2012MoreMagic Solutions DStv, Access Ban & Ecobank Expand Splash mobile money ecosystem in Sierra Leone 11.2012Numerex Alcohol Monitoring Systems, USA Expand ‘breakthrough’ wireless alcohol monitoring for criminal justice 11.2012OKI Data Americas Lantronix, USA Smart M2M connectivity solutions provider to resell xPrintServer™ 11.2012Orga Systems Meralco, Philippines Bring first smart grid solution to the Philippines in pilot for 40,000 customers 11.2012Redline Communications Unnamed oil & gas company, USA Broadband wireless M2M contract for communications between wells & rigs 10.2012Smart421 Rail Settlement Plan Ltd, UK 5-year contract to design, build & run a live sales management system 11.2012SK C&C USA Vodafone Group, International M-commerce business, CorFire™, to provide mobile wallet capabilities 11.2012Telefónica Generali Seguros, Spain Agree the development of a new M2M car insurance scheme 11.2012

THE CONTRACT HOT LIST

Global Information, Inc (GII) of Farmington,Connecticut says that the satellite EOindustry is progressively moving fromgrowth fed by governmental and militaryorders to a more balanced mix of end users.This lays the groundwork for a decade ofgrowth in both data and value-addedservices (VAS) segments.

Meanwhile, a healthy mix of satellite-basedsystem control and data acquisition(SCADA) and machine-to-machine (M2M)opportunities is projected over the longterm, albeit via a shifting mix of verticalmarket demand. While the market for

traditional verticals is expected to grow atsingle-digit levels, emerging verticals areexpected to grow “impressively” over thenext decade.

The global satellite SCADA/M2M market isexpected to reach US$2.7 billion in 2021,growing more than two-fold from today’s$1.2 billion annual revenue base. Themarket is currently dominated by L-bandand is likely to remain the preferredplatform over the long term. However, Ku-band has gained inroads in thetransportation market and is used morefrequently in new verticals, specifically in

green energy for the provision of highbandwidth CCTV for security requirements.

The SCADA/M2M via Satellite, 3rd Editionreport provides a comprehensive analysis ofaddressable markets and demand trends fortoday’s SCADA/M2M market, covering eightregions and seven distinct vertical markets.The report forecasts in-service units andservice revenues for each frequencyplatform that includes L-band, Ku-band, C-band and HTS for the period 2011-2021.

For more information on all our reports goto: www.m2mnow.biz

Global satellite SCADA and M2M market ‘to reach $2.7bn in 2021’

MARKET NEWS

Key:

EMV = Europay, Mastercard & Visa

IoT = Internet of Things

M2M = Machine-to-machine

TSM = Trusted Service Management

6 M2M Now January 2013

Numerex

‘breakthrough’


PEOPLE NEWS

Continua HealthAlliance has appointedtwo new members toits Board of Directors toserve a one-year term.Continua HealthAlliance is theinternational industryorganisation dedicatedto advancing personalconnected health by

promoting end-to-end,plug-and-playconnectivity of personalhealth devices and

establishing industry standards forinteroperability.

The new directors are Kaoru Hiraoka,general manager of AdvancedTechnology and Standardisation, MobilePhones Unit, Fujitsu Ltd, and ThierryZylberberg, executive vice president ofthe France Telecom-Orange Group,and director of Orange Healthcare.

“These new directors will … provide ourboard and management team with newinsight and perspectives as we work tofacilitate more efficient connectivity,

advancing our vision tocreate an ecosystem ofplug-and-play productsand services for healthself-management andhealth care delivery,”said Clint McClellan,Continua Boardpresident andchairman, and seniordirector of StrategicMarketing, at Qualcomm Life, Inc., awholly owned subsidiary of QualcommTechnologies, Inc.

Continua Health Alliance adds two to its board of directors

Kaoru Hiraoka

Netgem announced Romain Waller‘sappointment as the head of Netgem’snewly created Connected Home productdivision. He will report to ChristopheAulnette, chief executive officer.Concirrus Ltd simultaneouslyannounced the appointment of OscarFalkman as general manager of its newlyformed office in Sweden.

A graduate of Ecole Polytechnique andEcole des Mines de Paris, Waller joinsNetgem after 14 years of experiencewithin the telecommunications industry.

During his career, he has managedseveral business units with full P&Lresponsibility within the Sagem Groupand more recently the Technicolor group.In his previous roles, his core missionshave included business development withglobal media and telecommunicationsoperators to cover set-top boxes, modems,gateways, as well as IPTV service platformsand other connected technologies.

Prior to joining Concirrus, Falkman waspart of the Telenor Connexion businessteam and has a background rich in M2M

and Telematics with experience ofcomplex and international sales withinthe telecommunications and M2Mbusiness areas. Falkman has beenenlisted to spearhead the growth of theConcirrus business.

Falkman says, "This new role atConcirrus will enable me to consolidatemy expertise of creating and developingcompanies, and build a world class teamto deliver sales and additional revenuestreams with businesses including vehicletelematic vendors.”

INSIDE Secure, a provider ofsemiconductors for secure transactionsand digital identity, has appointedDimitrios Karayiannis to the position ofvice president of research anddevelopment. He now leads the R&Dorganisation and is responsible for thedevelopment of all products for INSIDESecure’s Near Field Communication(NFC), digital security and secure

payment business lines.

Karayiannis brings to the role more than16 years of hardware and softwareexperience in the semiconductorindustry, including over 10 years’management experience in productdevelopment of application andBaseBand processors.

Prior to joining INSIDE Secure, he heldvarious positions at Texas Instrumentsin the USA and France. As a member ofthe senior leadership team at TexasInstruments France, he managed theR&D organisation for the wirelessbusiness unit. A Greek citizen, Mr.Karayiannis holds a PhD in computerscience from Southern Illinois University.

INSIDE Secure appoints Dimitrios Karayiannis to senior R&D role

ThierryZylberberg

The Open Mobile Alliance haselected Francesco Vadalà ofTelecom Italia as chairman of itsTechnical Plenary committee. Inaddition, Kepeng Li of Huaweihas been elected Technical Plenaryvice-chairman and will join Vadalàalong with Technical Plenary vice-chairman Roland Hechwartner ofT-Mobile in leading the Technical

Work Programme at the OMA.

An experienced telecom engineer,Francesco Vadalà has beenworking for cellular networkoperators for more than 10 yearsin different areas of expertiseinvolving innovation, technicalstrategy and research anddevelopment (R&D). Since 2007 he

has been working in the ServiceLayer and Messaging Innovationdepartment of Telecom Italiawhere he analyses emergingtechnologies and co-ordinatesstandards activities in areas such asmessaging, service exposure,architectures for mobileapplications and service deliveryand social networks.

Open Mobile Alliance elects a new technical work leader

FrancescoVadalà

Senior appointments made inM2M by Netgem and Concirrus


COMPANY NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF I NEWS IN BRIEF I NEWS IN BRIEF I NEWS IN BRIEF I NEWS IN BRIEF I NEWS IN BRIEF I NEWS IN BRIEF

Vodafone hits H1 2012 losses but there is ‘strong growth’ in M2M revenues, says CEO

Vodafone has announced a loss of £1.88billion (€2,35 billion) for the six monthsended 30 September, 2012, as totalrevenues fell 7.4% on H1, 2011. ButVittorio Colao, group chief executive ofthe Newbury, UK-based mobile networkoperator reported that M2M revenuescontinued to show ‘strong’ growth.

There was continued strong growth inVodafone Global Enterprise, M2M andVodafone One Net but these areas wereoffset by “macro-economic challengesin country-level enterprise units”.

Firms partner to deliver global satellite-based M2M platform

UK-based Applied Satellite TechnologyLtd. (AST) and Active Web SolutionsLtd. (AWS) have joined forces to delivera global satellite-based M2M platform,AST iX. AST and AWS both haveextensive experience within the satelliteindustry and saw a specific and unique

gap in the growing machine-to-machine (M2M) market for satellitemessaging. The new AST iXplatform enables organisations tomonitor and control remoteequipment anywhere on theplanet and at the touch of abutton, without humaninteraction. AST iX is said bythe companies to be at theforefront of this modernmarket sector, offering newcapabilities to establishedand developing areas,emerging countries andremote sites, where theremay be limited orunreliablecommunicationinfrastructureavailable.

Landis+Gyr, whose ultrasonic gas meterproduction recently reached three million atits site in Stockport, UK, plans to expand itscurrent employee base of 300 by up to 200new jobs across the skill spectrum. Theposts will be in manufacturing excellence,quality, design and manufacturingengineering, product and projectmanagement and supply chain.

The Stockport facility has been in operationsince 2005 and the business envisagesreaching the four million meter mark as

early as next year. As part of this steadygrowth, the company which operates twosites in Greater Manchester, has grownfrom serving niche markets to become aEuropean leader in smart gas metering.

Oliver Jud, head of Landis+Gyr’s GasMetering Business, said: “We have come along way since we started production ofthese meters in 1993. This achievementdemonstrates that our smart gastechnology is a core company strength.”

Digi International of Minnesota haspurchased Chicago-based Etherios, Inc.,creator of The Social Machine®, a newcloud-based method for integratingmachines into core business processes viathe Salesforce Service Cloud. Combiningthe iDigi® Device Cloud™ with The SocialMachine® will enable almost any machine,anywhere in the world, to connect rapidlyand easily to the Service Cloud. By enablingreal-time machine interactions withorganisations’ workflows, it is said thatcustomers will be able to benefitdramatically through improved asset

management, greater machine uptime andthe ability to offer proactive customerservice.

“Etherios is a world-class cloud computingservices provider with hundreds ofsuccessful domestic and globaldeployments,” said Joe Dunsmore, CEO,Digi International. “We believe Digi’s deepdevice expertise combined with Etherios’ability to integrate devices directly into anorganisation’s core business processes viathe industry’s leading cloud-based CRMsystem can be an M2M game changer.”

Etherios helps transform organisationsthrough the implementation of cloudcomputing technologies. It providesoperational strategy, technical design andarchitecture, implementation and changemanagement services to its globalcustomer base.

Mike Dannenfeldt, CEO, Etherios said, “Webelieve when we combine Digi's deviceknowledge and iDigi Device Cloud with TheSocial Machine® it will serve as a positive,disruptive force in the industry.”

Digi International acquires the cloud computing services provider Etherios

Growing smart meter demand creates up to 200 new jobs at Landis+Gyr

To mark the three millionth meter milestone,Landis+Gyr’s Oliver Jud, presented a goldenmeter to the customer, Jim Macdonald, chiefexecutive of Calvin Asset Management.

LEADERSHIP IN ENERGYCONTROL SYSTEMS

FOR MORE INFORM AT ION [email protected] phone +46 455 36 37 00

www.maingatesolutions.com


TALKING HEADS

M2M Now: What is the most pressing challengeor opportunity you see today that is impedingthe progress of M2M customer adoption?

Fred Yentz: The core challenge in M2M today is thesame one it has always been; that of connecting toremote assets, globally providing enough intelligenceat the device side of the network to evaluate anddetermine events, trends, and alerts as needed, thentransferring the information through the network(wired, wireless, and satellite) to a point where valuecan be created.

It sounds so simple, but there is a history of complexitysurrounding M2M solutions which is doing none of usany favours. For years M2M solutions have been builtin silos using a complex collection of technology andskills. I often refer to these early initiatives as scienceprojects. They have been executed with varyingdegrees of success.

Unfortunately, while these early stories provideinterested parties with a set of lessons learned, theyalso give the wrong impression regarding what is possibletoday – setting expectations of difficulty, extendedtime to market and even the need for ‘good-enough’work-arounds that, frankly, are no longer necessary.

Making M2M easy is the key to our collective industrysuccess and that’s exactly what we have achieved withour deviceWISE M2M Application Platform. Itincorporates a portfolio of intellectual property plus 30years of lessons learned into a tool that allows ourcustomers to quickly configure the assets they want tomonitor, and connect them seamlessly and securelyinto their existing back office IT applications so theycan achieve real value quickly and simply and startbuilding their RoI.

Speaking of which, there has recently been a lot ofattention given to enterprise integration. How doesthat really work? If you peel back the marketing hypefrom many platform solutions that talk aboutenterprise integration, you’ll find that the customer isfaced with methods which are as archaic as CSV fileexchanges.

At ILS Technology, we look at the world completelydifferently – in a way that has been validated by ourenterprise and Fortune 500 customers countless times.

Our clients enjoy a simple point and click integrationinto SAP, Oracle, IBM applications, databases, andenterprise service busses. Imagine: seamlessconnections from your remote machine under apredictive maintenance contract into your existinganalytic and trouble ticket applications, without theneed for custom programming.

As a larger M2M community, I would like to see us alltalking about enterprise integration the way ourenterprise customers expect it to be done: Robusttools that allow point-and-click for native applicationintegration and value delivery, without the need toextract your data from a third-party service repository.

M2M Now: As M2M users and their applicationsroam ever further, what impact is globalisationhaving on services? What challenges does thisbring for M2M service providers, networkoperators and device or module vendors, andhow well are they coping?

Fred Yentz: Many of our customers are faced withthe task of making their solutions as global aspossible. It’s a big task even for companies who havebeen working in the telecommunications domain foryears. Making a smart phone which is compatible andcertified on a carrier network with some participantsroaming is a very different problem than making aconnected capital asset that will be distributed andused around the world.

In telecom speak, a smart phone is a device or amodem is a device. But in M2M, cars, generators,elevators and vending machines would be consideredthe devices. The complexity that smart phone vendorsmust achieve in order to ship product which is certifiedon global networks is formidable – and they’re theexperts.

For M2M, device makers will be looking to theirmodule vendors and network operators for help.Those players will need to establish and share somelevel of standards or best practices that allow the newdevice makers to succeed.

The need to support multiple technologies andmultiple carriers around the globe also highlights theimportance of integrating the network provisioningand communications management into application

There’s a lot that’s exciting about the year ahead in M2M. In fact Fred Yentz of ILSTechnology tells Jeremy Cowan that he believes M2M solution providers will betested in 2013. He also expects a battle between big systems integrators and networkoperators for control of M2M services and top line revenues.

ILS is up for the challengeas Yentz predicts 2013 will see a battle for M2M

“I think a battle

is brewing

between the big

systems

integrators and

the network

operators.”

Fred Yentz, ILS

Technology


platforms in order to allow the user community a higher degree of automaticprovisioning and management of the network using the powerful applicationsand workflow that they have invested in over time.

For example, if an OEM processes a customer order using their SAP ERPsystem for a connected product (asset or thing) you would suspectthat the order needs to be provisioned with an M2M connection forenhanced services. It seems reasonable to expect that the SAPsystem would drive the customer information, asset information andservice levels into the M2M Application Platform layer andsubsequently allow the provisioning and service levels to flownatively to the Connected Device Provisioning (CDP) layer to setupthe connection and rate plan.

Our experience indicates that integration will always happen asclose to the application as possible, for the simple reason that thevalue is the highest at the application layer.

I think a battle is brewing between the big systems integratorsand the network operators. Both want to have as much controland top line revenue as possible for ongoing M2M solutiondelivery. At ILS Technology we think we need both and, of course,we support both. A quality platform solution has to play nice withboth ends of the network – the device side and the enterpriseapplication side – as well as provide seamless integration to thenetwork provisioning tools.

2013 is looking like the year that M2M solutionproviders will be put to the test. At ILS Technology weare excited about the challenge.

M2M Now: Global services mean globalsolutions. Will we soon see widespreadimplementation of agreed standards? Orare solution providers just paying lip-service to the joint efforts ofstandardisation bodies?

Fred Yentz: The goal for anystandardisation effort is to reducecomplexity and cost throughcommonality. At this point, I thinkthe entire industry can agree onthe topics, need and desiredbenefit. Today and goingforward, anydisagreements andconfusion will centrearound the details ofhow to achieve ourshared objectives.

From myperspective, ithelps to considerthe M2M spaceusing thephrase ‘Internetof Things’ (IoT).The internet andtelecom worldapproachesstandards in a uniquemanner. (Telecom specsfor telecom OEMs).

Fred Yentz is thepresident andCEO of ILSTechnology


The key to success for M2M standardisation lies withdeveloping a standards approach that is easy tounderstand and implement for the vast proliferation of‘things’ producers.

Traditionally, the telecom marketplace has had a largesupplier base of handsets, tablets, and modems. Asvast as that ecosystem may seem, it pales incomparison to the makers of things across everyvertical. For this reason, and this reason alone, it iscritical that the M2M service-layer specification besimple enough to not overwhelm the ‘thing makers’.Providing a specification and protocol that can beeasily implemented to give broad adoption andcommonality is paramount.

That’s why ILS Technology participated in the originalrequest by the Telecommunications IndustryAssociation (TIA) to begin standards work in thespace. We promoted the concept of creating aspecification that would be easy to implement by non-telecom OEMs, as well as a specification that wouldnot be tied to any particular transport technology(wired, 2G, 3G, 4G, satellite, etc.).

To that end, TIA has balloted and will publish aspecification which is vertical- and modality-agnostic,while being simple enough for everyone to implement.The spec, called TR-50 M2M Smart DeviceCommunications, was created with input from avariety of OEMs as well as the OPC Foundation, andis targeted to be less than 30 pages. When published,it will be submitted to the oneM2M partnershipprogramme by TIA for review.

For those who may not be aware, the OPC Foundationis the world's leading community of over 500companies for interoperability solutions based on OPC(Open Platform Connectivity) communicationspecifications for secure, reliable and platform-independent information exchange. OPC technology iswidely used for information integration in industrialautomation and related domains. This powerfulcombination brings the telecom standard writerstogether with the OEM community which will becharged with implementation of the standard.

At the end of the day, the success of standards will bemeasured by industry adoption. In the case of M2M,the adopters will the thousands of thing makers thatare building the connected planet.

M2M Now: How are enterprises who want to bethe consumers of these connected solutionsdealing with the globalisation challenges?

Fred Yentz: From an enterprise customer perspective,we are seeing the need to integrate connected assetswhich may be local or international into the systemsthat enterprises use to manage and optimise theirbusiness. That being said, we see the integration layerof most importance residing high in the stack or at theapplication layer.

The ILS Technology deviceWISE solution is often usedin this exact way: providing a mechanism to connectto assets and sending critical right-time informationthrough a network and ultimately terminating theconnection at the IT application and data centre sideof the enterprise. Integrating the value at theapplication side of the stack allows our platform toterminate different networks and different networktypes into our service, which simplifies the integrationimplementation for the enterprise customer.

M2M Now: What excites you about the future ofM2M and ILS Technology’s role in that future?

Fred Yentz: The more M2M solutions I encounter, themore excited I become about the possibilities of newconnected applications that will change our world. It isgreat to watch business leaders begin to understandthat M2M-enabled solutions can support new revenuestreams, save costs and bring a new level ofcompliance to their business.

At ILS Technology we are seeing the dramatic upwardtrend in qualified customers that know they must havemore than a story around M2M, and are ready tocommission real projects now.

We look forward to working with enterprise customers inan effort to help them address why they should considerM2M and IoT projects to improve their business results.In addition to enterprise customer engagements, wewill continue to build partnerships around criticalroutes to market and customer relationships.Supporting our system integrator, MNO and MVNOpartners with M2M services and tools which are builtto solve tomorrow’s business objectives. We want toput their fear of the unknown and tales of failed M2Mand IoT science projects of the past to rest, and teachthem to leverage robust tools built for the IT industry.

“It is critical that

the M2M

service-layer

specification be

simple enough to

not overwhelm

the ‘thing

makers’.”

Fred Yentz, ILS

Technology

M2M NowJargon Buster

ERP = EnterpriseResource Planning

IoT = Internet of Things

M(V)NO = Mobile(Virtual) Network

Operator

OEM = OriginalEquipment Manufacturer

RoI = Return onInvestment

TALKING HEADS


“A few years ago,” one experienced visitor to theshow tells me, “this event was a box and hardwarestory. Now it’s moving into all sorts of areas likeauthentication, security, even Big Data. It’s not anM2M (machine-to-machine) industry event, it’s aboutverticalised industries, but there are still too manyproprietary boxes.”

It’s well documented that the market is in need ofopen platforms and agreed M2M standards, and this isechoed by Thomas Weisshaupt of BusinessDevelopment Energy Markets at Cinterion, the M2Msegment of Gemalto. “We’re trusted advisers (toutilities). They want to know what open platforms areout there, and how they will benefit – they’re notasking how to deploy smart meters themselves. So,we’re trying to develop open standards throughstandards committees.

“Utilities are now switching from the Mechanical Ageto the Internet Age. We need to raise awareness ofthe Internet of Energy, and to avoid the mistakes ofInternet 1.0 – you can’t run smart grids with cookies,”says Weisshaupt.

The new Cinterion EHS5 module was launched beforethe show by Avnet Embedded, which serves theindustrial market with displays, embedded computinghardware, software, networking and wirelessproducts. The EHS5 is for M2M application providerslooking for product longevity and cost efficiency. Themodule uses the latest HSPA+ baseband developed byIntel for low current consumption. With the sameultra-compact profile as the GPRS BGS2 module, thisnew element of the Cinterion Evolution platformoffers high speed data communication with adownlink speed capable of 7.2 Mbps and uplink of upto 5.76 Mbps.

Proponents of other technologies, however, point outthat cellular links can’t always provide the connectivity,

dedicated service, or repeatable latency necessary forsmart grids, smart meters, smart cities, or even smarthomes. Since Vodafone estimated that only 70% ofUK homes have cellular connectivity at their meterlocation (Carbon Connections Report, July 2009), stepshave been taken to improve indoor mobile coverage.

Take your pick of techOne infrastructure company, Sensus, that offers smartmeters, communication systems, software and servicesfor the electric, gas, and water utilities, says thatoperators have not fully addressed the wider problemsof endpoint battery life, latency, or contention withother public network traffic. According to Sensus, thatfigure of 70% doesn’t even take into account thedifficulty of reaching meters from other utilities, suchas water, which are typically situated under pathwaysand need battery powered communications lastingmore than 10 years without recharge or change out.

Andy Slater, director at Sensus, told M2M Now,“Ireland is now committed to water and gas

Hosting three events under one roof isn’t always a recipe for success, but it workedwell in Amsterdam for the less-than-snappily-titled expo, Metering Billing/CRMEurope, Smart Homes, Transmission & Distribution/Smart Grids Europe. Relax! Nextyear it’s going to be called European Utility Week. It’ll make the name badges smallertoo, says Jeremy Cowan.

AMSTERDAM, OCTOBER 2012:

Smart choices, butintelligent data too

Consumers whohave the abilityto monitor theirenergy use inreal-time canreduce theirelectricityconsumption byas much as 20%.Electric PowerResearchInstitute,reported byTendril

EVENT REVIEW

EVENT REVIEW

KennethToenning,Vestforsyning


(metering) under one authority. There will beadvantages if they look for a WAN solution that cando both at the same time. PLC (power linecommunication) doesn’t do either. Cellular doesn’twork here because of the requirement for a 15-yearbattery life and because the water meter is generallyat the property boundary so out of HAN range. Meshclaims to do both (water and gas) but there are costand technical challenges in getting a low power signalto underground points without a high density of streetmounted equipment.”

“Long-range radio (LRR) has become a popular choicefor smart metering and grid applications whereconnection is required to devices outside the home orthose not able to connect to a power supply like, gasmeters,” Slater reports. He maintains that thediscussion has to evolve from a focus by some on thecommunications systems available today, to how wecan make use intelligently of the data they provide.

For a smart grid, the communications network musthave low and defined latency to ensure traffic canflow securely and with ease. It is also important tohave a dedicated, purpose-built utility-grade networkto give guaranteed network performance (service levelagreements), all of which is difficult for mobilenetworks to provide.

Long Range Radio can support electricity, gas andwater utilities, particularly in urban areas, he says,adding, “LRR is possibly unique in that it can do allthree efficiently, without workarounds. The proof ofthis is where we’ve deployed multi-utility networks inthe USA and Canada.

At Scottish Power the SmartReach trials are provingLRR’s suitability in hard to reach geographies andlocations. (Sensus, Arqiva, BT and Detica are partnersin the UK’s SmartReach smart metering consortium.)“It works in high density Glasgow apartments,” saysSlater, “ in rural Lochwinnoch and to water meters inpits in Reading’. The pilot scheme in Scotland began inJuly 2012 in both areas and we have now installednearly 5,000 meters and we are achieving a 99% firsttime connection rate and 99% read interval success inthe coverage areas.

"Our experience with Thames Water in Reading waswe have a first time connect rate to meters inunderground pits of 99% with an ongoing readinterval success rate of 98%. All of these trial resultsare before any network optimisation work whichwould further improve performance," he adds.

Sensus’ FlexNet LRR system communicates via primaryuse licensed spectrum. It is a dedicated and securetwo-way communications highway that enables wide-area coverage reaching all points in a utility’s service areawithout the need for additional or hybrid networks.

The FlexNet LRR system supports true end-to-end IPv6communication across all platforms – electric, gas,water and lighting control. IPv6 compatibilitytransforms the system from a single-applicationadvanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network to aninteroperable smart grid infrastructure, enablingindustry standard addressing to be used between allendpoints and applications..

The FlexNet LRR system supports true end-to-end IPv6communication across all platforms – electric, gas,water and lighting control. IPv6 compatibilitytransforms the system from a single-applicationadvanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network to aninteroperable smart grid infrastructure, enablingindustry standard addressing to be used between allendpoints and applications.

The next generation of the FlexNet system supportstrue end-to-end IPv6 communication across allplatforms – electric, gas, water and lighting control.IPv6 compatibility transforms the system from a single-application advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)network to an interoperable smart grid infrastructureenabling industry standard addressing to be usedbetween all endpoints and applications.

“Recent projects and smart grid deployments aroundthe globe teach us that energy suppliers have to use abalanced mix of communication technologies toachieve customer loyalty and satisfaction.” So saysAtreya Chaganty, VP Business Strategy & Developmentat Orga Systems. “Essential for a combined use ofPLC, GSM, and radio networks is a fault-tolerantsystem with adequate redundancy, ensuring properfail-over support in case one type of communicationchannel goes down. Thus, strong communicationsnetwork monitoring is critical.”

As most business cases continue to rely on pre-paidmodels, he believes that centralised back-end systemshave to be able to support credit overflow to preventauto shut-off of electricity or gas meters. “Real-timeinformation on consumed energy is key for theprovider, but it also helps consumers to betterunderstand their consumption and allows them totake the right decision, for example, on energysources. Those opportunities, embedded in a complexenvironment and driven by smart apps, change thegame for energy suppliers significantly. “They successfully bridge the gap towards aconnected home with in-home displays and web-based monitoring. Finally,” says Chaganty, “theyenable the launch of a real win-win in regards toresponsible usage of resources, monetisation of

“We specified theoutcome. We

didn’t care if theybicycled around

getting thereadings.”

KennethToenning ,

Vestforsyning

TX claims ‘world’s first’ for itsIPv6-enabled DECT ULE module

RTX, a Danish provider of wireless communications solutions, claimedthe world’s first IPv6-enabled DECT ULE wireless module at BroadbandWorld Forum in Amsterdam in October. The RTX 1050 / 1055 module isdesigned for innovative, low power wireless devices and applications that aim to make theInternet of Things a reality. All devices, from fridges to fire alarms, will eventually beconnected to the internet as well as to cloud services, says RTX.

DECT ULE is the ‘ultra-low energy’ variant of the DECT standard, which uses the 1.9GHzband and reportedly suffers less interference than Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Zigbee that operateat 2.4GHz. It provides connectivity to the internet for battery-powered equipment ormetering applications (such as home automation, healthcare, security systems and smartmetering systems) within a 300 metre range.

Jesper Mailind, president and CEO of RTX, said, “(IPv6) can and should be applied to even the smallest devicesand low power devices with limited processing capabilities should be able to enter into the Internet of Things.”


expensive smart grid infrastructure, customer-centricbusiness models and the freedom of choice in aconnected world.”

Data intelligenceThe theme of intelligent use of data came up again inM2M Now’s discussions with Adrian Tuck, CEO ofColorado’s Tendril, a provider of cloud platforms for‘the Energy Internet’.

Tendril has partnered with Essent NV, the largestenergy company in the Netherlands serving more thantwo million households, to collaborate on a novelsmart energy application crowdsourcing project.

The project uses the Tendril Connect™ cloud platform tolink some of Essent’s smart meter-enabled residentialcustomers with web and mobile application developersfrom around the world. These developers use TendrilConnect APIs (application program interfaces) toaccess rich interval usage data from energy meters andcreate innovative consumer apps for the participants.

Tuck has three observations deriving from the variousstart-ups he has successfully grown: first, you need openstandards; second, the software needs to be simple;and third, the utilities are about to boom in the Internetof Things. “Everyone else is taking the Apple-esqueapproach of beautiful displays and an app for everydevice. We have 400 companies writing apps (for TendrilConnect). We’re the Android of the play,” says Tuck.

Arjan van der Eijk, director of smart energy at Essent,points out, “For consumers, the real value of smartmeters comes not from the meter itself, but frominnovative, compelling applications that use analyticsand other information to turn meter data into arelevant message and action for the consumer.”

So, M2M Now asked, do utilities understand theopportunity and threat of Big Data? “No,” says NeillYoung, Trilliant’s EMEA marketing director,unequivocally. “They’re a long way from that. There’sno thought over whether they need a meter readingevery 30 minutes, because that’s what they’ve always

done. It’s going to create a swamp of data, much of ituseless. And it’ll just raise their communications costs.

“Are we having that conversation? Yes. The response?Some say they know best. Others like British Gas are‘first movers’ and know that they can offer a bettercustomer experience and win more business as a result.”

Utilities, as Young points out, are at the bottom of the‘trust league’. Smart metering is a good way toengage with the customer base. “Today,” he says,“you have no relationship with your energy providerbut smart meters can give you that.”

Energy managementOne utility that has taken a proactive approach tosmart metering is Denmark’s multi-utility,Vestforsyning. The company’s Kenneth Toenning toldM2M Now, “We have 27,000 customers, but only14,000 are having the smart meter installed. Thetemptation is to focus on technology, but it’s data thatgives us value.

“So the EU tender was based on data,” he continues.“How many meters, where, how old, how they wouldbe used, and the quality of reading performance.We’re glad we did it that way, because then there’s noexcuse for the three bidders not to know thespecification. We specified the outcome. We didn’tcare if they bicycled around getting the readings.”

Kamstrup was the successful bidder. Lars BoChristensen, Kamstrup’s divisional director, MeteringSystems, takes up the story. “We switched from PLCbecause of the knowledge we gained over severalyears delivering RF (radio frequency communications)and PLC solutions. The lifetime costs for RF are muchsmaller and PLC systems will always be unstable.”

“We’re giving utilities more information from thegrid,” insists Christensen, “from the substation downto a single household. We’re doing this becausethere’s a big change in grid usage comingthrough more renewable energy, fromsolar panels and windmills.”

JesperMailind,president andCEO of RTX


EVENT REVIEW

Smart grids in EuropeIn the opening session on ‘Latest advances in SmartGrid’ that focused on the UK and Ireland, Sam Cope,senior manager for Policy Development, at Ofgem,the UK energy regulator, said “Energy networks need tobe smarter. Third parties need to be involved, and lowcarbon energy generation must have a higher emphasis.”

Cope feels there’s a lack of clarity around what energydemand will look like in the next 10 years, butconcepts like smart grids and demand-side response(DSR) can help.

Lynne McDonald, Low Carbon Project Manager withinFuture Networks, at the distribution network operator(DNO), UK Power Networks, told the conference,“The UK Renewable Energy Strategy outlines a clearcommitment for an increase in the nation’s use ofrenewable electricity, with the Government setting thetarget for 30% of the UK’s electricity to be generatedfrom renewable energy sources by 2020'.

Onshore wind is an identified and proven technologythat will be a leading contributor to achieve the target;the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)projects that onshore wind could contribute up to 13

gigawatts (GW) by 2020. Currently, the UK has morethan 5 GW of installed onshore wind capacity inoperation. One area of focus that has emerged is therequirement for DNOs to explore innovative technicaland commercial solutions to enable an accelerated andcost-efficient connection of renewable generation, suchas onshore wind, onto the distribution electricity network.”

UK Power Networks has been awarded £6.7 million(€8.3 million) in Ofgem’s (GB’s energy regulator) LowCarbon Networks Fund competition, for the projectFlexible Plug and Play. The project started in January2012 and trials are planned in a 700km2 area in theEast of England, UK. This area has experiencedincreased activity in renewable generation development;existing generation totals 100MW, with 250MW ofrenewable generation capacity at various stages of theplanning process looking to connect.

The project aims to connect anticipated growth inrenewable generation without the need for traditionalnetwork reinforcement by, instead, managing networkconstraints and maximising the network utilisation.The project will achieve this through the integration ofsmart devices, smart applications and smartcommercial arrangements.

Numerous topics were covered at GridComms, a smart grid communicationsinfrastructure event held in London, UK, in October. But, as M2M Now reports,speakers kept returning to the issue of customer confusion.

What do customerswant in a smart home?

Lynne McDonald,UK PowerNetworks:Onshore wind aproventechnology


Cable & Wireless Worldwide (CW&W) and SilverSpring Networks are also reported to be conductingtrials with limited capacity for periods of high output.They want to boost interoperability and commonality,so their communication systems are set up with twofibre backhaul networks. An IP-enabled RF Meshnetwork (with open standard protocol 61850) givesthe network a ‘self-healing’ capability.

This project is also sponsored by the LCN Fund. It willbe installed, tested and commissioned by March 2013,using IP communications and open standards toenhance grid communications skills, learn bestpractice, and improve usage analysis telemetry.

ESB Networks is the licensed operator of theRepublic of Ireland’s electricity distribution system. Itsspokesman, Anthony Walsh, began trenchantly bysaying, “We have no interest in smart grids ortelecoms…. except insofar that they help meet ourgoals of reduced CO2, reduced dependence on fossilfuels and increased competitiveness. Smart Grids arenot an end in themselves – they are a means to an end!”

“We built up a telecom network with a good fibrebackbone of over 2,500km on the transmissionsystem, that’s available to other communicationscompanies, and over 600, microwave radio networkand polling radio sites. The upshot is that ESB is nowconsidering the feasibility of establishing a jointventure company to deploy fibre to the building (FTTB)whose core activity will be the deployment of FTTB toindividual homes or premises in urban Ireland, usingthe ESB electricity overhead and undergroundinfrastructure,” said Walsh.

ESB prefers not to be dependent on complexcommunications systems when local control would besufficient and cheaper, and set up its first self-healingnetwork circuit in Kerry, in a 470km loop that is veryexposed to the elements. This has operatedsuccessfully, and a further 120 such circuits areplanned by 2015. While each recloser has SCADAControl, in the event of a fault supply is restored bypre-programmed actions without the need for localcommunications. This makes the system very resilient –and cheap.

“We’ve also built a trial WiMAX system in Galway –it’s not a symmetric Ethernet solution, but this iscoming. It’s also highly dependent on GPSsynchronisation, so we will use our own existingcommunications system to ensure it is alwayssynchronised," said Walsh.

"Line of sight is not a WiMAX requirement, but wenevertheless found coverage to be good. Moreover, aspart of ESB’s internal communications system it has alevel of resilience and utility control that would not beavailable from a commercial operator.

"In contrast, GPRS can’t be relied on for missioncritical operations; it’s outside utility control. We needour own system as a GPRS crash would be most likelyto happen when there is a power outage,” he added.

ESB also expects that Ireland could be an offshoreWind platform for Europe. Wind generation supply inIreland has already reached almost 50% of night peakdemand in April 2010, which poses stability risks.Demand management will most likely be operated

through consumer broadband. By 2020 nearly 50% ofall electricity in Ireland will be from renewables, theESB man said.

Matthias Grandel, head of Technology & Solutions atE.ON Metering GmbH reported, “By the beginningof 2013 Germany will, belatedly, meet therequirement to provide a CBA (cost benefit analysis ofsmart grid roll-out). The legal framework in Germanyhas been delayed by over one and a half years. Theroll-out is still scheduled to be completed by 2020. Thetechnology is available now, but experts expect that800 German utilities will start the roll-out in 2015.Forty million meters need to be replaced,” he said.

Technical and legal requirements are still unclear, andE.ON is not sure if next year’s CBA will lead to anational roll-out. “We’re talking to European utilitiesto exchange knowledge, so that we can make a quickdecision on vendor technologies when the frameworkis set. Next year is election year so who’s to say if therevised target of early 2013 will be met? But we canlook at countries like France to see if theirtechnologies will fit in Germany,” Grandel added.

US comms infrastructureOne of the largest active smart meter deployments inthe USA, for Central Maine Power, is the installationby Tilson of more than 600,000 meters for CMP’sresidential, commercial, and industrial customers, withsmart meters as much as 30 miles apart across hillsand valleys. In fact, there are many challenges; indoormeters, trees, big buildings, RF Interference, and LTErolling out.

Said Chuck Gerry, director of Utilities, at Tilson (Maine),“Iberdrola Energy’s territory in Maine is confronted bythe challenge of trees. You can’t just lay in repeatersbecause you’d get high latency. But we’re readingwith over 98.5% success rate in (smart) meters now.”

“If we can save truck rolls from the head end, whichcan be 30-40 miles away there’s a large cost saving.You have to pick the right solution for thegeographical area. There’s no one solution; it could beGPRS, mesh, point to multipoint licensed or inlicensed,microwave, DSL, fibre, or cellular.”

Jim Meadows is director of the Smart Meter Project atPacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). He said,“We’re the DNO and retail supplier for half the landmass of California, 181,000 square kilometres. PG&Ehas six million accounts, serving 15 million people. Wehave two networks: one for electricity and one for gas.It was more cost-effective to build two networksbecause of different requirements, with topologiesand so on.

“What did we learn from our SmartMeter™Programme? Ensure that all customer-centric featuresare enabled when the meter is installed — or itbecomes about the new meter!’ said Meadows.

With PG&E’s smart metering, text messages are sent tocustomers if their usage increases and is about to crossinto a new billing level. They can download up to 13months of data. If customers agree to pay a Peak ratefor their aircon from 2-7pm in the hottest part of theday, they get a cheaper rate at other times. PG&E now offers a no-questions opt-out from theSmartMeter™ Programme. “There was uproar in

“ESB expects Irish

wind power to be

an offshore

platform for

Europe.”

- Tony Walsh,

ESB Networks

NandiniBasuthakur,Opower: Givecustomersmeaningfulinformation

California about it being an opt-in system at thestart,” said Meadows. “We were at the heart of itbecause we were the first to roll out smart meters.”

There’s a clearly an art to winning the engagement ofcustomers and not boring them with too much data orthe wrong kind. As Opower’s managing director,EMEA, Nandini Basuthakur, told the conference hercompany has built a customer engagement platformfor 75 utility partners, with 15 million customersbetween them. Opower now has 300 employees andwas named CleanTech Company of the Year 2012,having helped to save 2 TeraWatts of power to date.

If you’re tempted to think that’s easy, think again.Google and Microsoft have both built their own in-house energy data portals, and says Basuthakur, bothhave “retired”, as she puts it. “Customers find energydata boring. We use behavioural science and proactiveinformation to move the conversation away fromkilowatt hours, and turn it into cost savings andproductivity gains.”

“Give customers simple, meaningful, actionableinformation. We give advice on the portal. Customersmust see the savings, such as ‘In the last four monthsyou used 19% less energy’,” she said.

Lisa Magnuson, Silver Spring Networks, continuedthe theme. “Best practice in smart metering meansdelivering benefits to customers immediately; it’sessential to their satisfaction. You need to createmessaging from the customer’s viewpoint, and usemultiple communication channels, such as SMS,YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter, mail, and web portals.Start early and educate them often. Engage third partyadvocates as trusted messengers; teachers, communityleaders, preachers, especially in one-to-one conversations.”

When Silver Spring worked with Oklahoma Gas &Electricity (OGE), said Magnuson, they achieved 98%customer satisfaction, “as a result of great customerengagement. We used community events tocommunicate. We used real people in all advertising, andgained national TV coverage of a small business ownersaving $700 a month through cost-saving measures.”

There are many potential pitfalls in smart meter roll-outs, as Cindy Vershoor, Smart MeteringCommunications Lead at Canada’s BC Hydroreported. Their smart metering programme facedchallenging geography – British Columbia covers anarea as big as France, Belgium and the UK puttogether. “It’s 50% rock and ice in the province, andour grid has enough wire to wrap the world twice.”

Having started in July 2011, the metering programmewas 90% completed by mid October, 2012. BC Hydroupgraded old meters to smart meters, installed ameter communications network, and deployed anautomated data collection system.

“We needed to tell our customers why we had to dothis. So we engaged first with customers, and alsowith police, fire services, and other agencies.”

BC Hydro found that there is a lot of misinformationout there about RF communications, privacy andsecurity, fire safety and high bills. Many customersexpect to be able to select the type of meteringtechnology installed in their homes. The company’s

communications plan was relatively easy to roll out,she said, but some opponents still sawsmart meters asan ‘alien machine’ invading homes. Sometimescustomers insisted their bill was high even thoughrates hadn’t changed.

What do smart grid customers want?“M2M is less than 0.5% of our turnover,” said PeterManolescue, Vodafone, business developmentmanager, Smart City. “However, strategically it’s veryimportant as it’s growing very quickly. We’ve installedover 450,000 smart meters in New Zealand, so wehave considerable experience.”

The market is growing but complex. “By 2020 therewill be 2.3 billion connected home devices worldwide.The biggest smart home market is the US becauseAmericans aren’t afraid of buying, it’s a morehomogeneous market, and homes are bigger withmore places to put stuff.”

The biggest M2M revenue opportunity that Vodafonesees is in remote energy management. But where tostart? With home entertainment, mobile health,security, energy management, multi-screen video,home audio, broadband?

Consumers need a gateway in the home. But how willit connect to other householder devices which arealready connecting by ZigBee, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPRS,and so on? The householder has to decide whatthey’re getting the gateway for.

“In the Netherlands where I live, we have one smartgrid operator saying they do meter reading, nothingelse. Another says they’ll do everything. That confusesthe hell out of us at Vodafone, so what does it do toconsumers?” As Manolescue reminded everyone,“confused markets don’t grow very fast.”

His parting thought was that when IBM arrived in thePC market with MS DOS it created a de facto(operating system) norm. “Even Vodafone can’t investin all of these technologies. So the question remains,what technology do you invest in?”

Roland Meyer, global product manager, Smart Office &Electric Vehicles, Telefonica, sought to answer asimilar question. “M2M is gaining momentum.Connected cars and fleet management are gettingbigger, and connected vending machines andconsumer electronics are growing. Security and e-health are very exciting.

“But what do customers want in a smart home? Theysay Yes to lower energy costs, greater safety, comfortand control, health and care. But No to bells andwhistles or entertainment, which is covered by the set-top box at the moment. “They want better control ofutility expenses. Todays’ bills are delayed, difficult tounderstand, only measure consumption. I now have asmart meter, so what? Well, we’re bringing out a newsystem, the Home Energy Efficiency Solution 1.0,”added Meyer.

The challenges ahead are technology andstandardisation. New wireless technologies are not yetstandardised, they have local ‘flavours’ andincompatibilities. Although cost is no longer thechallenge it was, customer acceptance is: we still needto make it easier to install and operate.”

“We’re bringing

out a new system,

the Home Energy

Efficiency

Solution 1.0”

- Roland Meyer,

Telefonica

“Google ‘Pitch

fork wielding mob’

and you’ll find it’s

about PG&E’s

California smart

meter roll-out.”

- Nandini

Basuthakur,

Opower


EVENT REVIEW

PeterManolescue,Vodafone:M2M isstrategicallyimportant

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SCONNECTIONS

Maingate of Sweden and Germany’s incumbenttelecom network operator, Deutsche Telekom(DT) have announced the launch of a CapEx-freeroll-out of smart metering infrastructure.

M2M Now was invited recently to hear thechallenging background to current smart meteringprojects being described to an invited audience of50 senior executives from utilities, regulators, andothers involved in the delivery of energy and waterservices.

The partners insist that this initiative is unlike otherannouncements of leasing deals offered to energyand water utilities, which they describe as purelyfinancial agreements that fail to address the concernamong utilities that smart meter roll-outs will simplyadd to their Capital Expenditure (CapEx) challenges.

Maingate’s CEO, Baard Eilertsen, said: “Obviouslysmart meter roll-out is something the utilities couldget on the market, there are financial institutionsprepared to lease out the meters, but Maingate

and Deutsche Telekom are talking about the smartinfrastructure roll-out. We take upon ourselves tomake sure that the meter is installed, that we do itCapEx-free, that the communication is up and running,that the in-home device and technology is in place,and we also make sure that this is ‘future-proof’. Nothing in life is free, but you move the investmentfrom upfront CapEx to long-term OpEx. That makesthe business case more valid for the utility. Weactually share the risk of obsolete technology.”

“Take any utility with, say, 1 million meter pointsconnected at £50.00 (€61.00) per meter, plus acommunication module of around £35.00 (€43.00),plus installation at another £30.00 (€37.00) andthat’s around the £120.00 (€148.00) point, andthat’s the low range of capital they have to spendto get the technology out. If you have a millionmeter points that’s £120 million (€148 million).Utilities have an internal interest rate on capital ofaround 8%, so it’s a big financial obligation when they start rolling out these meters,” Eilertsen told M2M Now. “What we’d like to do is lighten that

M2M NowJargon Buster

CapEx = CapitalExpenditure

OpEx = OperationalExpenditure


Energy generation and supply are transforming rapidly. The growth and complexitiesof renewable energy, a range of regulated and deregulating markets, and thetechnological possibilities of smart metering mean that M2M is at the eye of anenergy storm. Into this scene Deutsche Telekom and Maingate of Sweden are nowlaunching a ‘CapEx-free’ smart meter infrastructure roll-out.

Deutsche Telekom and Maingatepartner to promote CapEx-freesmart metering by utilities

SMART METERING

burden and help them fully support the regulations.

Deutsche Telekom (DT) approached Maingatebecause of their strong reputation in Europeansmart metering. Eilertsen said, “We don’t have230,000 employees like Deutsche Telekom but wenow manage 7.7 million energy users. We are aleader in the Nordic smart meter market, with morethan 50% of smart meters in Sweden and now 20-30% of smart meters in Finland.”

The company works with integration partners suchas Cinterion, DT, embriq, E.ON, Kamstrup,Landis & Gyr, logica, Telvent (a SchneiderElectric company), and Ziggy. “All of these have avision of purpose beyond the product. This is aboutmore than just bringing the technology or thebrand to market,” said Eilertsen. “Everyone blamedbanks in the current economic crisis yet surveysshow that banks still have a higher approval ratingthan utilities.

Using the customer data “We have an issue with (utilities’) credibility andreputation. Utilities want to make lives cleaner butnobody listens to them,” he added. So DT andMaingate have asked themselves whether, if theyhave access to real-time customer data, they canuse it in a smart way to see how it can affect otherparts of the utility business. Since utilities will notroll out the necessary smart meters, the partnerscan and will bring the results from the collecteddata to benefit the utility and the customer.

“With smart energy home applications,” Eilertsencontinued, “the smartness is not the meter itself,it’s what you do with the information you’re able tocollect remotely. If we’re able to get this data andturn it into something valuable for the consumerthat’s a typical application I can see built on top of it.

“Visualising energy consumption is going to triggerthe wish in some people for more control, or evenautomation. So you can see applications comingup. For example, you don’t buy electricity anymore, you buy temperature. You can offerconsumers services that are very advanced butmake their lives easier,” he added.

At the joint DT-Maingate presentation in Londonone senior utility representative said baldly, “Iwouldn’t know what to do with all that data. Idon’t want any more data centres.” M2M Now putthis point of view to Eilertsen.

These are not utility services“I agree, because it’s not the utilities that should dothese services,” he said. “They have a veryimportant role to play. They should build theworld’s best infrastructure capable of supplyingconsumers for decades ahead. The retailers should,in a competitive market, deliver the best servicesthey can, in electricity, gas or water. But othercompanies have built their whole offering onserving customers in this market; they need accessto that data to turn it into something valuable. Theycan do it by themselves or, even better, with utilities.”

Eilertsen continued: “We want to lower the barrierto utilities in rolling out smart meters, and we’llbuild jointly developed applications on top of thatinfrastructure. We come from the unregulatedworld – from the consumer-oriented side of theworld – yet we’re co-funding a regulatedinfrastructure. We’re offering services on top likeenergy performance and contracting.”

Speaking to M2M Now after the announcement,Maingate’s deputy CEO, Patrik Bjorkman said,“Utilities only need one data point. Maingate andDeutsche Telekom will pay for four more datapoints and when we collect data from these utilitieswill benefit from balancing, feed-in and generation.”

Eilertsen summed up: “There’s at least a short-termopportunity here to create more value on top ofthis roll-out. It won’t last forever, of course. In theenergy supply industry we’ve spent 100 yearstelling customers to sit back and relax becausewe’ve got this energy provision business covered.Now we’re urgently telling customers to getinterested in their own energy supply. It will take alot to change customer behaviour and they’ll needto see a benefit in doing so.”

The announcement in November has reportedlygenerated interest in Scandinavia, the UK, Italy,Spain and Germany. As Maingate put it, it’s notonly a partnership between Deutsche Telekom andMaingate but also with the utility.


Jürgen Hase, head ofDT’s M2M CompetenceCentre (left) andMaingate CEO, BaardEilertsen at the launch.

“You don’t buy

electricity any

more, you buy

temperature.”

- Baard Eilertsen,

Maingate

(pictured left)

M2M IN AGRICULTURE

“Agriculture may not be the most glamorous M2Mservice sector in today’s heavily populated post-industrial world of the internet, smartphones, andcomputer tablets,’ says Robin Duke-Woolley, CEO,Beecham Research.“ Yet, it is a very large industrywith many sub-sectors. All of the seven billion humanson the planet these days must eat, after all.”

Rising demand for food in today’s global marketplacewill continue to put upward pressure on all food inputcosts. This applies particularly to raw materials andenergy. It will be increasingly important to maximiseproduction efficiency and yield, and to provideefficient machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions thattackle these issues and improve growers’ profit margins.

The following are examples of our partners who aredelivering innovative agricultural M2M solutions.These range from irrigation and copper-wire theft,through weather systems, to crop management andpest control.

CASE STUDY 1: Bat sense Over the centuries, bats have had a raw deal, from themyths of Dracula to the accusation that all bats carryrabies; actually it is less than 1%. Let’s set the recordstraight, with an extract from a New York Timesarticle, The dollars and cents of bats and farming.

Every day, a bat eats as much as its body weight ininsects, many of them harmful to crops. A group ofscientists at Boston University, USA has calculated howmuch more money cotton farmers in Texas wouldspend on pesticides if bats weren’t present. Theanswer ran into the billions of dollars. Fitting wirelessM2M tracking devices to bats, to understand theirforaging patterns, therefore makes economic sense.

CASE STUDY 2: Irrigation management Agricultural irrigators and growers often operate indifficult environments. Implementing bestmanagement practices can be key to minimising wasteand increasing yield, ultimately enhancing profits.

Wyless’s partner, McCrometer has provided ruggedand dependable irrigation management solutions tothe agricultural and turf markets for over 55 years. TheMcCrometer CONNECT™ product line (see Fig 1) wasintroduced to create turn-key wireless remotemonitoring systems with 24/7 capability for irrigationand crop management.

McCrometer CONNECT systems are designed tooperate in even the most remote areas. Systemoptions include satellite, cell and radiocommunications to get the data back to thecustomer’s home or office via the internet, reducingcostly manual data collection.

One McCrometer CONNECT customer located insouthern Utah, USA, reported substantial cost savingsby collecting vital information remotely. The customerdrives or ships cattle to the Arizona Strip for winterrange. One source of water for the cattle is acatchment located near Kanab Point, a remote accesspoint to the Grand Canyon. A one-way trip is roughly110 miles and takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutesby vehicle.

To estimate the costs of a trip one can take the totalmiles and multiply by 75 cents per mile (220 X .75 =$165.00). Next, labour can be calculated at $20.00per hour multiplied by 5.5 hours (20 x 5.5 = $110.00).So, the total estimated cost of a trip to check thewater is $275.00 ($110 + $165.00). In addition to

The range and scale of opportunities in agriculture is already provingvery exciting for his company, says Barry Nay of Wyless, and theseopportunities are only going to get bigger.

CASE STUDIES:

M2M tackles hungrybats, thirsty cattle,grapes and WireRats™

The author, BarryNay is Wyless' CMO.

www.wyless.com


Fitting GPS trackingdevices to the back of

the neck shows fruitbats’ foraging patterns

for harmful insects.

transportation and labour costs, there is the cost ofthe rancher’s time. What could the rancher haveaccomplished had he not been on the road that day?

This example shows the financial benefit of measuringthe water level in a tank using a McCrometerCONNECT field station, solar panel and submersiblelevel sensor.

Whether the need is to monitor flow, soil moisture,weather, water quality, ET (evapotranspiration) orother critical inputs, there is a McCrometer CONNECTsystem to meet the need. The company’s agriculturalirrigation experts listen to specific application needs inorder to offer the best solution for customers and staywithin their budget. (www.mcrometer.com/ag)

CASE STUDY 3:Copper thieves and the WireRat™With increased prices for scrap metal, agriculturalirrigators’ centre pivots are often the target for theft.Thieves frequently steal the pivots and span cable fromirrigation systems. For farmers this not only results inlosses of thousands of dollars in damaged equipment,but a possible loss in crop growth from a lack ofirrigation, depending on when the event occurs.

One company that is meeting and tackling thesechallenges is Net Irrigate LLC. Located inBloomington, Indiana, Net Irrigate is a manufacturer ofWireless Agricultural Irrigation Monitoring (WAIM)technology. The company’s hardware and softwaresolutions are designed to notify irrigators of costly events.

The WireRat™ (Fig 2.) is Net Irrigate’s flagship product.It detects span cable theft on centre pivots and notifiesowners via text message, voice call, or email whenanyone tampers with the pivot’s copper wiring. TheWireRat™ requires no external power and has alreadyled to over a dozen arrests of copper thieves in 2012across the United States.

The WireRat™ has additional functions that helppreventing costly events on the farm. The remotemanagement system also provides GPS monitoring,safety stop alerts and remote shutdown. This caneliminate the risk of growers pumping millions ofgallons of water from their wells over one spot in afield, thereby helping them conserve water and energyand lowering their costs, while contributing to a betterenvironment.

The WAIM system also makes it easier for irrigators tocomply with their allocated water rights by trackingwater usage in near real-time. "Farmers want to makeuse of every possible drop of water on their fields –making sure it's consumed by crops rather thanrunning off into tail water ditches," says EddieDeSalle, general manager for Net Irrigate.

Net Irrigate’s products have been installed at nearly2,000 sites and its technology is designed to workwith all brands of centre pivot and across all irrigationmethods. Depending on the costly event incurred by asystem operator (i.e. wire theft, centre pivotimmobilisation, equipment malfunction), farmersindicate payback typically occurs within the firstseason. (www.netirrigate.com)

CASE STUDY 4: Weather systems Whether it's soybeans, wine grapes or turf, today'sgrowers have moved beyond the days when managingthe effects of weather was a matter of experience,guesswork and hope. Farmers are now alsometeorologists, hydrologists, plant physiologists, soilscientists, entomologists, and environmental scientists.(Not to mention business managers, financial officers,and mechanical engineers!)

Davis Instruments has created a sophisticatedweather system that gives the grower the real-time andhistorical meteorological data he or she needs to growwith the least waste and greatest yield. Then add insensors that provide leaf and soil moisture temperatures,frost warnings and rain values so that the growermakes informed decisions about irrigation, growingdegree days, or spraying schedules. The data is specificto the grower's farm, not to the farm down the roador some spot miles away near the airport. All thisinformation can be remotely managed and controlled.

Joe Valente, vineyard manager for Kautz Farms inLodi, knows the importance of Integrated PestManagement software. “Using the Integrated PestManagement Module (IPM), we follow the degreedays so we are not spraying just to be spraying. Weuse sulphur on a normal rotation to control mildewbut the treatments are dependent on the weather.Pesticides are expensive; some go up to $200 per acre.That’s just for the chemical, so you’ve got to knowwhen and where to use them.”

Shortly after installing his Davis Weather Station withIPM for Grapes Ron Peterson, owner/operator at LaBella Rosa Vineyards, saw a small pest and a slightdiscolouration on the leaves of his vines. Using theIPM’s glossary of disease and pests, Peterson identifiedthe culprit as the Eastern Grape Leafhopper. Thanks tothe treatment guidelines found on IPM, Ron was ableknock down the leafhopper infestation before therewas significant damage to the vine leaves and crop.(www.davisnet.com)

These are excellent examples of the many companieswith whom Wyless is working, and which are seeingthe business benefits of M2M in managing agricultureand the environment. When innovative agricultural M2Msolutions are paired with Wyless’ managed services,lives can be enriched and the environment protected.

“M2M is part of the agricultural revolution.”


Fig 1. McCrometer’sCONNECTTM productsoffer wireless remotemonitoring

Fig 2. The WireRatTM

detects cable theft onremote irrigationsystems

Why pay for physical size, complexity, and hardwarefar beyond your requirements? In the burgeoningworld of M2M, sometimes less is actually more. Theneed for lightweight solutions is real, and has beenapplied in many places; think Windows Mobile,Android and Embedded Linux, or anythingautomotive. Small, simple devices have a viable placewithin M2M technology; using an embedded, real-time operating system (RTOS) to simplify codedevelopment makes it quite feasible.

The strategy to unlock small, hyper-optimised M2Mreflects what’s become the norm in automotiveapplications; here’s what we can learn from their‘micro’ model.

Most of what’s being applied in M2M today comesfrom the world of IT — a world of computer networks,PCs and enterprise servers. When IT people wantdevices or sensors to talk or network together, theyimmediately default to a Windows box or a Linux box.

On a car, however, cost and space are critical issues,and the only hardware you’re allowed to use is whatyou absolutely need. You wouldn’t expect PCcapability in your key fob; why do you need it in yourM2M device?

Fat-free hyper-optimised M2MRather than employ an operating system such as Linuxor Windows, why not open the M2M door to smaller,simpler, lower cost devices with a much smaller, fewer-featured application based on simple microcontrollersand real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS.FreeRTOS is a development platform formicrocontrollers; this tool (which supports 33 differentarchitectures of microcontrollers) and others like it

offer a convenient way to develop firmware,separating hardware-related tasks from the logic ofthe application. In lieu of a PC environment withdrivers and application space and file management, afree RTOS environment is very lean and optimised.

Developers and engineers can leverage such a tool forapplications that need small, simple, low-costmonolithic code going into a device that does exactlywhat you want it to do; no more, no less. In short, it’shyper-optimized.

We see tremendous potential for employing thisstrategy, including applications such as battery-operated sensor monitoring, remote connectivity tomedical equipment and industrial machines, industriallighting control, and irrigation control.

Let’s return to our automotive example: the industryconsumes large quantities of microcontrollers with anextensive range of costs and capabilities. As indicatedearlier, however, for a given device the engineersdesign-in only what they need, and suppliers competeto see who can do the most with the smallestresources. Whether designing an engine controlmodule or an electronic compass, a ‘right sized’microcontroller is available.

Could your M2M opportunity benefit from a smaller,cheaper device? Would owning the design give you acompetitive advantage — and allow you to harvestadditional value?

Optimising M2M RoIIf you’re answering “yes,” it’s time to take a closerlook at how to determine whether or not your M2Minvestment might look better through the lens of“Honey, I shrunk the kids”. Sometimes smaller is better.

If the history of software and operating systems (OS) has revealed one thing it’sthat each generation can be relied on to deliver a successively more complex solution.But if your M2M device performs a simple function, do you really need a fullyfeatured OS? asks Kurt Dykema of Twisthink.

Fat-free hyper-optimisation:

A new strategy forefficient, low cost M2M

The author isKurt Dykemaof Twisthink

The strategy to

unlock small, hyper-

optimised M2M

reflects what’s

become the norm in

automotive

applications


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What are the challenges in asset tracking today oversatellite and terrestrial networks? Is networkagnosticism critical? Does it compromise ease ofcustomisation? And what types of environment areM2M asset control systems now working in?

These are some of the issues that have been raisedwith M2M Now and which we wanted to put tothose at the sharp end of asset tracking.

George Arnott, vice president,Telit Location Services:Despite the economy and the fact that the M2Mmarket is fragmented, we’ve experienced positivegrowth in the GNSS sector and the forecasts for 2013are very exciting. Hardware costs continue to declineand this is accelerating the deployment of numerousconsumer devices. In addition there is a very innovativedevelopment that’s enabling the development of verysmall modules for use in ultra-compact devices. This development is known as 3D-SIP. SIP stands forSystem In a Package and 3D refers to the architecture,i.e. the use of three interconnected substrates. This is abrand new technology and a key feature is the abilityto embed discrete active and passive components inthe package; components that would normally bemounted on the PCB. The result is a dramatic sizereduction, e.g. 4.7 x 4.7 mm in the case of Telit’sSE880, and a significant boost in performance.

3D-SIP is genuine groundbreaking technology. Insteadof selecting a chipset and manufacturing a device,

developers get a fully featured module having a similarfootprint as a chipset. This enables a much faster timeto market.

Dr. Jeff Smith, chief technology officer, NumerexWith terrestrial, specifically cellular networks,monitoring and tracking high-value assets in regionsor areas where cellular coverage is not consistentlyavailable is a major challenge. As an asset may crossmany borders, cellular tracking is often costly due toincurred roaming charges.

Supported technologies may be inconsistent orunavailable in specific regions, making it hard orimpossible to detect and report critical anomalies. Thechallenge with integrating satellite and cellular intothe same application is the ability to have a singleregistration of a hybrid device.

Network agnosticism is critical. It is needed to supportend-to-end M2M solutions for enterprises on a globalscale. As assets cross many borders, visibility must bemaintained. The most available or best network optionmay and often does change from region to region.

Is customisation compromised? For M2M providerssuch as Numerex who provide support for GSM,CDMA and satellite networks it’s not. However, it doesrequire a high degree of flexibility, scalability andexpertise to design, develop and deliver the rightsolution for the appropriate region or enterpriseapplication.

Asset tracking sets some tough challenges for today's M2M communicationsystems. It is a 'given' that communicators have to be dependable, ruggedised andcost-effective. Bob Emmerson talks to a number of hardware manufacturers to findout what OEMs, value-added resellers (VARs), and final solution providers arelooking for.

Follow your assets:no matter where or when


ASSET TRACKING

Bob Emmersonis a freelancewriter coveringmachine-to-machinecommunications

George Arnott,vice president,Telit LocationServices

Dr. Jeff Smith,chief technologyofficer, Numerex

Jenn Markey, director, CorporateMarketing, SkyWave

In today’s business world, havingthe right data at the right time is

crucial. While cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity work well in

urban situations, ourcustomers are demanding

ubiquitous connectivity for a widerange of applications.

Satellite-based M2M services arebecoming more and more important to

organisations operating in key sectors such asoil and gas, mining, shipping, environmental

monitoring, transport, and so on. And driven bycompetition and increased service availability, airtimecosts have become very competitive.

SkyWave satellite terminals use L-Band frequency as itis the most cost-effective choice for many applications.L-Band is easier to process, equipment is lessexpensive, yet meets the increasing demand for richerM2M information. SkyWave enables businesses todrive more data across diverse operations by deliveringup to 10,000 bytes to the device and sending up to6,400 bytes from the device by way of emails,electronic forms and workflow information. The verylow latency of messages transmitted allows assetowners and managers to exchange information in nearreal-time without the cost of expensive positioningaccuracy equipment and dedicated connectivity.

Herbert Blaser, VP Business Marketing, u-bloxAt u-blox we see an increasing adoption of assettracking systems worldwide and this trend extends tothe tracking of people. The main driving forces are:lower logistics costs; better service to customers;increased security; and the falling cost of hardware.

The scope of this opportunity is enormous due to theongoing trend of global sourcing of components usedin manufacturing of automotive, consumer andindustrial goods.

Personal tracking applications are driven by our ageingpopulation and the corresponding increase in cases ofdementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as the desire ofpeople to monitor the location of their children and pets.

Key issues are: compatibility with multiple GNSS systems;operation in areas with poor satellite reception;integrated dead reckoning; and compatibility withmultiple mobile telecommunication standards.

To address all these issues, the company recentlyupgraded its GNSS chips and modules to u-blox 7,which complies with all available GNSS standards aswell as satellite augmentation systems.

Sergio Ramos, CTO, Quake GlobalThe education and adjustment of expectationsbetween the two technologies is a challenge. Satellitehas historically been a bandwidth limited non real-timeservice used for short burst M2M applications.Terrestrial on the other hand is thought of as a highbandwidth instant messaging service.

Bridging that gap between the two is a challenge. AsM2M applications evolve and data needs grow, newsatellite offerings that provide larger data capacitythrough circuit switched services are closing that gap.

Quake is able to provide a number of network optionsand has the ability to combine these options in avariety of ways, solutions which have made QuakeGlobal the leading provider of modems for M2Msatellite communications over the past decade. Quakerecognises the opportunities and the real worldbenefits of providing value-added products andtechnologies to its customers.

The company has demonstrated this over time bymaking in-roads to commit resources in order to alignits business and operations with the M2M industry’smarket trends. As a global provider of cutting edgeM2M communication devices, Quake Global hasaddressed these issues, by rapidly positioning itself in aleadership role in developing first-to-market hardwaresolutions for most major M2M satellite and terrestrialnetworks in the industry.

By providing creative and economically efficient M2Mtelecommunication solutions for all types of users,Quake allows its clients, from small start-ups to largeOEMs, the ability to address complex globalcommunication needs. Additionally, Quake productofferings ensure that its clients are in full control oftheir telecommunication solutions, data collection andasset optimisation which enables its clients to realiseproduct standardisation stability, data optimisation,business growth and robust solutions in an everchanging M2M world.

Alex Rothwell, chief technology officer,MasternautAs technology evolves, developers are faced with anincreasing volume of assets to be tracked; the need toactively manage assets when full visibility and access isnot available; and the challenge of ensuring thatexterior-mounted hardware is durable enough toremain intact.

When operating in very remote locations there is noscope for network exclusivity – the ability to make useof any available signal is essential. We’re seeing a roll-out of the technology across all sectors where mobileassets need to be tracked. There are very fewexceptions.

When it comes to trends we’re seeing that companiesare increasingly looking for a single-stop shop: asupplier that can cover multiple countries, acrossmultiple continents, i.e. operate at an internationallevel. In addition we’re moving away from basiclocation services; far more information is available,including vehicle utilisation, security and the conditionof goods in transit.

The scope is huge. However, there are two prevailingissues: the first being the development of robusthardware; and the second is the challenge ofmaximising the amount of data that can betransmitted, while using as little power as possible.


Jenn Markey,director,CorporateMarketing,SkyWave

Herbert Blaser,VP BusinessMarketing,u-blox

Sergio Ramos,CTO, QuakeGlobal

Alex Rothwell,chief technologyofficer,Masternaut

M2M Jargon Buster

eCAF = embeddedConnectivity Application

Framework

eUICC = embeddedUniversal Integrated

Circuit Card

M2M Now: Telenor Connexion has been in thefield of machine-to-machine (M2M)communications since the late 1990s. How hasthe market developed from your perspective?

Robert Brunbäck: In the early years the market wascharacterised by technology push and embeddedmobile technology and seemed quite complex. Inrecent years though, more emphasis has been placedon the business value and the actual services that canmake a company more competitive.

The development of mobile apps has been one way topackage and visualise services tied to a connectedproduct of some kind. This has made it easier tounderstand, more accessible, and less of a technologyphenomenon with the result that new types ofcompanies and customers are exploring it. In turn, thisis placing new demands on us a service provider.

M2M Now: How will Telenor Connexion meetthese new market demands?

RB: We are in the business of making our customersmore competitive through connected services. Manyof our customers are launching products with lifecyclesof 5-10 years. As the product itself is connected, forexample a car, it also means the connected service canconstantly evolve, hence the connected serviceexperience in a car should always feel up to date.

In a hyper-competitive global market place the lifecycleview is important; we are trying to make it easier forour customers not only to build a connected service toreduce time to market, but also to efficiently manageand operate the service over time. Finally we want tomake sure that the service is flexible enough to evolve,as market needs and technology are changing.

M2M Now: Can you give some examples of howcustomers are evolving?

RB: The car example is quite clear – within a few yearsit has moved from basic safety and breakdownassistance services to multiple services both within andoutside the car. These include navigation with real-time traffic information and weather reports,streaming internet radio and other infotainment

services. Pay-as-you-drive insurance schemes, roadtolls and remote diagnostics to enable proactiveservice bookings are other examples of connectedservices. Additionally, the services are deployed inmore and more countries. Hence, the connectivityneeds and the services around connected products aredrastically changing.

Another example is the home alarm; from being justan SMS transmission in the event of an alarm, it isbecoming a communication hub in the home,remotely opening doors, and steering homeappliances. Of course, more advanced alarm servicescan now be offered, such as real-time views andupdates when your children get home from school.

M2M Now: You mentioned taking a productlifecycle view when working with your customer.Could you explain what that means in practice?

RB: The early stages of solution design are important.Building in security features, optimised for wirelesscommunication is one increasingly important area. Asmore and more products are going online, hackingattempts are likely to increase.

We also support our customers in optimising thecommunication set-up, in order to make it as flexibleas possible and not be locked into a technical orcommercial set-up that is not sustainable over time.Our eCAF service is providing the means tosignificantly reduce development cost andcommunication cost over time, which in turn willmake our customers more competitive.

This also means we take an agnostic approach tocommunication. Our mission is to achieve the mostefficient and high quality communication for thecustomer needs now and in the future, ensuring thatwe stay flexible for future changes in technology(2G/3G/4G issue, eUICC, Wi-Fi, Satellite, etc.) orregulation as well as changing business needs.

As the market evolves over time it is critical to enableflexible business logics – ensuring our customers cantry out new business models to capture new marketsegments and make it easier to consume connectedservices. In a changing world our customers will

Telenor Connexion expands into a wider service offering to fully support the customerproduct life-cycle and ensure future flexibility. Here, Robert Brunbäck describes howTelenor Group’s connected service enabler, is changing to meet new M2M andtelematics market needs.

Telenor Connexion - taking alife-cycle approach to M2M


M2M

Robert Brunbäckis head ofMarket andProductStrategy, TelenorConnexion

constantly evolve and tunetheir go-to-market proposition,which in turn requires newinnovative flexible billing andcharging services on our end.

Taking an end-to-end and holisticapproach helps both us and ourcustomer to identify the criticalrequirements that the solution shouldfulfill from the start and throughout theentire product lifecycle.

M2M Now: There is increasinglystrong competition in the M2M servicesector. What challenges andopportunities do you see for a companylike Telenor Connexion?

RB: Since the late ’90s we have built a strongand global customer base. Many of ourcustomers have been onboard with us for severalyears, and we have seen how connected servicesare changing the way our customers are doingbusiness, launching new products and enteringnew markets.

An increasing focus on service sales on top of pureproduct sales is being spurred on by the products thatare getting connected. However, this development takestime within large, global organisations. The more we getinto, and understand, our customers’ business,production challenges, international ambitions, salesapproach and so on, the more we evolve and can developnew services to support them in the future.

And yes, the market is growing and with it comescompetition. Overall this is just positive, as more and moreconnected services are being deployed it spreads to othersectors and companies across the world. Our mission is tomake it easy to get connected; making sure more companiescan get smarter and more competitive, while alsocontributing to a smarter and more sustainable society.

We will continue to leverage our long experience in theM2M field; in the end it is all about brain power, constantlyevolving our dedicated M2M expertise to build and operatethe smartest solutions, not only now but for manyyears ahead.


"We are in the

business of making

our customers more

competitive through

connected services."

Robert Brunbäck,

Telenor Connexion

INTRODUCING VIDEO

TALKING HEADS………

High quality C-Level video interviews. Key issues and solutions for M2M.Filmed on location around the world. Available to view at www.m2mnow.biz

For more information contact: Cherisse Jameson+44 (0) 1732 897646 • [email protected]

“………. the video was a stunning success with over 460 downloads in2 months. The icing on the cake was working with the staff and video crew

that made this such an enjoyable, stress-free project”.

Debbie Madden, Marketing Manager, JDSU

Even the landscape of Mobile World Congress will look different than it has in the past.While the Mobile World Capital Barcelona remains your host, the event is relocating to anew facility at the Fira Gran Via that is said to be ‘state-of-the-art’.

The mobile ecosystem is expanding at lightning speed,with endless innovation and new applications of mobiletechnology. From contactless payments and augmentedreality to embedded devices and connected cities –mobile technology is changing the landscape.

The impact that mobile communications will have onthe world is limitless, says a

spokesman from theAssociation for the GlobalSystem for Mobilecommunications (GSMA). AtMobile World Congress 2013(February 24-28) you can see:• CEOs from the world’s

most influential companies will share their visions of the mobile landscape, while inspiring attendees in the Thought Leadership Conference

• More than 1,500 of the industry’s leading suppliers of mobile devices, services and technologies will be part of one of the most important Exhibitions of the year

• More than 12,000 application developers will gather for App Planet, looking to be educated, energised, and challenged

• The world’s largest consumer brands will be joining for mPowered Brands, where the GSMA accelerates marketers’ knowledge of mobile as a marketing medium

• The GSMA will recognise the industry’s greatest achievements, new technologies, innovative devices and ideas through the 18th Annual Global Mobile Awards

• This year the organisers expect more than 70,000 senior mobile professionals will network and exchange ideas during the four-day event, any one ofwhich may significantly change the landscape of mobile. The GSMA invites readers to join them in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress 2013 as they explore the New Mobile Horizon.

BARCELONA PREVIEW

MWC 2013 explores 'New Mobile Horizons' at new Barcelona venue


For more details go to:www.gsma.com

DIARY

Mobile World CongressFebruary 25-28, 2013Barcelona, Spainwww.mobileworldcongress.com

M2M World Asiaco-located with the Internet ShowApril 24-25, 2013Suntec, Singaporewww.terrapinn.com

Money Talks -- e-Health May 20, 2013Las Vegas, USAOrganised by M2M Nowhttp://m2mnowevents.com

CommunicAsiaJune 18-21, 2013Marina Bay Sands, Singaporewww.communicasia.com

European Utility Week15-17 October, 2013Amsterdam, Netherlandswww.european-utility-week.com

See the latest events listed online at:

www.m2mnow.biz

Don't forget to add the following events to your organiser. As M2M Now is Official Media Partner for many of these events we look forward to seeing you there.

Event Diary

Co-located with CTIA, organised in associationwith Beecham Research and sponsored byTelit, Wyless and Orga Systems, the event willtake place on May 20, 2013 in Las Vegas.

December 3-6, 2012 Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando, Florida

Everything that can be digital, will beTM Forum's Management World Americas 2012, is the only conference that brings together 1500+ professionals from communications and beyond to brainstorm, debate, share and learn everything you need to succeed in the digital world.

Digital and M2M Service Enablement

Big Data Analytics

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Agile IT and Cloud

Cyber Security

The agenda includes a Cable Summit and five Forumscovering the hottest topics:

New for 2012■ Re-imagined, highly interactive

conference formats – brainstorm,debate, share and learn

■ Workshops and TM Forum Trainingon hot topics, and even more networking time

■ Pecha Kucha Theater – a rapid-fire innovation showcase!

■ The Hub – a networking, discoveryand solution zone with live Catalystdemos and a bustling Expo

Platinum Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

Featuring speakers from these companies and more:

• Alltel Wireless

• AT&T

• BT Global Services

• CellularOne

• Citi Group

• Comcast

• Deutsche Telekom

• MetroPCS

• NET Serviços

• Rogers Communications

• SAS

• Sprint Nextel

FIVE-STAR KEYNOTES & PANELS

Transforming an industry – where do we go from here?

Where are the Big Three putting their money?

The digital services forecast - identifyingthe best trends to bet on

Service providers join forces on M2MExperts weigh in on CTIA’s

Indices ReportAnd more to come!

Learn more and register:www.tmforum.org/mwa12nowPhone: +1 973 944 5100Email: [email protected]

Follow @tmforumorg on Twitter and search #mwa12

Save 15% on a Gold Pass!

Use Code PQYT3E

TAITRONICS REVIEW

Sowingthe seeds of

M2M in TaiwanThough M2M is still in its infancy in Taiwan, there is a strong will from governmentand industry to move forwards quickly. Steve Rogerson reports.

Taiwan has been at the forefront of high-technology industries for decades, but the island off the coast ofsouth-east Asia has moved slowly when it comes to the cloud and M2M technologies. True, individualTaiwanese companies have embraced the technologies involved, Advantech being a good example, but aco-ordinated approach from government has been slow, though is now happening.

Chih-Kang Wang:“It will hopefullyestablish aplatform forinternationalcooperation.”

Shih-Chao Cho:“We fully believein the potentialof the cloud andinternet ofthings.”


This was reflected in October when the annualTaitronics electronics exhibition, now in its 38thyear, was joined by a new show – called Cloud &Internet of Things – to sit alongside BroadbandTaiwan, which has been a sister show to Taitronicsfor five years.

Taiwan seeks collaborationThe fact that Taiwan is very young in all thingscloud-related was illustrated right from the start ofthe event by Chih-Kang Wang, chairman ofTaiwan’s external trade development council,known as Taitra, who expressed the need forinternational collaboration and said that this waswhy the combined show had increasedrepresentation from international visitors and theassociated conference had more internationalspeakers.

“The expanded summit will hopefully unite Taiwan,the Asia-Pacific and Middle East to mutuallypromote cloud applications,” he said. “It willhopefully establish a platform for international co-operation and allow local exhibitors to break intothe emerging market.”

And government support was put into words byShih-Chao Cho, vice minister from Taiwan’sMinistry of Economic Affairs. He said: “We fullybelieve in the potential of the cloud and internet ofthings, and we want to push Taiwan’s industry tothe next level.”

He said that within the next five years there wouldbe NT$14 billion (US$476 million) investment intoresearch and development (R&D) which he believedwould lead to the creation of 50,000 jobs and anannual revenue of NT$1 trillion (US$34 billion) incloud computing.

Part of this was the setting up in November 2010of the Taiwan Cloud Computing Consortium(TCCC), which now has more than 150 membersincluding the three main telecoms operators inTaiwan. But Tzi-Cker Chiueh, the consortium’s viceexecutive secretary, was not kidding himself that

the job to establish Taiwan as a major player wouldbe easy.

Starting from zero“Taiwan’s presence in this space is zeroworldwide,” he said. “We want to change that.We want to enable Taiwan companies to competein worldwide markets. We are trying to bringtogether all the elements to provide completesolutions.”

Another initiative was the establishment of CloudValley in Taipei earlier this year. This building iscurrently providing young companies with an areato display their wares but the plan for phase twonext year will be to use two floors of the buildingto provide incubator facilities for start-upcompanies and follow this in 2014 with a cloudcomputing business park.

“We have strong support from the government,”said George Wang, vice president of TCCC. “Theywant it to follow the Silicon Valley model.”

The building is owned by Chunghwa Telecom,Taiwan’s largest operator, which, unsurprisingly, isone of the leaders in providing M2M services. Itsmain offering is an intelligent transport service,with fleet management being the key element.

“If you have a taxi company with 100 taxis, ourfleet management service will let the operatorknow where the nearest taxi is when someonecalls,” said Shyue-Ching Lu, CT’s chairman andCEO. “We run the biggest fleet managementservice in Taiwan. There are 15,000 vehiclesmanaged by our system, which we have beenoffering for just two years.”

Allen Wang, the country manager for Telit, saidthis was typical of the early M2M applications inTaiwan.

“Most M2M applications in Taiwan are fortelematics,” he said. “But the domestic marketdoes not have the scale compared with the USA

Shyue-Ching Lu (left)and Fu-Kuei Chung fromChunghwa Telecom

Tzi-Cker Chiueh:“Taiwan’spresence in thisspace is zeroworldwide.”

Chia Chi Lee:“This will thengive you aphysical checkwithout havingto go to hospital.



and Europe, so most of our customers here makeproducts for export to Europe and the USA.”

Smart grid services comingChunghwa Telecom is also ready to provide smartgrid services when the island’s power companiesdecide to move on this. “We are paying attentionand are ready for the opportunity,” said Lu. “Thiswill be a phased approach and they have startedsome devices in large enterprises.”

Telit’s Wang added: “The government is trying topush the electricity departments to have smartgrids. Everyone is talking about saving energy andthey need to catch up with this trend. They havedone a project for enterprises, but they now needto push into homes.”

Where the operator has already moved is in linkingwith construction companies to provide digitalhome services for new houses.

Digital home services“These are things like door security and monitoringsystems that can be controlled from mobilehandsets,” said Fu-Kuei Chung, president of CT’sdata communications business group. “There arealready 30 communities using this, ranging in sizefrom 100 to 2,400 houses.”

Taiwan has also made the first steps into telehealthwith 650 remote health-monitoring stationsinstalled in local communities. So far 7,250 peoplehave used the service.

“You use your medical card to identify who youare,” explained Chia Chi Lee from Taiwan’s

Institute for Information Industry. “This willthen give you a physical check without having togo to hospital. The doctors will have set limits onvital signs and this will send an alert if there issomething wrong. These are to be put into smallcommunities.”

A more ambitious M2M application comes fromAnasystem, which has devices for monitoring bothearthquakes and reservoir levels.

“Environmental protection agencies can use ourdata acquisition systems for measuring waterlevels,” said Joyce Yeh, assistant vice president.“Reservoir people use it to monitor water levels,flow and rain. They can set up alert values andwhen the water level reaches that, the user willreceive a message or email.”

The earthquake monitoring system is useful inTaiwan as it will record the full event from the startof the earthquake and provide data. “You canevaluate from the data to see if there has likelybeen any structural damage,” said Yeh.

Despite these early applications, the M2M industryin Taiwan is still in its infancy, but the hope is thatprojects such as Cloud Valley and integrating theearly pioneers into one of the country’s largestelectronics shows will pave the way for greaterachievements.

“The internet of things industry is developing,” saidBrian Lee, deputy executive director of Taitra’sexhibition department. “It is still an emergingindustry. But a lot of money is being invested in thisdirection.”

Allen Wang:“Most M2Mapplications inTaiwan are fortelematics.”

Joyce Yeh:“Environmentalprotectionagencies canuse our dataacquisitionsystems.”

Brian Lee: “It isstill an emergingindustry.”

George Wang:“They want it tofollow the SiliconValley model.”

TAITRONICS REVIEW

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication has beenaround in various forms for many years, but a numberof factors are now coming together in a ‘perfectstorm’ that is changing the way that companies viewM2M projects. Consequently, companies mustconsider the implications of those changes whenbuilding a platform for their M2M projects.

In a recent study conducted by Beecham Research,on behalf of Oracle, the key drivers behind M2Mprojects were seen to be changing. Previously M2Mprojects were used as a means to reduce cost andimprove operational efficiency. Now 75% of thosesurveyed say that enabling new services and revenuestreams are the primary drivers fuelling M2M projects.

The research found that M2M data from remotelylocated assets and devices in the field are increasinglybeing used for strategic decision-making and value-creation throughout the enterprise. The value of datais invariably increased as it is made available to morefunctions across the organisation, and this can result inan increasing need to integrate that data intoEnterprise Resource Planning, Customer RelationshipManagement and analytics systems. Indeed,integration was listed as the number two priority fororganisations implementing M2M solutions.

Moreover, as the value of data increases, so does theneed to secure that data, from the device to the datacentre. So, it’s no surprise that the research identifiedend-to-end security as the number one priority inM2M implementations.

Rising data volumesIt’s the ever-increasing volume of data resulting fromthe sheer number of connected devices that is creatingsome of the biggest challenges, with 85% ofrespondents rating data storage and management as a‘critical’ issue.

This means building systems that minimise storagecosts by compressing data to a fraction of its size.

Systems that manage that data across storage tiers, tobalance cost with the necessary levels of performanceand availability, require what are now becomingmission-critical systems.

Processing at the network edgeWe should not forget the devices themselves, though.As processors become faster and consume less power,more processing of data can be performed closer tothe network edge, on devices and concentrators.

This approach can be used to reduce the amount ofdata transmitted, the frequency of transmission or, theuse of complex event processing technology. It allowsactions to be initiated locally without the need tocommunicate with a central system. Consequently,organisations need to consider carefully what softwareruns on those devices and whether it is capable ofmeeting these evolving needs.

Cloud bringing simplicityNot surprisingly, cloud computing is seen as playing akey role in simplifying M2M deployments and reducingtime to value, with 90% of respondents consideringthe use of cloud computing in M2M projects as ‘vitallyimportant’ to M2M initiatives. M2M cloud platformsmay also go some way to address the concerns ofthose who listed ‘co-ordinating partners in a complexvalue chain’ as one of the top three challenges indelivering M2M projects.

In a world of ‘total connectivity’, where everyone andeverything is connected, the winners will be thosewho have the ability to exploit the value of that dataacross the enterprise and to enable innovation andcompetitive differentiation.

To read the full report, visit: http://bit.ly/TGaakv

A number of factors are changing the way that companies viewM2M projects, writes Oracle’s Philip Croxford, and these areopening up new possibilities with data from connected devices.

Building anM2M platformfor the totallyconnected world

The author isPhilip Croxford,senior director,Global ISV/OEMGo-to-Market,OracleWorldwideAlliances &Channels

RESEARCH


Day 1: A small, white in-home display (IHD) arrives, asrequested and free of charge, from my energyprovider. I unpack it with reverence and plug it in,leaving it on a kitchen worktop where everyone canadmire it and share the joy of tracking and curbing ourenergy consumption. Of course, they will thenautomatically amend their behaviour.

Day 2: The Steering Committee has noticed that asmall part of her kitchen work surface has been invadedand an “ugly plastic box” (I think she’s referring to ournew IHD) is now taking up a precious power socket.Somehow this turns into an opportunity to discuss theshortcomings of our 1970s kitchen. My argumentsthat the 1970s are retro cool get me nowhere.

Day 3: Three children (mine, not random) have beenlined up in front of the energy meter for a bit ofFuture Expected Expenditure Reassignment (FEER).“What’s that?” asks my daughter (14). Interest wanesnoticeably when it turns out the meter is not made byApple®, is not internet-connected and can’t beaccessed from her BlackBerry®.

“It’s called an in-home display, and it shows how muchenergy you’re using. It’s a bit like a smart meter.What’s more, it tells your Mother and me how muchwe’re paying for the energy you use, so that we canall use less.” (My attempt to enlist my better half’ssupport sounds unconvincing, even to me. And it mayhave been a little unfair to paint the children as thevillains of this tale, but my campaign was based onShock and Awe. Sadly, it met the same mixed successas previous Shock & Awe campaigns.)

“It’s not that smart,” declares my 14 year-old arbiter ofall good taste. She’s got a point; it’s made from thinwhite plastic, sits on a moulded cradle, with a trailingblack 2-core cable and appears to have been roundlysmacked with the Ugly Stick. An iMeter it is not.

“What’s a kW?” seems a fair question. I’m relieved itdoesn’t come from No.1 Son (16) who has just wrestleda B-grade from his Physics exams. Even better is tocome with the question, “How much is a kilowatt?”This is from the perceptive youngest, aged 11.

That’s like “why is the sky blue?”, and as I’m an Artsgraduate I treat it with my customary aplomb bychanging the subject and switching the meter to adigital read-out of cost in pounds and pence.

With interest in the meter now at a 3-day high, I

suggest, “I want you to keep an eye on the graph andsee how much energy you’re each using, so that wecan cut our bills,” and here I play my trump card fordealings with today’s ‘yoof’, “and reduce our impacton the environment.”

Children can be literal animals and the youngestinstantly spots the flaw in my carefully honed plan.“So, this shows if I’ve left the telly on, right?”

“Yes, exactly,” I say, sensing the argument is at lastswinging my way.

“Well, if I’m watching the telly in the living room, Ican’t be watching this in the kitchen, can I?” I’m justabout to deal with this insidious criticism, when No.2Son adds, “And how can we save energy by havinganother device that uses electricity?” I’m sure I hear asnigger from the eldest, which I ignore.

“Anyway, it’s very easy, I want you to see if you canreduce your energy consumption. Keep watching thismeter, that’s all. Class dismissed.” I always find that awarm, inclusive approach works best.

Their mother arrives just as the children are sent abouttheir business. “That went well,” I say, but perhapsshe didn’t hear.

Day 7: There’s a whoop coming from the kitchen,which is stifled as I enter. “We just hit a new record,”says the youngest excitedly when I find the three ofthem scrutinising the meter.

“That’s great,” I reply. “How’s that?”

“The immersion heater and kettle just broke theenergy record.” Both Daughter and No.1 Son seem tobe shushing him, but he won’t be deterred. “Wethought the Xbox® and hair dryer would use the mostenergy, but we’ve tried everything now. And I won,”he adds proudly.

So the meter went into a kitchen drawer for a fewdays while I considered how to get the best out of it.And out of them. A few days morphed into a fewmonths until our museum-grade kitchen was given anoverdue overhaul. Then one morning the SteeringCommittee presented me with a familiar bundle ofblack cable and white plastic. “I found this in thedrawer. What do you want to do with it?” she askedpointedly.

Somehow I just knew the answer.

BACK PAGE

Nothingsmartabout mymetering!

Three children

(mine, not random)

have been lined up

in front of the

energy meter for a

bit of Future

Expected

Expenditure

Reassignment

(FEER).

M2M Now’sEditor, JeremyCowan isstruggling withhis own smartmeter rollout.


It’s good to be well connected.Your M2M solution is more than just data connectivity. We understand that.

So we not only built the world’s most advanced global M2M platform, we also built our business upon the most important connections of all – our relationships with our partners, carriers and customers.

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Wyless offers truly uncompromising M2M solutions, delivering worldwide wireless connectivity via the most secure and resilient network infrastructure. We provide unrivaled management tools and empower you with end-to-end managed services, technical expertise and dedicated support.

So connect with the experts and together we’ll take your applications to the next level. You have found your true M2M partner.

We can’t wait to discuss the possibilities.

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M2M Now Jan 2013

Technology

Transcript of M2M Now Jan 2013