M2M : Machine 2 Machine

VZW is pushing M2M devices aggressively into its portfolio of products. The data pipes are preset they need devices to fill those data pipes and VZW needs to be aggressive in courting these cellular M2M application providers.
Machine-to-machine communication generally involves a wide array of sensors, tracking devices, temperature monitors, and other distinctly non-sexy gizmos. In fact, Tony Lewis, Verizon’s VP of open development, tells Unstrung that the first two devices that have been certified for open use over Verizon’s CDMA wireless network are a storage tank-monitoring device from SupplyNet Communications and a prisoner-tracking electronic ankle bracelet.
This will be followed by a wireless router for the insurance industry and a $69 speech and texting device. Lewis, speaking at the CTIA show last week, noted that this neatly reflected the early devices that are coming up for certification under the open access plans.

Oxford Semiconductor is shipping a Linux-based development kit for its recently-launched ARM9-based SoC (system-on-chip) for machine-to-machine (M2M) messaging applications, including factory automation, POS (point-of-sales), and building management. The DS-OXETHx954 kit comes with Wind River Platform Linux, and trial versions of Wind River and CodeSourcery tools.

Oxford announced its OXETHU954 chip last month. The SoC is based on a 200MHz ARM926EJS processor, with Ethernet, PCI, serial, and optional USB interfaces.

Additional touted Kit features include:

• Support facilities aimed at rapid hardware prototyping
• I2C access to on-board EEPROM
• Real time clock
• Port expander for multiplication of the chip’s standard GPIO capability
• Array of on-board pushbutton switches, LEDs, and header strips
• JTAG support

 Nexus provides a black box that allows you to connect yout device to any of the available networks in the vicinity -  This is another component in your M2M eco system that will allow your users/ devices to connect and report via one of many available network channels. Nexus provides you with the capability to connect to Broadband Cellular, Wi-Fi and WAN networks. 

Here is brief description of the product – Nexus Hawk

The Nexus Hawk device is a state of the art technology that provides clients secure access to public and private wired and wireless networks. The Hawk also provides integrated GPS for applications such as AVL, Geo-Based Dispatch and Navigation. The Hawk provides connectivity to multiple simultaneous WAN paths with user-selectable order for fail over.Company Link

Lantronix a leading developer of hardware and software systems for network enabling remote devices has launched a sponsored portal for its developer community. The portal – http://www.deviceconnection.net/ – is a place where the developer community , var’s can find specialized applications and services for Lantronix Products.  Worth checking out as it matures..

The Link

Kyocera Wireless Corp. has announced the launch of two new compact and cost-effective machine-to-machine modules for CDMA 1xRTT networks. Based on a smaller footprint for more widespread integration, the Kyocera 300 Module provides integrated voice, data and autonomous global positioning system (GPS) capabilities, while the Kyocera 1xD Module debuts as a low cost CDMA data-only module platform for telemetry applications. Leveraging Kyocera’s expertise from its award-winning Kyocera 200 Module, both new modules offer an expanded feature set, improved cost efficiencies and a backwards-compatible software interface for simplified porting.

Available in the 2nd half of 2007, Kyocera Wireless will offer the new modules with outstanding integration tools and services as well as developer’s kits.