M2M : Machine 2 Machine

iWOW Connections recently announced the introduction of iWOW M2M Open Protocol (iMOP), an event-driven software engine that offers developers a simple way to automate the communication of data in machine-To-machine (M2M) applications. Embedded atop iWOW’s TR-800 GSM/GPRS modules, iMOP is designed to suit the requirements for applications such as remote monitoring, fleet management and asset tracking.

iMOP aims to replace programming efforts to trigger data sending with user-friendly configurations for wireless reporting, controlling and monitoring. This software stack eliminates the need for an external microcontroller to control data transmission; instead it relies on AT commands to invoke a basic response during predefined events. Profiles of these events and actions can be defined and edited over-the-air through SMS, TCP/IP, GPRS and CSD or directly via the serial port.

iMOP can be configured to send periodic reports, providing realtime information and enabling enterprise managers to make decisions that reduce risks and improve their business processes. An alert in the form of SMS or data packet (via TCP socket or CSD) is sent when a user-defined event occurs. iMOP also enables remote control by executing commands and queries from authenticated incoming SMS and TCP messages.

Looking at Security in the M2M world -
This is a snip from Berg Insight…

Wireless M2M is also increasingly being used for fixed location security, according to Berg’s research. The research firm notes that “a single landline connection between the premises alarm system and the alarm receiving center is no longer deemed sufficient for high security situations.” The use of a secondary wireless link reduces the chance of disruption and makes communication much more reliable, Berg says. Late last year, the UK adopted a European standard for alarm systems (EN 50131) that requires dual signaling in most stores and offices.

Overall, Berg estimates that there will be nearly four million alarm systems connected to wireless networks in Western Europe by 2010

A new SOC that provides a security co processor for M2M system. This allows the offloading for routine networking and security tasks to dedicated co processor and leaves the primary processor to focus on the M2M application.

Infineon Technologies AG has announced a new family of security MCUs targeting the growing market of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication for various applications. M2M applications range from utility monitoring; remote alarm systems; car telematics (for communication between carmakers and owners to signify that an oil change or software updates are required); fleet management in freight forwarding and rental car companies; to vending machines (stocks level checks).

SynapSense offers complete energy efficiency and carbon footprint instrumentation solutions and platforms for the world’s leading enterprises. From the data center to the fab and throughout the enterprise, SynapSense provides a breakthrough wireless instrumentation architecture offering flexibility and sustainability. The company’s solutions can be found in numerous Fortune 500 companies from Wall Street to the Silicon Valley.

The SynapSense solution is comprised of a complete hardware and software solution set that enables a robust sensor net platform and extensive customer applications. The platform boasts a scalable and an extensible software environment for sensor network applications, including system software (operating systems and virtual machines), software synthesis and scaling tools, distributed middleware, and programming languages.

My search continues for products that provide a bundled standalone package of - sensor, power and communication in a stand alone / low maintenance environment. In an ideal deployment the sections on concern in any module are
* Sense - How do I measure the the operation that I am monitoring?
* Power - How do I power this so that it is reliable, long term and low maintenance
* Communicate - How do I communicate this information back.

This combination forms the front end of any M2M application - the piece of hardware/ software that is deployment in the field next to you asset/ process under that is being monitored. In one of my previous posts I pointed out enOcean that provides a packages all the above elements. Another Control Microsystems provides a similar bundle SOLARPack 410, an integrated, ultra low power flow computer for electronic flow measurement (EFM). The SOLARPack 410 features a compact, all-in-one design that integrates a powerful 32-bit flow computer, high accuracy temperature and pressure sensors, ultra low power solar battery system, and wireless Bluetooth communications for quick and easy retrieval of production and transmission data. Designed for use in remote locations where solar is the only power source and access by technicians is limited. The type on sensors on this box are very specific to the metering application but you get the point of a one box end point.
Vendors providing these endpoints will be a critical part of the M2M ecosystem. If these end points are unreliable then the whole value prop of M2M and smart services goes for a toss…