M2M : Machine 2 Machine

M2M identify management has/had been a nagging problem in past M2M deployments. How do you guarantee that the remote device you are managing /monitoring is the one you think it is. We had worked on a number of software based solutions – all with a known issues and back doors allowing devices to be spoofed. A sure shot approach to solving this M2M identity management problem would be via embedded hardware solutions or some sophisticated Software solution that prevents malicious users from compromising the system.

Wavecom (The french company that acquired all of Sony-Ericson’s M2M Assets in 05/06) has launched a wireless GPRS modem with embedded SIM cards. The solution here is that since the SIM is burnt into the chipset it would be difficult for a person to steal / swap this out. Seems like a promising solution. This does nto address the needs of people who are looking to retrofit their M2M installations.

By integrating the SIM at the chip level, both customers and operators benefit from a simplified and faster cellular subscription. The robust industrial design ensures proper functioning in harsh climatic conditions which reduces the risk of disconnected devices that are often linked to high-value, time-sensitive transactional data. In addition, with the SIM embedded into the Wavecom Wireless CPU, logistics and management issues associated with the SIM card inventory becomes easier, more cost effective and more secure, thus reducing the risk of potential SIM card theft, especially once it is installed.

The WiSIM answers customer needs from several industrial segments including automotive for toll collect and emergency call applications and the market for automatic meter management (AMM). It will complement all of Wavecom’s existing technology including the Wireless CPU, the Open AT Software Suite, and RDMS (Remote Device Management Services).

Here is a true M2M Application that is being rolled out commercially that will impact you. The application allows users to pay for car insurance based on usage. You pay for as much as you consume – you drive 100 miles you pay insurance for 100 miles – you drive 100,000 miles you pay insurance for 100,000 miles. This is could change the face of the car insurance industry and if widely adopted / deployed on a standardized platform will allow other ancillary products and services to be offered to car drivers – Internet, Yellow Pages, Drive By/Localized Ad’s (won’t we love that), Streaming Music (everyone one wants a radio on the car) and more.

The application (PAYD) as you go is being used by insures in UK/Europe to offer drivers a means to pay for insurance based on actual miles driven. The cars have a built in GPS system that track the movement of the vehicle in real time – where you drive, when you drive and how often you drive (AKA Big Brother). Cool technology concept – but to make it a commercial success it needs to assuage consumer fears about Big Brother is watching.

Quote from the insurance Company
“Pay As You Drive”â„¢ insurance couldn’t be simpler. You pay a fixed monthly fee, plus a variable charge that’s based on your personal driving habits such as when you drive and how far.

• An in-car device (that uses GPS technology) records and transmits your cars journey information to our central computer.
• You receive a monthly bill (itemised billing is an optional service).
• Your premium is based on where, when and how far you drive.

Wireless Data Collection module from Critical Wireless.

I like the pitch of this product – goes right to the area that I am interested in – but the open questions are : Connectivity , reliability and power supply in a remote operating environment. Overall it looks good. If some one does check it out let me know of your results.. Here are some applications of this module..

“Drastically reduce manpower, energy, field service and downtime costs with continuous
access to your remote equipment–wherever it is–from any web browser, wireless device, or
phone. Easy to install and configure, and compatible with a wide range of applications:
Pumps and Tanks
Lift Stations
Generators
Security Systems
Irrigation Equipment
Environmental Monitoring
Flood Warning Systems
Remote Data Acquisition
“

Lantronix have released the XPort® Direct”, an embedded networking device gateway module targeted at applications that need to move commands, status and information over IP networks or the Internet, to or from remote devices.

The XPort® Direct” is a component that is mounted onto a manufacturer’s printed circuit board, enabling “drop-in” network connectivity. According to the company, building upon the ease of use found in the XPort® product family, XPort® Direct” can be quickly integrated into existing or new products with minimal hardware and software engineering investment, a critical factor for most designers.

Telcordia Technologies, Inc., (www.telcordia.com) today announced a strategic alliance with NorBelle, LLC (www.norbelle.com), an international wireless location technology provider, to commercialize and deliver mobile-to-mobile tracking solutions that provide real-time location reporting and significantly improved accuracy in tracking to end users. These applications will be part of the Telcordia(R) Maestro(TM) IMS portfolio delivering product- and hosted-based solutions to wireless carriers globally.

This new and innovative product offering is based on the Telcordia(R) Maestro(TM) IMS portfolio and NorBelle’s flagship product, Cearch(TM), which increases the accuracy and extends the application of location based solutions. Based on sophisticated algorithms developed and patented by NorBelle, it is maximized for handset-to-handset and handset-to-tag transactions. This state-of-the-art GPS and location accuracy enhancement system dynamically allows one wireless device in motion to track and locate any other wireless device in motion with precision.

M2M, Automation, Telemetry, Remote Monitoring, LBS