Tele2 launched a new platform for companies of all sizes that wish to embrace the potential offered by machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The Sweden-based operator said the IoT Portal brings together a number of applications and tools into a single interface, including a self-service module that will enable customers to access incident reporting as well as planned and unplanned maintenance messages.
"With this portal, we are creating an M2M/IoT application store, where you can choose to include individual tools that can take your business further through the right M2M/IoT solutions," said Rami Avidan, commercial director at Tele2 M2M.
The IoT Portal aims to integrate products and services from different players, and has already announced some of its first partners. For example, cloud-based IoT service provider Telit, Microsoft and IoT platform company ThingWorx have confirmed their participation in the project.
"Many organisations face a digital transformation today. New eco-systems and opportunities are created in all industries like manufacturing, healthcare, facilities and logistics. Shifting income models, business models, societal and national capabilities can and will achieve amazing results," said Richard Lind, CTO of Internet of Things at Microsoft Sweden.
Like most operators, Tele2 is hoping to get a piece of a market that will see a growing volume of connected "things" fuel the need for increased connectivity. Connected cars and connected gadgets and appliances within the home are expected to be among the first markets to see any real traction here.
However, the lack of standards in IoT is expected to become a growing problem as the market expands. For example, a new report from Beecham Research warned that the lack of standardisation in the sector leaves users open to the risk of cyber attack once IoT rollouts accelerate.
Berg Insight recently estimated that the global market for third-party Internet of Things (IoT) platforms will show solid growth in the next few years,. Total IoT platform revenues are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.2 per cent from €450 million ($503 million) in 2014 to €2.4 billion in 2020.
For more:
- see this Tele2 release
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