Machine-to-machine (M2M) services, which provide remote monitoring and communications between assets connected consumer electronics devices, equipment manufacturers and M2M solution providers, is a rapidly growing market for both network operators and customers building connected vertical applications.

In an effort to provide worldwide customers with a complete platform that will enable M2M solutions, Sierra Wireless along with Verizon Wireless will start co-marketing its comprehensive cloud-based platform, Sierra Wireless (News - Alert) AirVantage Cloud Platform. This platform will be used for developing, deploying and operating the next generation of connected devices and M2M applications.

The Sierra Wireless AirVantage Cloud Platform integrates the Sierra Wireless AirVantage Platform with the Verizon Wireless (News - Alert) M2M Management Center, which allows enterprise customers to connect Verizon certified devices to back-office and field service applications or infrastructure over the secure and reliable Verizon Wireless network.

As a secure cloud platform, the Sierra Wireless AirVantage Platform enables M2M solution providers, system integrators and network operators to rapidly develop, deploy and operate M2M applications and services.

The AirVantage Platform encompasses applications to manage mobile subscriptions, communications devices and their attached assets; a powerful set of M2M application development tools; and an open Web services application programming interface (API).

With the help of the AirVantage Cloud Platform, customers in the automotive, energy, consumer electronics and other sectors will be able to use it to monitor, control and manage wireless subscription services and mobile communication devices through a single, easy-to-use interface.

Apart from simplifying the management of connected devices, software and services, the new AirVantage Cloud Platform also helps in accelerating the development and deployment of M2M applications, as well as lower ongoing operating costs. It also facilitates wireless network operators to extend operational support and application development and management features to their M2M service providers.

Combining Sierra Wireless' global M2M leadership and AirVantage Platform with Verizon Wireless' wireless network and M2M Management Center, the AirVantage Cloud Platform allows users to leverage the same Web services interface to control their connected devices and applications, irrespective of their geographic location.

Customers can directly activate, deactivate, suspend, resume, track the data usage and monitor the connection status of devices operating on the Verizon Wireless network via the AirVantage Subscription Management that will connect to Verizon Wireless' unified Web services interface.

In addition, the AirVantage Platform also provides original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with unique device management capabilities. This will enable the customers to communicate directly with devices in the field through the AirVantage Ready Agent, as well as advanced asset management features and application development tools.

"The combination of Verizon Wireless's network and platform and Sierra Wireless' AirVantage solution will provide a solid business value and functionality, especially to international customers," said Janet Schijns (News - Alert), vice president, business solution services, Verizon Wireless. "With this comprehensive M2M application platform, customers anywhere in the world will be able to use the same Web services interface to control their connected devices and applications."

In the recent news, Sierra Wireless had announced that its AirPrime will power PositiveID's mobile health solution, iglucose, for real-time diabetes management.