During the 2011 ITEXPO West event in Austin, TX on September 13-15, several collocated events will take place covering various important topics in the technology industry. One of these events is the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Evolution conference.

One speaker at this M2M event is GSIS. Glenn Stebbings and Michael Stoll will host a presentation “The Value is Guaranteed! Insuring M2M.” During the presentation, they will speak about a new risk management program which can leverage M2M technology to protect their cargo and ultimately reward freight carriers for excellent performance.

Recently, Michael Stoll, Vice President of Risk Management, Underwriting and Sales Department for GSIS sat down with TMC (News - Alert) to discuss the evolution of the M2M space.

He spoke of the role of M2M in improving efficiency in logistics chains, reducing risk and insurance prices. He also discussed the importance of real-time positioning in supply chains.

In addition to discussing such hot topics as the cloud, HTML and Google (News - Alert) +, Stoll spoke of how these topics will impact the M2M space. He finished the interview by previewing his own presentation at ITEXPO and explaining who would benefit from it and how.

A complete transcript of the interview follows:              

1.            How has your market evolved over the past year and what trends have fueled those changes?

The need for improved efficiency in response to rising operating cost, security, risk and insurance issues has placed more emphasis on use of non-asset based providers in the logistics chain and their emphasis on improving customer service metrics.   M2M is an important factor in meeting this need.

2.            What do you see as the next disruptive force in technology and how will it impact your market or business?    

Real time positioning and communication in all vehicles and containers in the logistics chain will revolutionize response to the growing need for improved efficiencies in security, delivery metrics, cost of risk and insurance.

3.            How has the acceptance and adoption of the cloud model influenced your development cycle and process?  

It has yet to realize full potential in our industry.

4.            What is the most common request you are seeing from your customers? How is your company addressing these demands?   

Instant responsiveness on demand.

5.            There has been talk of Facebook coming into the mobile marketplace with its own devices, and LinkedIn (News - Alert) just rolled out a new HTML5 mobile app. Do you expect we will see a push towards universal solutions or customized mobile devices as we move forward in social media.

Universal solutions will be directed to consumers and innovative players will adapt customized solutions for commercial users.

6.            Besides phone calls, mobile is now sharing bandwidth with video and machines. What do you predict will be the mix of traffic in the future?

Mobile will expand to an all-in-one inclusive device.

7            Will Google+ become bigger than Facebook (News - Alert) and Twitter? Why or why not?

I believe it is likely a new medium will replace all three.

8.            As businesses continue their move toward virtual workforces, how are you meeting the need for increased mobility?  What barriers are keeping others from adopting mobile strategies?

The next generation of platform operating efficiencies will make the virtual server and mobile office a reality.

9.            How do you see the mobile operating system war (iPhone vs. Android (News - Alert) vs. RIM vs. WM7 vs. HTML5) playing out?

The next generation operating platform will enable all-in one mobile devises, virtual servers and the mobile office.

10. Is HTML5 the game changer many predict it will be?

It is one of many tools in the arsenal.

11.          What are you most looking forward to at ITEXPO West  in Austin? What do you see as being the biggest trends at the show?

Showcasing the latest M2 M applications and users will be the focal point of ITEXPO West.

12.          (for speakers)  What issues will you be addressing during your ITEXPO session and why should attendees be sure to attend?

I will be addressing the use of M2M in addressing critical needs in freight logistics, transportation as respects a rapidly changing environments relating to fraud, security, economic, market and regulatory pressure.   We will also discuss the packaging of an improved insurance and risk prevention package, inclusive of a unique coordinated approach to M2M communication, law enforcement & security coordination and insurance.   This approach includes a preferred risk approach to enhanced insurance coverage and pricing.

The M2M Evolution Conference will be collocated with ITEXPO West, the world’s premier IP communications event, to be held Sept. 13-15  at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX.  M2M Evolution will include a series of analyst insight, case studies, and roundtable discussions and will show attendees how to exploit this technology to minimize destruction, fraud and theft across all vertical markets.  Don’t wait. Register now. 

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