The value proposition of machine-to-machine communications is opening up new opportunities for companies to capitalize on M2M’s market potential by utilizing this technology and the wireless network to manage their assets, protect their supply chain and develop cost saving, revenue producing applications.

In fact, the global mobile M2M market will reach $57 billion by 2014, according to Strategy Analytics (News - Alert). This week, vendors and speakers at the M2M Evolution Conference in Miami will discuss the role of the network platform in M2M applications, how the cloud will play a role in delivering M2M solutions and the increasing variety of M2M- enabled devices.

Before heading down to sunny Florida this week, TMC (News - Alert) CEO Rich Tehrani recently had an opportunity to catch up with Michael Kirk of Cycle30, which is exhibiting at the M2M Evolution Conference this week at ITEXPO (News - Alert) in Miami. Their full exchange follows below:

RT: M2M is like the story of the blind monks and the elephant… so many pieces.  How do you explain M2M to your family and customers? 

MK: The M2M opportunity space is so vast and the solution delivery is so complex with its fragmented value chain; I think the best way to communicate the story is through tangible examples. Sharing a story of how our refrigerator can be monitored in real-time to share data used for preventative maintenance or how your local FedEx truck can more efficiently manage the route to avoid construction, a change in delivery pick-ups, weather or accidents seems to help with understanding how M2M solutions are applied.

RT: How often does it feel like the same audience? What needs to be done to shorten the newcomers’ learning curve?

MK: In many cases, we do see some of the same audiences showing up; however, it’s most due to either one, we’ve not simplified the story for potential customers or vendors to grasp the opportunity and/or two, the speed of change is so great that they’re looking to understand new possibilities.  To help shorten the learning curve, it’s my belief that we must focus on actual solutions and/or applications realized in the marketplace. To date, many of us continue to focus on communicating the complex ecosystem, our specific role in the value chain or even worse… bantering on the actual definition of M2M.  Newcomers need to understand how M2M is applied and the opportunities for solutions – this will get them excited about the possibility and allow them to be more passionate about delivering solutions, even with our current challenges.

RT: We often talk about platforms in M2M. Does this mean we are developing a core of attributes common to every M2M strategy?

MK: Although particular verticals and/or companies have very specific requirement needs, there is clearly a core set of attributes that can and should be defined to delivery common M2M solutions. From connectivity solutions and stacks to operating systems, to cloud services, security, and billing support; we are seeing the need for everything from order to cash to be successful.

RT: Our focus in Miami is on medical and smart grid; what other M2M verticals are important for your company and should be considered for future M2M events?

MK: The healthcare and energy verticals are very progressive and we’re seeing some amazing M2M applications entering the marketplace, so the Miami show will really help showcase the progress occurring in the industry. Other important verticals to stay focused on include: fleet, asset and inventory management, transportation/ telematics, lighting, digital signage, home security and retail.

RT: Often, our lessons are generational-based on our children and the millenials now entering the workforce.  What is the impact of these new users and what is their relevance to M2M?

MK: In my opinion, the millennials will have a profound role in helping with the adoption and development of new and innovative M2M solutions.  This is a group of people who are used to working in collaborative and/or group environments and they will introduce new ways to partner with innovative players to deliver cutting edge applications into the marketplace. In addition, this generation has rarely faced delays in access to information, so considering machine-to-machine communication as a means to accelerating learning or improved business resolution will come very naturally.

RT: Why is M2M Evolution a must-attend communications event?

MK: We’re excited about M2M Evolution as a part of the larger ITEXPO event because it’s such an exciting time in the development of machine-to-machine services. We see suppliers, manufacturers, software developers and network operators all extremely engaged to determine M2M revenue streams in the next few years. Whether you’re in IT services, wireless, Internet, or traditional communications industry, the M2M Evolution event is a great confab of all these groups in a single place talking about the opportunity that lies ahead for all of us.

Want to learn more about M2M technologies? Then be sure to check out the M2M Evolution Conference, collocated with TMC’s ITEXPO East 2012, happening NOW in Miami, FL. The M2M Evolution Conference is for industry professionals interested in capitalizing on a rapidly growing segment of the telecom industry. The M2M Evolution Conference embraces the any-to-any strategy of the Internet today. Co-sponsored by TMC Partner Crossfire Media, it showcases the solutions, and examines the data strategies and technological requirements that enterprises and carriers need to capitalize on a market segment that is estimated to grow to $300 Billion in the year ahead. For more information on registering for the M2M Evolution Conference click here.

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