The Internet of Things (loT) is everywhere and people are using mobile and cloud technology to 
manage their data volumes and connect different devices, machines, appliances and sensors to run businesses better than ever before. And thanks to recent trends in machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, there are many IoT opportunities opening up for communication service providers (CSPs), such as “smart” communications in customer service, logistics, metering, asset management, and urban operations.
Because of their inherent expertise in managing highly scalable networks, CSPs are positioned to take a leadership role in the rapidly evolving M2M market. But managing this efficiently will require a comprehensive architecture and innovative technology solutions that include:
- Mobility. The distribution and consumption model of M2M services will primarily be mobile, so the need for a platform and architecture to securely mobilize the data into consumable consumer and enterprise applications becomes critical. CSPs already have an edge here – they just have to continue to efficiently provide these services and keep customers happy.
- Big Data. Connecting the physical world is creating a data exhaust of incredible volume. With the addition of social channels like Facebook and Twitter, CSPs must manage the challenge of Big Data that comes with unstructured data in addition to the structured data generated by devices, sensors, and machines. CSPs will need to develop ways to convert all this data into information and wisdom. This may require entirely new software platforms, tools, and techniques, such as in-memory analytics, device connectivity, and event-driven execution.
- The cloud. Most M2M solutions, because they need to manage hundreds of millions of devices and petabytes of data, are best deployed in the cloud. This will allow enterprises to more effectively manipulate and understand the knowledge derived from Big Data analysis without the need to build new internal infrastructures. The flexible and scalable processing power available in the cloud will foster innovation and new discoveries in the M2M world. And once again, CSPs have an advantage in this arena as well, as many are already offering these services.
The demand for M2M services is increasing at great speed, making the rapidly changing technology environments sometimes difficult for CSPs to manage. To help them quickly seize these new opportunities, SAP has put together a report entitled, “Beyond Connectivity: A Guidebook for Monetizing M2M in a Changing World.”
The guide is a key resource to help CSPs quickly generate new revenue streams, understand the emerging technology and vendor ecosystem, and develop long-term strategies that will help them maintain competitive advantage. It is full of thought leadership insights, actionable tips, and use cases from industry authorities and innovators, including experts from Deutsch Telecom, Ericsson, and Swisscom on the opportunities that lie ahead.
To learn more on how to monetize M2M services, please download our complimentary guidebook here.