M2M is already an advanced market, but much of its potential remains untapped. Solutions are currently available across an increasing number of sectors including security, healthcare and utilities. There’s barely a sector that doesn’t have something to gain from investing in M2M in the coming years and an increasing range of industries are experiencing its value.
M2M is here to stay and there’s no sign of the pace slowing, yet resellers aren’t always making the most of it. In some regards, this is partly due to the lack of information provided to them by technology and telecoms companies. The potential uses of M2M, and various options available, are so extensive that without the support and guidance of technology and telecoms partners, businesses can often find it a struggle to identify the best solution for them. Demystifying telecoms and providing more information for customers is an important step towards better business and a better industry.
Where resellers and providers do communicate, solutions are well-advanced, but the irony is that in an industry focussed on connecting people, it’s a lack of communication that is one of the main obstacles.
The most effective way of doing business is for resellers and providers to work together to understand customer needs. Real value can be gained when a bespoke solution can be tailored to a customer’s specific requirement. With an increasing number of applications for M2M available, what’s needed may vary significantly between one business and the next. As demand for and knowledge of the solutions available have increased, we’re seeing the emergence of an increasing number of niche resellers, catering for specific markets and opportunities. This could be an important step toward customers finding exactly what solution they need.
Over the next twelve to eighteen months, we can expect to see new developments in the market. Perhaps the biggest change will be SMEs realising the possibilities of M2M whereas in the past, it has been considered the preserve of big business. We can also expect to see a big focus on personal tracking which stands to be a massive enabler for a variety of businesses. The M2M market has evolved significantly, but has not yet advanced to its full potential.