Mobile machine-to-machine (M2M)

SMS interaction has traditionally been seen as a person-to-person (P2P) or application-to-person (A2P) tool.  However, it is also a powerful channel for mobilizing processes involving machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.  Whilst generally perceived as a tool for communicating using human language, high quality SMS is also capable of transmitting pure data messages for inter-machine communication.

Enterprise SMS is a cost effective and ubiquitous tool for mobilizing processes. Rich information can be easily transmitted to and from devices on the move wherever there is even basic mobile phone coverage. This is vital in scenarios where remote machines may be located in globally dispersed locations, often in areas where mobile data coverage is limited. 

Moreover, the fact that SMS uses standardized telecoms networks means that installation costs are minimized by removing the need to establish costly, fixed-line data connections.

High quality SMS is vital in M2M process mobilization. Business critical processes require a robust communications infrastructure and lost or delayed messages could impact the service provision significantly.

Whether it is updating a dispersed fleet of mobile devices via SMS or enabling the flow of usage or billing information from smart meters, an enterprise SMS gateway can mobilize a broad range of processes, including:

• Mobile device management (MDM) – Managing the updating or status of remote mobile devices via over-the-air (OTA) messaging

• Telematics & M2M – The transmission of data such as billing or status information to or from intelligent devices

Industries such as logistics, financial services, security and surveillance, environmental and public services which operate a dispersed fleet of devices that require regular, two-way information flows can use high quality SMS in process mobilization.

For example, utilities companies with large installed bases of meters can use enterprise SMS to transmit billing information or companies with dispersed workforces can use enterprise SMS to transmit mobile device updates to their employees’ devices.