Nigel Chadwick is chief executive of Stream Technologies, provider of state-ofthe- art, end-to-end wireless network services for connected devices, globally. The company has recently launched IoT-X, a next generation connectivity enablement platform. As Chadwick tells M2M Now, Stream’s IoT-X is enabling network operators and multi-national organisations via creation of a fast
expanding, value enhancing and unique IoT ecosystem spanning multiple wireless connectivity and related technologies.
M2M Now: Stream Technologies has recently launched IoT-X which enables wireless carriers (cellular, satellite, WiFi, low power radio network operators) and large scale organisations to effectively and efficiently manage a diverse range of connectivity solutions. This meets all their present needs whilst also preparing them for future developments in IoT and M2M connectivity. How does IoT-X differ from other types of connectivity enablement platforms?
Nigel Chadwick: IoT-X is unique amongst connectivity enablement platforms. It goes beyond solely connectivity enablement. It facilitates significant value enhancement for mobile network operators because it enables them to move up the value chain and derive highly appealing margins from offering M2M end-to-end solutions as well as superior connectivity options. Importantly, those margins can be significantly larger than those generated by providing basic airtime or connectivity. IoT-X is far more than a service subscription enablement platform because it addresses the needs of operators and large organisations looking for the complete, holistic, connectivity platform.
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One of the key differences with IoT-X is that it’s agnostic in terms of its wireless network management capability. In particular this is important for large organisations that seek a single management and control portal for all their connectivity networks, irrespective of brand or location of deployment. For carriers, the agnostic aspect means simple and easy integration of their
network infrastructure onto the platform.
The vast majority of future IoT connections are going to be across non-cellular – such as WiFi, low power radio and other bearers – rather than traditional cellular operator types of network. That means IoT-X is useful and valuable to both the traditional carriers used for M2M, as well as alternative, new and emerging data transfer infrastructures. IoT-X is very inclusive and they can all participate in a far wider ecosystem of trusted solution providers by adopting IoT-X, which will enable them to connect their customers’ projects across a wide scope of different wireless media.
However, for either operators or large scale organisations to have trust in a provider like Stream is critical. To be successful, solutions previously integrated within the IoT-X ecosystem via the platform will already have demonstrated reliability, efficiency and resilience in terms of operability. These capabilities, together with the connectivity and reporting characteristics inherent within the IoT-X platform, have already been proven through deployment into the market in other parts of the world.
M2M Now: You mention that IoT-X is already in deployment. What sort of organisations and applications are you seeing relying on the platform? Are their particular sweet spots for the proposition?
NC: Stream is experiencing strong demand from mobile network operators for solutions comprising smart meters across utility sectors, asset tracking and other security requirements. Mobile operators and other organisations that seek solutions to
market but face economic and demographic problems in terms of generating sufficient margin from M2M, can engage directly with third party solution providers and OEMs, in the knowledge that the solutions will work with proven connectivity and ready-to-go control and management features on the IoT-X platform.
If a mobile operator decides to adopt the IoT-X platform, the end customer may effectively connect across all the different wireless
technologies from cellular to WiFi and less mainstream options such as ZigBee or satellite. That’s disruptive in itself but only encapsulates part of the value proposition. Additional value is provided by the platform because, as soon as we integrate another operator, that operator becomes both a beneficiary and a contributor to the wireless services integral to IoT-X. We’re fostering a unique and growing IoT ecosystem and, from a platform viewpoint, the more wireless carrier integrations, the more services can be offered, and the more attractive it becomes to all.
M2M Now: IoT-X is evidently far more than a simple connectivity platform. How do you see its true value being delivered across a wide ecosystem of applications and value-added services? Will that be enough to change the economics of supporting M2M and IoT for service providers?
NC: There is a fast growing range of value add services integrated with IoT-X. We believe we have an outstanding connectivity platform providing a single source of integral services.
Stream has developed a complete IoT-X service entity, which offers billing, multiple apps, analytics and enablement tools, uniquely fused with our connectivity enablement platform – in other words a complete IoT ecosystem. The benefit of this is
that it comprises solutions to be chosen according to the individual needs of the operator or large organisation. ARM’s EmbedOS, wot.io’s data exchange service and ThingWorx are just a few of the third party value add integrations.
IoT-X is based on APIs which are quick and efficient and technically non-invasive. Operators seeking fast M2M market entry often seek out the technical and market expertise vested in Stream. Our team can help ensure optimisation of network
services as well as helping networks to deliver high margin solutions. They are fast working out that the higher margin exists in a solutions play rather than connectivity – mhealth, smart metering, utility management and vending solutions in particular
are sectors network operators around the world are pursuing.
The really interesting thing we are doing through APIs is creating a platform that is future-proofed. If an operator chooses Stream, they can integrate their network onto the platform within weeks to a Proof of Concept (PoC) stage. This is a minimal
cost and low risk model to allow network operators to try out IoT-X. And it doesn’t matter what type of connection, the platform is agnostic – very open and it’s very fluid and that’s what captures the imagination and is gaining the attention of networks right now. They don’t want a cookie-cutter, inflexible platform solution. We collaborate with our network customers and can
create bespoke functionality and branding quickly because of our in-house development team. We can roll this out rapidly. Within six weeks we can make live a PoC, at a very attractive price point. There’s no risk, a network operator can get up and running with minimal upfront investment and start to develop their M2M business. We’re seeing a real need and accelerating demand for this.
M2M Now: Can you give an example of how IoT-X could benefit a large organisation, including System Integrators (SIs)?
NC: Large organisations and SI’s are increasingly deploying products and services across a wide range of countries and continents. These include amongst others auto makers, white good manufacturers, smart city infrastructure/solution providers and many others also.
Across geographies there is often a requirement for connectivity by a variety of cellular operators or in some instances a mix of wireless network types. This is particularly the case when different low power radio networks are backhauled over 4G/LTE or satellite, or even Wi-Fi/fixed line. IoT-X can integrate with and manage all these network types and multiple carrier brands, providing a single web portal to view and control.
IoT-X can also overlay multiple types of other platforms, thus effectively offering an elegant solution and easy control interface for large organisations seeking a single view and control solution that also yields multiple connectivity options worldwide. This is an incredibly flexible and valuable platform for such organisations.
M2M Now: Why does Stream have the ability to bring all this together and become the trusted provider of a connectivity platform that brings operators and large enterprises together into a mutually beneficial ecosystem?
NC: Put simply we have unique network operations and IT technical know-how blended with M2M device connectivity expertise. Our technical excellence comprises a unique blend of deep expertise and understanding of wireless network technologies including: network operations and IT of cellular, satellite and low power radio operations and infrastructures. That is coupled with our experience and proven delivery of connectivity across the entire spectrum of M2M solutions and device verticals.
It’s worth emphasising that Stream Technologies is a high-tech company that has immense insight and technical knowledge as far as connectivity for IoT is concerned. We have a strong and focused development team dedicated to the continued development of our IoT-X platform. This is supplemented by experienced network infrastructure specialists and device specialists. We are the only company to operate an IoT TechLab, available for use by not only our customer base, as well as customers of network operators that are adopting our platform. Together this expertise, experience and focus combines to create technologies that are truly unique and leading edge – we believe we are helping shape the future of IoT.
We are now providing network operators and large organisations access to the benefits and value of deploying the IoT-X platform and vertical solutions in their home markets. Our experience means they can deploy with confidence, participating fully in the ecosystem. They can quickly, and with minimal risk and cost, move up the value chain in terms of the margins they can generate from IoT.
