A new industry blueprint from Info-Tech Research Group outlines strategic approaches for IT for retail organizations to leverage Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to optimize operations and enhance customer experiences.

Based on research insights, the firm advises that with rising losses from retail shrink, investing in IoT solutions like smart CCTV and sensors can mitigate risks while boosting profitability. The comprehensive resource will help IT leaders in retail navigate complex integrations and make informed decisions, positioning their organizations for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

Under constant pressure to innovate and outpace competitors, the retail industry faces significant challenges, including high implementation costs, complex integrations, and daunting data management issues. In response to this growing situation in the retail sector, Info-Tech Research Group has released its latest blueprint, Unlock Value-Driven IoT Use Cases to Transform Your Retail Operations, designed to help IT leaders in the industry fully leverage IoT’s potential to streamline operations and boost customer satisfaction. By integrating IoT into their strategies, retailers can not only address immediate challenges but also secure long-term success and maximize ROI.

“The connected technology that has enabled the Internet of Things (IoT) has deep roots. Starting in the 1990s with the release of the internet into the public domain and continuing with public Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi routers, cloud computing, beacon technology, and cheap, massive storage capabilities, decades of technology advances have laid the groundwork for today’s emerging technologies,” says Donnafay MacDonald, research director at Info-Tech Research Group.

“IoT itself is not new and has been around since 1999, but it is a growing technology with massive value for retailers.”

Info-Tech’s recently published industry resource emphasizes that IoT is a key element of strategic initiatives and will enable retailers to gain real-time access to critical data across their operations. However, the firm cautions that determining the feasibility of implementing and integrating IoT technology in retail presents a complex challenge. While organizations are eager to leverage IoT and explore how other industry leaders are enhancing the customer experience, they are equally focused on minimizing long-term costs. Info-Tech’s blueprint explains how, by carefully evaluating IoT use cases, retailers can achieve a balance between innovation and cost-effectiveness, driving sustainable growth.

“CIOs today are looking for ways to balance innovation with operational efficiency and modernize legacy systems on reduced budgets,” explains MacDonald. “There are cost-effective opportunities for retailers to implement IoT that can provide a substantial and sustainable return on investment (ROI) around data, optimizations, and cost savings.”

Unlock Value-Driven IoT Use Cases to Transform Your Retail Operations reveals that organizations proactively investing in IoT technologies are positioning themselves at the forefront of the industry. By harnessing IoT devices that continuously collect vast amounts of data across connected networks, organizations can transform this information into actionable insights. This strategic application not only boosts profitability but also empowers organizations to effectively address a wide range of business challenges, paving the way for sustained growth and enhanced customer satisfaction.

In the blueprint, Info-Tech outlines a comprehensive framework for achieving seamless interoperability between multiple IoT systems, offering clear strategies to maximize the value of connected devices. Key aspects of the framework include:

Governance: Guides decision-making on IoT implementation, covering data models, business use cases, and ethical considerations.
Controls: Provide a structured approach for securing IoT operations, focusing on security measures, compliance, and operational standards.
Bridging Physical and Virtual Worlds: Details how physical devices interact with virtual systems through data normalization, ensuring insights are effectively used to drive operations and decision-making.

Info-Tech’s resource equips IT leaders in the retail industry with the tools and insights needed to adopt IoT technologies, ensuring they stay competitive in today’s dynamic marketplace. The firm highlights how retailers are increasingly investing in loss prevention strategies, with IoT solutions like smart CCTV, sensors, and product tags playing a pivotal role in reducing financial losses through enhanced security and operational control. This data-driven blueprint will enable retailers to foster innovation, improve efficiency, and elevate customer experiences, ultimately leading to sustainable growth and success.

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In this exclusive interview, Ronald Totton, CEO of KORE, shares his insights into the rapidly evolving Internet of Things (IoT) market and KORE’s strategic vision for shaping its future.

From the rise of edge computing and AI to overcoming connectivity and security challenges, Ronald Totton outlines the key trends and innovations driving IoT’s next wave of growth.

IoT Business News: What is the status of the IoT industry?

Ronald Totton: The IoT industry is at an exciting inflection point. What began as a focus on connecting individual devices has evolved into creating vast, intelligent ecosystems that touch every industry—from smart cities and healthcare to manufacturing and logistics. While the potential is enormous, one of the biggest challenges is fragmentation within the ecosystem. Multiple platforms, networks, and standards are making it more complex for businesses to deploy and scale their IoT solutions. Companies are realizing that navigating this complexity requires a strong partner—particularly systems integrators—to ensure interoperability, scalability, and, most importantly, security. As we move forward, the focus will increasingly be on simplifying these ecosystems to unlock IoT’s full potential.

What are recent innovations making the biggest impact on the IoT industry?

Edge computing and AI are driving major changes in IoT. Edge computing allows data to be processed closer to the assets, enabling faster responses—ideal for applications like autonomous vehicles and smart factories. AI, on the other hand, enhances IoT efficiency by analyzing data in real-time and predicting issues before they occur. Together, these innovations simplify IoT adoption and unlock new possibilities for automation and optimization.

How have and will companies overcome security challenges involved in IoT?

Security is always a top concern with IoT, and it’s not surprising when you think about the vast number of connected devices and networks. Companies are tackling this by embedding encryption into every layer of the system, adopting secure hardware, and implementing zero-trust models. Regular updates ensure devices are protected against new threats. As IoT ecosystems grow more complex, working with a systems integrator that prioritizes security is becoming increasingly critical.

How will the new eSIM standard impact the industry?

The new SGP.32 standard is a game-changer for IoT as a whole. It improves how eSIMs (embedded SIMs) work by making it easier for devices to switch between mobile networks without swapping physical SIM cards. This is a huge win for industries like smart cars and logistics, where reliable connectivity is key. For example, connected cars can seamlessly roam across different countries without losing connection, and logistics companies can track packages more accurately worldwide. Overall, SGP.32 boosts flexibility, reduces costs, and enhances connectivity, paving the way for smoother global IoT deployments.

What are companies not understanding about connectivity?

Companies still think of connectivity as something as simple as just flipping a switch to get a device online. However, under the surface it’s much more complex than that. It’s not only about getting a device online, but also about making sure that data is properly captured and can move securely across multiple networks. As this data travels, many underestimate the difficulties of ensuring a smooth transition often spanning different technologies, regions, regulatory requirements, data translation and delivery – to properly manage this requires deep expertise.

What’s impacting adoption and/or advancing IoT?

Several factors are influencing the adoption and advancement of IoT. On the positive side, technological innovations like 5G, AI, and edge computing are making IoT more appealing by providing the speed, intelligence, and processing power necessary for real-time data analysis. These advancements are allowing businesses to harness the full potential of IoT in ways that were not possible just a few years ago.

However, there are still hurdles. The complexity of integrating various sensors, networks, and platforms remains a challenge, especially for businesses without deep technical expertise. Additionally, security concerns remain a significant barrier, as each connected device represents a potential entry point for cyber threats. To overcome these challenges, companies need clear strategies, strong partnerships, and scalable solutions that prioritize security from day one.

What vertical markets are growing the fastest and the slowest?

Healthcare and industrial IoT (IIoT) are currently among the fastest-growing verticals in the IoT space. In healthcare, the demand for telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and connected medical devices has surged, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic. IoT is transforming how healthcare is delivered, enabling real-time data monitoring and improved patient outcomes. Similarly, IIoT is driving significant changes in manufacturing, where automation, predictive maintenance, and smart factories are enhancing efficiency, reducing downtime, and lowering costs.

On the slower end, industries like agriculture and retail are adopting IoT at a more gradual pace. In agriculture, legacy infrastructure and the challenge of justifying upfront costs for IoT solutions have slowed adoption, although precision farming and connected equipment are showing promise. Retail is also lagging slightly due to the difficulty in justifying large-scale IoT investments, especially when compared to other verticals. However, as the benefits of IoT in areas like supply chain management and customer experience become clearer, these sectors are likely to see more significant growth in the coming years.

What is your forecast for the industry in 2025?

By 2025, IoT will have firmly established itself as a critical technology across industries, with billions of devices in operation. We’ll see significant growth in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation, where IoT will revolutionize everything from patient monitoring and predictive maintenance to supply chain optimization. Technologies like AI and edge computing will become deeply embedded within IoT ecosystems, enhancing real-time decision-making and automation.

However, with this growth comes complexity. The sheer number of devices, platforms, and connectivity standards will expand, so businesses must focus on flexibility and scalability from the outset. Systems integrators will play a vital role in managing these complex ecosystems, ensuring seamless integration and secure operations. Overall, IoT will not only drive operational efficiencies but also create entirely new business models and revenue streams, transforming how industries operate and interact with the world.

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Iridium Communications Inc., a leading provider of global voice and data satellite communications, today announced its collaboration with Nordic Semiconductor for early integration of its Iridium NTN Direct℠ service into Nordic’s LTE-M/NB-IoT modules and chipsets.

Nordic Semiconductor is a global leader in low power wireless connectivity solutions including cellular IoT (LTE-M, NB-IoT), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, and Thread and is trusted by world leading brands across the consumer, industrial, and healthcare segments. Nordic’s complete cellular IoT solutions are ideally suited for connected devices for global tracking, utility metering and industrial remote monitoring and control.

Iridium NTN Direct is planned to be the world’s first truly global NB-IoT service. The product of Iridium’s Project Stardust initiative, Iridium is developing this capability in coordination with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project’s (3GPP) recent decision to accept Iridium enabling enhancements in its next release. This would allow Iridium’s satellite service to be accessible by any device with a 3GPP release 19 compliant chipset. Nordic plans to incorporate the Iridium NTN Direct service’s truly global communication capability as part of its 3GPP release 19 NTN roadmap, taking advantage of the established reliability and experience of the Iridium® network.

“Nordic Semiconductor is an industry leader that continues to be at the forefront of innovation with its low power LTE-M and NB-IoT modules and chipsets,” said Bryan Hartin, executive vice president, Iridium.

“The integration of Iridium NTN Direct into its modules and chipsets marks a new chapter in Nordic’s storied history and will create a universe of consumer and industrial devices with the capability to stay connected from anywhere on earth. We look forward to working with Nordic Semiconductor and them bringing both their chipset- and device-side experience to the Iridium ecosystem.”

“Iridium is a global leader in satellite communications,” said Oyvind Birkenes, executive vice present for the Long Range BU at Nordic Semiconductor. “It is exciting that Iridium is taking the step to enable low-cost, 3GPP-standard NB-IoT modules and chipsets like Nordic’s nRF9151 to connect to its network of satellites. This helps bring the vision of universal connectivity for global and massive IoT to life.”

The Iridium network is ideal for D2D and NB-IoT services with its truly global coverage, weather-resilient, globally coordinated spectrum, and history of providing safety of life services with the highest reliability. 3GPP Release 19 is expected to be formally completed by the end of 2025. Iridium will share more information about Iridium NTN Direct at Mobile World Congress Las Vegas’s NTN Summit on Wednesday October 9, 2024.

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Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global IoT solutions provider, is pleased to announce the launch of the Quectel BG770A-SN ultra-compact 5G-ready satellite communication module.

Compliant with 3GPP Releases 13, 14 and 17, the module supports the LTE NB1 and NB2 bands as well as non-terrestrial networks (NTN) over narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT). Ultra-low power consumption helps minimize energy usage and is achieved through enabling Power Saving Mode (PSM) and extended idle mode Discontinuous Reception (e-I-DRX).

Ideal for a broad range of applications including transportation, energy, maritime, heavy industry and agricultural applications, the module is dual mode, supporting both NTN & TN and featuring GNSS for positioning functionality. The module also supports iSIM.

Norbert Muhrer, President and CSO, Quectel Wireless Solutions said:

“We’re delighted to unveil the Quectel BG770A-SN ultra-compact 5G-ready satellite communication module.”

“This module meets the needs of size-constrained, global use cases that demand the comprehensive coverage that satellite connectivity provides. Combining those attributes with low power consumption and robust security makes the module applicable to a wide range of use cases from POS to trackers and wearables. We’re proud to have combined cutting edge 5G and NTN capability in such a powerful, yet ultra-compact module.”

With the highly compact SMT form factor of 14.9mm x 12.9mm x 1.9mm, the Quectel BG770A-SN is ideally suited for use cases such as wireless point of sale devices (POS), smart metering, tracking and wearable devices. Designed for use in global markets, the module offers worldwide coverage utilizing the GEO satellite constellation. In addition, the module offers the Integrated Security Elements (ISE) feature which supports comprehensive security. Robustness is assured with module operating in an extended temperature range from -40°C to +85 °C.

Further benefits include the BG770A-SN’s super-slim profile in an LGA package and its rich set of interfaces. The module also supports download of firmware over the air (DFOTA) and offers rapid time to market thanks to a wide library of reference designs, evaluation tools and Quectel’s timely technical support. Combined, these help to minimize time and effort spent on device design and development.

In addition, the YECN028AA antenna is dedicated antenna, developed specifically for the BG770A-SN and is an external 5G/NTN antenna that covers 5G NR Sub-6GHz frequency bands, compatible with 4G/3G/2G/LPWA bands and NTN bands. With its high efficiency and gain, this omni-directional antenna provides an ideal solution for ensuring reliable high-speed data transmission.

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Fibocom, a global leading provider of IoT (Internet of Things) wireless solutions and wireless communication modules, unveils a pioneering AI-powered FWA solution based on Snapdragon® X75 5G Modem-RF System during Network X 2024.

The solution aims to simplify configuration, enhance user experience and foster service personalization. The integration of AI into the 5G FWA devices significantly revolutionizes the user interaction with end devices and improves experience.

Key takeaways:

The cutting-edge 5G AI FWA solution activates the generated AI voice/text interaction and visual presentation on 5G CPE devices by deploying AI agent and an AI-related algorithm on Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System.

Leveraging Fibocom’s pre-research and technical evaluation expertise to ensure the success of deploying edge AI models on the FWA platform.

The FWA solution supports AI models leveraging the computing resource capacity of the Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System’s multi-core CPU architecture.

The AI-powered 5G FWA device integrates Large Language Models (LLM)/Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)/Text-to-Speech (TTS) from both edge devices and the cloud, allowing flexible resource allocation judged by various computation requirements in different scenarios, advancing the capabilities of 5G FWA devices as well as opening new possibilities to 5G home internet scenarios.

The solution empowers global carriers to propel 5G home internet subscription by fueling intelligent design to FWA devices, developing a futuristic “Home Hub” for seamless connectivity and evolutionary productivity.

The 5G AI FWA solution is designed to utilize AI intelligence to understand and respond to users’ requests and streamline task management processes through voice input or text messages to OpenAI’s Whisper service, or the conversations can be realized through the web interface. Offering a seamless, intuitive communication system, significantly expands the CPE capability and improves user experience. The AI-powered FWA solution also extends its intelligence to network optimization, latency reduction to meet customer satisfaction, serving as a hub for unified task management.

Fibocom offers a comprehensive of module lineups powered by the Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System, including FG190W-NA, FM190(W)-GL, supporting mmWave and Sub-6GHz dual-connectivity and delivering maximum 10Gigabits downlink speed under NR 10CA with up to 1000MHz bandwidth. Additionally, in conjunction with the latest Wi-Fi 7/6 technologies and Matter standard, Fibocom has successfully deployed the innovative 5G FWA solutions to the world’s tier-1 carrier use cases in scenarios such as in-home connectivity, SMBs (Small-Medium Businesses), etc.

“Fibocom has continuously put investment on NEW Key value points on FWA to build a more advanced 5G experience in HOME scenario, our team commitment to leverage globally FWA module delivery experience and cutting-edge AI capability to extend 5G AI CPE capability and foster future-proof FWA demo enabling a SMARTER world while ensuring Gigabit access speed and reliability.” said Simon Tao, VP of Product Management Dept., Head of MBB BU at Fibocom.

“The approach to integrating AI into FWA solutions is multifaceted, focusing on enhancing user experience and operational efficiency, and the CPE is like an AI-powered digital assistant capable of replacing redundant apps, thereby ensuring smooth configuration. Looking ahead, we’re confident in having that intelligence implemented in the near future.”

“We are pleased to work closely with Fibocom on their latest 5G FWA solution bringing exciting new AI capabilities,” said Gautam Sheoran, Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Broadband and Communications, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

“By integrating our Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System, this offering enables 5G carriers to provide improved performance, reliability, and user experience and underscores our commitment to a more connected and intelligent future.”

The post Fibocom Unveils Pioneering 5G AI FWA Solution Based on Snapdragon® X75 5G Modem-RF System at Network X 2024 appeared first on IoT Business News.

Fibocom, a leading global provider of IoT (Internet of Things) wireless solutions and wireless communication modules, demonstrated the cutting-edge 5G AI FWA solution and a rich set of innovative module solutions at Network X 2024, the premier event for international fixed-line and mobile communities.

Highlighting its robust international capabilities, Fibocom showcased its latest innovations in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology, addressing the growing demand for advanced connectivity solutions across diverse markets.

AI Empowers Next-Generation 5G FWA

On the opening day of Network X 2024, Fibocom introduced a groundbreaking AI-powered FWA solution built on the Snapdragon® X75 5G Modem-RF System. By integrating AI into 5G FWA devices, Fibocom transforms the users’ interaction with end devices, delivering a significantly improved and more intuitive experience.

FIBO X Innovations Driving Global Connectivity

Fibocom’s on-site showcase highlighted the practical applications of its FWA Lite and FWA Pro solutions, first introduced at MWC Barcelona 2024, which reflects Fibocom’s technical expertise in delivering scalable solutions tailored to diverse needs.

In its FWA Pro portfolio, Fibocom presented a range of 5G modules, including the FX190(A/W), FX180(W), FX170, FG370, and FG360, alongside integrated solutions. These innovations support the deployment of Customer Premises Equipment (CPEs), Outdoor Units (ODUs), and Mobile Hotspots, offering Wi-Fi capabilities ranging from AX3000 to BE19000. Notably, the FG370/FG360-embedded ODU is equipped with an Ultra High Gain Antenna, delivering up to 15-19 dBi of gain.

For FWA Lite, Fibocom showcased its 5G RedCap modules, including the FG332, FG131, and FG132. These compact modules can be integrated into mobile hotspot devices and Dongles easily. Especially, the dongle can enable hybrid connections that switch between 5G RedCap and the wired network. This boosts coverage, flexibility, and data speeds while reducing latency.

During this special occasion, Fibocom unveiled its latest innovation portfolio, FIBOX, featuring FIBO-Link, FIBO OFLD (offload), and FIBOxOS (e.g. RDK-B, prpl OS, etc). The FIBOX collaboration integrates state-of-the-art hardware and software, highlighting Fibocom’s capability to deliver seamless, end-to-end connectivity. It underscores Fibocom’s technological leadership, enabling advanced applications across industries and driving new use cases in the evolving FWA landscape.

Commitment to Global Strategy

As Fibocom’s core strategy, the global operation enables its success in delivering high-quality FWA solutions worldwide. Fibocom promises local support worldwide for clients to integrate and deploy their solutions seamlessly. Meanwhile, Fibocom has built a reputation for achieving strong recognition from Tier 1 carriers worldwide, further solidifying its position as a trusted provider of wireless communication solutions. Furthermore, the established robust global manufacturing footprint, allows Fibocom to meet regional requirements with located mature production facilities.

This global reach not only enhances Fibocom’s ability to deliver high-performance solutions but also enables faster time-to-market and lower deployment costs for its customers.

Fibocom’s presence at the event underscored its commitment to driving the future of connectivity through both technological innovation and operational excellence. The Network X 2024 is still underway in Paris. Visitors are welcome to explore Fibocom’s latest innovations at Booth #D1.

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Building secure cloud highways for autonomous vehicles

Soracom, Inc., a connectivity solution that offers a global IoT platform with full MVNO capability, today announced its global strategy for the connected car industry by addressing connectivity and cloud management challenges faced in the journey to put more connected cars on the road.

The company hopes to empower its automotive customers with the flexibility and freedom of choice to decide how they want to roll out connected car services. With experience supporting secure, cloud-native, global-scale cellular IoT connectivity, Soracom can play an important role in helping the connected car ecosystem manage a simple, secure, and scalable highway to the cloud.

The connected car ecosystem has encountered roadblocks raised by the numerous backend processes and relationships automakers, dealerships, connectivity providers, and consumers must navigate to bring connected cars up to speed. These challenges include the process of activating and managing SIM profiles on end devices; supporting flexibility in establishing and managing connectivity at the local level; ensuring end-to-end security; and efficiently integrating with connected car clouds to support the various features and infotainment content waiting to be unlocked.

These obstacles mirror those faced by the global IoT ecosystem, where Soracom’s cost-effective, cloud-native cellular core supports global multicarrier coverage, private fiber peering, VPNs, and integration with various cloud services without the need for SDKs.

“The connected car journey has been like a long family road trip, with the kids continually asking, ‘Are we there yet?’ The good news is we are almost there – but for connected car services to succeed, the process of enabling them needs to be simple, secure, and scalable – for automakers, for dealerships, for connectivity providers, and most of all, for consumers,” said Kenta Yasukawa, Ph.D., CTO and co-founder of Soracom, Inc.

Since 2015, Soracom has grown beyond a mere MVNO by providing a full infrastructure approach for connected carriers that is:

Simple. Soracom offers a software-based, globally distributed infrastructure through Amazon Web Services that provides a direct link from the connected car to the cloud through its cloud-native cellular core and an on-demand virtual private gateway. As an MVNO, Soracom is a major provider of both SIM cards and eSIMs, the embedded SIM chips that will likely be deployed in the next generation connected cars.
Secure. Soracom’s cloud-native, cloud-agnostic cellular core and virtual private gateway tool mean that connected vehicles won’t have to operate on the public Internet when communicating with their backend systems, keeping network hops and data exposure to a minimum. Unlike a traditional private APN that takes months to set up and comes with operational burdens, Soracom users can set up their own fully managed virtual private gateway in a matter of minutes.
Scalable. Soracom’s ability to serve IoT customers worldwide allows it to support the connected car market with a connectivity platform offering access to 417 carriers across 182 countries through virtualized cellular cores deployed in multiple AWS regions. This eases the backend complexity that automakers otherwise encounter as they negotiate with different carriers and dealerships in different countries as they set up connected car services from their clouds.

A key aim of Soracom’s Connected Car strategy is to support the GSMA SGP.32 eSIM remote provisioning and management standard. This IoT eSIM standard, which is expected to be completed this year and available in products starting in 2025, allows automakers, dealerships, and consumers more flexibility in activating connected car connectivity.

Before SGP.32, even if each car was equipped with an eSIM and a modem, the automotive manufacturer had to work with a different connectivity provider in each country where its vehicles were sold, and ask their primary carrier to integrate with their remote subscription management server to facilitate localization of eSIMs, requiring time-consuming negotiations and a complex backend integration process with each carrier.

“This is hard enough to do with one carrier in one country, let alone with every carrier for every vehicle model and every model year in every country,” Yasukawa said. “All the negotiations and backend integration required can take months to set up and years to manage.”

Integrating an eSIM with SGP32 embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC), into a vehicle modem makes it work as originally expected without complex backend carrier integration. While keeping secure, private connection to their backend systems, automakers gain the flexibility to push eUICC profiles for infotainment and in-car WiFi down to vehicles with their preferred carrier already in place. Alternatively, they can allow dealerships or connected car users to pull the carrier profile of their choice from the manufacturer’s cloud. In either case, the automotive manufacturer is relieved of a costly and laborious process.

“As a vehicle manufacturer or buyer, you should drive your own car’s connectivity, not be driven by a connectivity provider,” Yasukawa said.

“With flexible SGP.32 eSIM provisioning and management, you are no longer captive to negotiating pre-market integrations with carriers that are difficult to change or update.”

Soracom can issue an eUICC profile compatible with SGP.22 and SGP.32 via API, and is ready to support SGP.32-compatible eSIMs. With the ultimate goal of empowering its automotive customers with flexibility and freedom of choice, Soracom can provide the SGP.32-compatible eSIM and network-side enablers so that automakers can download their own carrier profiles or set up a portal to allow dealerships or car buyers to do so. If eSIMs are obtained elsewhere, Soracom can still provide global network connectivity, including cellular and satellite leveraging their 3GPP NTN capability to vehicles.

Soracom is working aggressively to get involved in the automotive sector’s new product cycles at an early stage. The company has conducted proof-of-concept projects with automotive manufacturers, and is a member of the Automotive Edge Computing Consortium (AECC), the global industry body helping to define the converged computing and network architecture to support a new generation of connected car capabilities.

“Enabling connected cars is a team sport,” Yasukawa said. “Working together, we can build a simple, secure, and scalable cloud highway for connected cars.”

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rSIM, the world’s first truly resilient and intelligent SIM card, is set to introduce its Always On, Dual Core solution at Mobile World Congress in Las Vegas this week (8th – 10th October).

After its successful collaboration with Vodafone Business IoT at IoT Tech Expo in Amsterdam last week, rSIM is entering the North American market with a mission to transform IoT connectivity through enhanced network resilience and reliability.

At MWC Las Vegas, rSIM will demonstrate its patented technology, which autonomously monitors network conditions and seamlessly switches between mobile operators when disruptions occur, ensuring maximum uptime for IoT applications. By embedding intelligence within the SIM card itself, rSIM offers a significant leap forward in connectivity solutions for Mobile Operator and IoT devices alike.

Richard Cunliffe, Director at rSIM, stated:

“Our expansion into North America marks a significant milestone for rSIM. We’ve seen the impact our technology can have on IoT deployments in Europe, and we’re excited to bring that same innovation and reliability to North America.”

MWC Las Vegas provides a strategic platform for rSIM to connect with Mobile Operators, solution providers and device manufacturers who are looking for solutions to increase network resilience. The rSIM technology is particularly well-suited for sectors requiring Always On, real-time connectivity, where downtime is simply not an option.

“We look forward to engaging with partners from the US, Canada, and Mexico, and demonstrating how rSIM can drive better performance and reliability across their IoT ecosystems.” added Cristina Barlow, Head of Strategic Partnerships, North America at rSIM.

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Partnership Enables Satellite Coverage Across Europe, Facilitating Personal Connectivity and Addressing the Digital Divide in Remote and Off-Grid Regions.

EchoStar Mobile, a leader in satellite communications, and Connected, a startup dedicated to delivering universal, cost-effective narrowband connectivity from space, have announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize off-grid connectivity.

This collaboration introduces Connected One, a cutting-edge IoT solution that leverages EchoStar’s satellite technology to bridge connectivity gaps in remote and underserved regions, ensuring users stay connected and safe, even when venturing off the grid.

Under the new three-year agreement, EchoStar Mobile will supply its advanced EM2050 modules to Connected. This integration enhances Connected’s product portfolio by incorporating direct-to-device satellite communications, reducing the need for extensive ground infrastructure and increasing connectivity reliability in the most remote regions through EchoStar’s geostationary satellite network.

Connected One, described as the Ultimate Safety Companion, transforms communication and safety in areas lacking traditional ground networks. This compact, portable device turns any smartphone into a satellite-enabled communication tool, allowing users to stay in touch or request emergency assistance regardless of their location, without the need for expensive handsets or complex technology.

“Our mission at Connected has always been to enhance the accessibility and reliability of basic connectivity, especially in areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking,” said Tiago Rebelo, co-founder and CEO at Connected.

“Our partnership with EchoStar Mobile enables us to integrate their robust geostationary satellite network coverage into our Connected One device, providing a reliable solution for maintaining connectivity off-grid, across Europe and soon in the U.S.”

EchoStar Mobile’s EM2050 modules, utilizing LoRa® technology and operating over the licensed S-band spectrum, are central to the functionality of Connected One. By leveraging EchoStar’s geostationary satellite, EchoStar XXI, the device offers extensive coverage across Europe, Connected plans to extend this service to the U.S. by late 2024. This collaboration allows Connected to provide real-time, interference-free communication and location tracking, enhancing user safety and peace of mind in remote areas.

“EchoStar Mobile is dedicated to delivering affordable, high-quality satellite IoT connectivity,” said Telemaco Melia, Vice President and General Manager at EchoStar Mobile. “Our partnership with Connected aligns perfectly with this goal, making critical connectivity accessible in rural and remote areas across Europe and soon the U.S., without the need for extensive infrastructure.”

Connected One is equipped with advanced features to boost safety and connectivity in remote locations. Users can activate emergency alerts with a single press, sending their location to designated contacts. The device connects to smartphones via Bluetooth, allowing custom satellite messaging when cellular networks are unavailable. Additionally, it tracks and updates users’ locations every thirty minutes on interactive maps, all managed through the ‘One Companion’ app. Looking ahead, through the collaboration with EchoStar Mobile, Connected plans to expand coverage to the U.S. and introduce bi-directional messaging for seamless SMS-based replies.

Overall, the partnership between Connected and EchoStar Mobile represents a significant advance in off-grid communication. By combining Connected’s IoT solutions with EchoStar’s satellite technology, the collaboration will revolutionize personal connectivity in remote areas. This joint effort ensures that safety and reliable communication are universally accessible, overcoming traditional barriers and setting new industry standards for connectivity.

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Key takeaways:

Nokia, Warner Music, Oxford University, Tesla, and Pfizer run on Drupal
Its vast community and open-source nature ensure top-notch code security
Drupal remains current on best practices, emerging technologies, and IoT integration
Drupal add-ons always meet code requirements, supporting seamless interaction with IoT systems
Views, Webform, and Token are reliable business modules with potential IoT applications

Many well-known organizations, including Nokia, Warner Music, Oxford University, Tesla, and Pfizer, host their websites on Drupal. These corporations and establishments rely on the open-source CMS for its scalability, secure infrastructure, and application integration. In the IoT space, where devices must constantly communicate and share data across networks, Drupal’s ability to integrate multiple systems securely is vital.

Drupal’s Code is Examined from Every Angle

Drupal’s vast community and open-source nature ensure top-notch code security. This feature becomes increasingly relevant as IoT expands and more devices become connected, raising potential security risks. With IoT, massive amounts of data are transmitted between devices, making security paramount. Drupal’s dedicated team quickly eliminates vulnerabilities, ensuring that IoT ecosystems built on Drupal remain secure and functional. Real-time updates and security patches minimize exposure to threats, which is essential in preventing breaches in IoT frameworks.

As more than 70% of all breaches involved malware so far in 2024, and 32% of malware is distributed via the web, IoT networks relying on Drupal’s infrastructure benefit from robust security standards. In 2023, the average cost of a data breach reached $4.45 million, making Drupal’s focus on code security a key feature in protecting not only websites but also IoT devices.

Open-Source Architecture Encourages New Contributions, Including IoT Innovations

Drupal’s open-source infrastructure invites developers to contribute new themes, modules, and features that help the system keep pace with both best practices and emerging IoT technologies. As IoT becomes a dominant force across industries, developers are increasingly building new modules and tools to manage device-to-device communication, sensor data collection, and real-time analytics, all of which can be integrated with Drupal.

The collaborative development environment means IoT-specific contributions, such as modules for sensor data aggregation or device management, can be swiftly adopted. Since 97% of all developers use open-source software, Drupal is positioned as a powerful CMS platform to manage both traditional web environments and IoT ecosystems.

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Drupal Enforces Quality Code for IoT Reliability

In IoT environments, efficient data handling is critical. Drupal’s adherence to best code practices ensures that its infrastructure can handle the vast amounts of data and real-time communication that IoT devices require. Fast load times are crucial, particularly in IoT applications where time-sensitive data from devices like sensors or smart meters must be processed without delays.

As page loading time increases from one to three seconds, the probability of a bounce increases by 32%, and this effect is even more pronounced in IoT applications where latency can disrupt functionality. Drupal’s automated updates further ensure that IoT systems relying on the platform will remain secure and optimized, minimizing the risk of user error.

Drupal Modules for Business Sites and IoT Applications

These are the most popular Drupal modules for businesses. Views lets site administrators create customizable and dynamic lists, tables, grids, and other content displays. Businesses can create and manage complicated data presentations, such as user directories, event calendars, and product listings.

The modules that make Drupal appealing for business websites—such as Views, Webform, and Token—are equally valuable in IoT-related applications:

Views allows businesses to create dynamic lists, tables, grids, and content displays. In an IoT scenario, Views could be used to present data from various connected devices, such as visualizing sensor data in real time or generating reports from device logs.
Webform can be used to collect data from IoT devices or user inputs related to IoT systems. For instance, Webform could be integrated with connected home devices to gather feedback or manage device registration.
Token simplifies the management of dynamic data, which is critical in IoT environments where variables such as device IDs, user inputs, or location data must be processed and displayed accurately.

Developers and Enterprises Will Continue to Choose Drupal for IoT Integration in 2024 and Beyond

Users have access to the reliable Drupal core through the Drupal Enterprise CMS platform. As IoT continues to grow, Drupal is a powerful platform for managing both traditional content and the complex data streams generated by connected devices. Large international organizations, especially those managing diverse IoT networks across multiple regions, will find Drupal’s scalability and security essential for supporting their systems. With its reliable core, flexible modules, and integration capabilities, Drupal is positioned to support the evolving demands of IoT, making it a top choice for businesses and developers alike.

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