M2M RACO WIRELESS EDITION. by Brian Underdahl

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3 M2M RACO WIRELESS EDITION by Brian Underdahl

4 M2M For Dummies, RACO Wireless Edition Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River St. Hoboken, NJ Copyright 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) , fax (201) , or online at Trademarks: Wiley, the Wiley logo, For Dummies, the Dummies Man logo, A Reference for the Rest of Us!, The Dummies Way, Dummies.com, Making Everything Easier, and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission. Raco Wireless and the Raco Wireless logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Raco Wireless. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. LIMIT OF LIABILITY/DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: THE PUBLISHER AND THE AUTHOR MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS WORK AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NO WARRANTY MAY BE CREATED OR EXTENDED BY SALES OR PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS. THE ADVICE AND STRATEGIES CONTAINED HEREIN MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR EVERY SITUATION. THIS WORK IS SOLD WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PUBLISHER IS NOT ENGAGED IN RENDERING LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. IF PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, THE SERVICES OF A COMPETENT PROFESSIONAL PERSON SHOULD BE SOUGHT. NEITHER THE PUBLISHER NOR THE AUTHOR SHALL BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES ARISING HEREFROM. THE FACT THAT AN ORGANIZATION OR WEBSITE IS REFERRED TO IN THIS WORK AS A CITATION AND/OR A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF FURTHER INFORMATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE AUTHOR OR THE PUBLISHER ENDORSES THE INFORMATION THE ORGANIZATION OR WEBSITE MAY PROVIDE OR RECOMMENDATIONS IT MAY MAKE. FURTHER, READERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT INTERNET WEBSITES LISTED IN THIS WORK MAY HAVE CHANGED OR DISAPPEARED BETWEEN WHEN THIS WORK WAS WRITTEN AND WHEN IT IS READ. For general information on our other products and services, or how to create a custom For Dummies book for your business or organization, please contact our Business Development Department in the U.S. at , contact info@dummies.biz, or visit For information about licensing the For Dummies brand for products or services, contact BrandedRights&Licenses@Wiley.com. ISBN: Manufactured in the United States of America Publisher s Acknowledgments Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following: Acquisitions, Editorial, and Composition Services Vertical Websites Senior Project Coordinator: Kristie Rees Project Editor: Jennifer Bingham Layout and Graphics: Sean Decker, Editorial Manager: Rev Mengle Joyce Haughey Business Development Representative: Katie McGowan Custom Publishing Project Specialist: Michael Sullivan Proofreaders: Melissa Cossell, John Greenough, Jessica Kramer Business Development Lisa Coleman, Director, New Market and Brand Development

5 Chapter 1 What Is M2M? In This Chapter Understanding this book Getting down to the basics Seeing some applications and solutions Making your solution work This chapter provides a brief introduction to M2M machine-to-machine communications. You ll learn the basics of M2M, see how to manage an M2M solution, and get an idea how best to deploy a successful M2M solution for your business. About This Book This book discusses how your organization can use M2M communications to easily collect important data from a connected device regardless of its location. Businesses can use this information in a variety of ways such as reallocating inventory, monitoring building access, tracking shipments, and reviewing the manufacturing status within an assembly line. Your company can create a solution that will empower individual users to easily manage solutions, including the security in their home, tracking their assets such as cars or loved ones, and monitoring the healthcare they receive. This book was created with RACO Wireless.

6 2 M2M For Dummies, RACO Wireless Edition This book uses the following icons to call your attention to information that you may find helpful. Tie the tidbits next to this icon to your memory lobes they re good information to keep in mind. The Tip icon indicates extra-helpful information. This icon marks places where technical matters, such as pixels and whatnot, are discussed. Sorry, it can t be helped, but it s intended to be helpful. Understanding the Basics of M2M Communication So just what is M2M, and why do machines need to communicate with each other? Quite simply, M2M is an exchange of data between a connected device and a central system that monitors or controls that device. It allows machines to communicate directly with each other to convey information, such as whether the oil in a truck has been changed recently or if a device in a remote location is overheating. Sometimes referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT), M2M enables devices to communicate so they can function more intelligently based on predefined logic or event triggers. M2M isn t about the machines taking over the world; rather M2M is about making the world work better for people. M2M solutions use various types of sensors to gather data and send that information to a central system or server. M2M communications can be short range using wireless networks such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, or RFID. They can also be long range using the cellular wireless networks. In the past, landlines (Plain Old Telephone Systems or POTS), DSL, and cable were the preferred method of deploying M2M solutions. However, cellular networks are now more broadly used for M2M deployments due to greater coverage, improved reliability, and affordable airtime costs. Messages sent over the cellular networks are communicated either via text messages (SMS or Short Message Service) or data packets.

7 Putting Together an M2M Solution Chapter 1: What Is M2M? 3 Your M2M solution should be designed and installed by people who either have had previous experience in M2M deployments or who have a high technical aptitude for learning new technologies since M2M is always evolving. Deploying an M2M solution isn t as simple as walking into a retail wireless store and choosing the right smartphone and plan to meet your needs. An M2M solution consists of a number of components that must all work together to provide the desired result. These components include: Connected device: Select the most appropriate device based on the requirements of the application. Device firmware: Develop the right firmware (device software) so the device operates properly while consuming the least amount of battery energy and airtime usage. Server hardware: Select and set up the proper hardware that will provide the necessary monitoring, tracking, and processing of the transmitted data. Server software: Pick the best software that will process and execute commands based on the transmitted data received. Network operator: Choose the most flexible and experienced cellular wireless provider to transport the data from your remote device to your central server. Remember to consider how much the data transmission will cost and the coverage needed to support your M2M solution. Though the advancement of this new technology will increase your company s efficiency and profitability, you will need to consider reviewing your company s current processes and procedures. Your executive team must reevaluate how these processes and procedures should be adapted to this new model of real-time information and how to best leverage it to make well-informed decisions. Be prepared to refocus your company s personnel so you can take advantage of this significant return on investment.

8 4 M2M For Dummies, RACO Wireless Edition Select an M2M solution provider that understands your business requirements first and foremost. The solution design should include installation of the proper radio modem and device firmware that can communicate in remote locations. Further, the solution provider must develop the application specifically to monitor the asset, provide adequate event notification, and provide a server so you can monitor those events as needed. In some situations, you might choose to use the vendor s operations center until you install a sufficient number of M2M devices and then move the monitoring to an onsite server. The solution provider should work with you to ensure that all the hardware, software, and wireless network contracts are in place and operational. Further, if some of your locations aren t covered by the primary wireless network you use, your vendor should be able to find networks that cover the premises and integrate more networks into the system seamlessly as needed. Looking at M2M Applications and Solutions Today, M2M works better than ever before. Devices are smaller, lighter, and less expensive. Wireless networks are even more robust, enabling more data to be transferred from these connected devices. The advent of more advanced devices and communication technologies has made it possible to use M2M in a number of practical, real-world applications: Remote water level monitoring and control: When the level of a remote community water system tank is low, the pump needs to be turned on to replenish the water supply. An M2M device is installed on the tank-level indicator as well as on the pump to remotely monitor water levels and control pump activity. The system can also send failure alarms back to the monitoring and control point.

9 Chapter 1: What Is M2M? 5 Remote patient monitoring: Doctors can now equip patients with wireless devices to monitor a variety of health conditions from the patients own residences. Devices monitoring blood pressure, glucose levels, or heart conditions can relay critical information in real time to healthcare professionals, alerting them of changes. Monitoring access and conditions at remote, unmanned facilities: When a building is remote, unmanned, or both, a company can set up a system that can monitor building entry access, adjust building climate controls, review status of generators and back-up batteries, receive alarm notifications, and perform many other functions. Home security systems: In the past, home and office alarm systems have been connected to wired phone systems (POTS), but today many use data services from a wireless provider. These wireless systems are more cost effective and secure, because a wireless connection can t be physically cut like a phone line. Transportation system monitoring: Many municipal bus systems install remote monitoring in buses to track bus location, engine diagnostics, and other important services so problems can be identified before a failure occurs. Additionally, companies can gather other information such as tracking how many passengers get on and off as well as how much money the driver collected. Highway information system monitoring: Many highway warning signs are controlled by M2M devices. Changes can be made to the displayed messages from a remote monitoring location and the operational status of the sign can be reported. Delivery and service fleet tracking: Service and delivery vehicle fleets are often equipped with M2M devices to track their location, monitor engine diagnotistics, and track the progress of the truck and driver. Pipeline status and control: Pipelines run across vast areas of the United States and all over the world. M2M devices are used to turn the valves on and off, monitor the volume flow, and send alarm notifications if there is a leak or other problem with the pipeline.

10 6 M2M For Dummies, RACO Wireless Edition M2M systems were first deployed in the 1990s using very slow wireless data networks such as RAM Mobile Data, Motorola s ARDIS, and cellular digital packet data (CDPD). Later in the 1990s, some pioneering efforts were undertaken to use analog and then digital cellular networks for M2M systems. These early types of M2M systems were designed to send and receive only small amounts of data because of the data speeds A history of M2M and costs involved. Most of the early systems limited message size to less than 100 bits of data. Most cellular operators weren t interested in M2M services, because the income from M2M on a per-device basis was small, usually only a few dollars a month, and the network operators were much more interested in selling cell phones to consumers who would use them for voice, texting, and some limited data services. M2M communication offers a tremendous variety of services that can provide real-time monitoring with little-to-no interruption or down time. Instead of your company sending personnel to sporadically visit a remote site to check the conditions of an asset, M2M communications give greater visibility into and security for your assets, plus they keep costs to a minimum. M2M devices that made use of older, slower wireless networks are limited to sending and receiving short status and control messages. Although there is still a large market for these types of services, the advent of faster and more robust wireless broadband services makes it possible to monitor and control other types of machines that are capable of capturing audio and video. One example would be a security camera that could begin streaming video to a security station if a motion detector is activated.

11 Chapter 2 Preparing for Device Launch In This Chapter Getting down to hardware Creating applications Examining speeds Choosing your carrier Every successful project begins with planning. If you re planning an M2M project rollout, you ll want to make certain that you understand exactly what hardware is required, how your applications must be developed, and what to consider in choosing the right wireless carrier all subjects covered in this chapter. Understanding the Hardware Decisions One of the first planning steps in an M2M project is figuring out exactly what types of hardware you need to deploy. Begin by determining what type of data you need to gather, how you ll communicate that data, and how you ll process the data into information after it s received.

12 8 M2M For Dummies, RACO Wireless Edition Collecting your data All M2M communications begin with capturing an event which is simply a way of saying you need to measure something that happens in a remote location. For example, you might need to know the temperature inside a commercial freezer or the current location of a service truck. Different types of data call for different types of sensors, of course. You d need to use a temperature sensor in the first instance and possibly a GPS position sensor in the second. Depending on your application, you may need more than one sensor to gather all the data you want to collect and transmit. M2M can also include two-way communication, in which you remotely send commands to the connected device. In addition to simply collecting data transmitted by a device, you may also want to enable remote control functions such as zooming or panning a camera at the remote site. To allow for this type of connectivity, you must program the device to maintain an active data session and listen for inbound data traffic. The application server can then initiate communication with the device. Communicating your information Your M2M system must be able to communicate information so it can be analyzed and acted on. The communications link is actually one of the most important parts of the installation, because nothing else can happen unless the information is properly communicated. If the remote location and the monitoring station are close together in the same building, for example the communications link could be an ordinary Ethernet or Wi-Fi network used for connecting computers in an office or home. However, if greater distances are involved, you ll need to use another communications solution. Today, an increasing number of M2M systems use wireless cellular networks. Using wireless for communications simplifies the remote installation by eliminating the need to run network cables to the devices. This solution also makes it possible to communicate across greater distances.

13 Chapter 2: Preparing for Device Launch 9 To determine exactly which hardware is needed, perform a survey of each location. This survey verifies that the remote location is within the cellular network s wireless coverage area and identifies the type of wireless modem required (indoors or all-weather). An experienced M2M vendor performs this type of survey and uses it to determine exactly what hardware will fulfill the requirements of your installation. Developing Your Applications Once you figure out what hardware to use and how the device will connect to the network, you need to develop the software that will control the connected device. Additionally, you need to develop an application to process the collected data and trigger any necessary actions based on your predefined business rules or logic. There are several technical elements that must be considered when designing an M2M application: Network protocol: The procedure followed to exchange information with the back-end application server is determined by the capabilities of the wireless data module selected for the project. Many popular 2G and 3G modules offer embedded methods to package up your data and send it over the wireless network. Work with your device engineers to make sure you choose a method that makes efficient use of data so you can avoid excessive data use and costly wireless data charges. Store and forward: If you re collecting information from mobile assets, program the device to store data in memory if the device goes out of wireless data coverage and can t communicate with the server. The cached data can be retransmitted once connectivity is restored. Data storage: You ll need a repository to store all the data collected by your system. A traditional relational database can be used for smaller M2M deployments. Larger M2M application deployments may require more scalable technologies that are designed to process massive amounts of data, sometimes referred to as Big Data.

14 10 M2M For Dummies, RACO Wireless Edition Integration with existing systems: M2M communication allows practically any piece of equipment or asset to communicate with your existing back-end IT infrastructure. You may need to develop new software APIs or middleware in order to exchange data between legacy systems and the remote devices. Presentation and analytics: A front-end or user-facing application should be developed to allow a user to interact with the M2M data. The application could be standalone or supplement existing Business Intelligence (BI) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Many M2M application development platforms simplify the process and reduce the development effort required for the launch of a device. These platforms typically offer APIs and cloud services that facilitate rapid M2M application development. Looking at Data Speeds Traditionally, M2M deployments haven t generated huge amounts of data traffic. As a result, 2G data speeds have been more than adequate to handle most M2M needs. The majority of M2M connections will likely continue running on the slower 2G or 2.5G networks for now. In the future, however, 3G and even 4G networks with their much higher data rates are expected to play a larger role. Faster transmissions will mean that far more data can be sent efficiently, so applications can become much more powerful than was typically possible for M2M applications in the past. For example, a home security system that was only capable of sending simple text event notifications over a 2G network could be enhanced to capture and transmit a high resolution photo of the monitored area when connected to a 3G or 4G network. One type of higher speed data transmission is long-term evolution LTE. LTE is being rolled out by a number of the major wireless carriers as an important advance in cellular data services. LTE offers higher data speeds than 2G or 3G networks. LTE is both a challenge and an opportunity in the U.S. M2M communications market. Although the benefits of the next-generation LTE network are clear for high-bandwidth

15 Chapter 2: Preparing for Device Launch 11 applications, the cost of device modules and addressing LTE spectrum fragmentation are challenges that will have to be resolved. In addition, LTE is incompatible with existing 2G and 3G networks, so carriers need to operate LTE networks in different frequency bands than their existing 2G and 3G networks. One result of this requirement is that existing wireless gear may not support LTE, so you ll want to discuss your equipment needs carefully with your vendor to make certain that you have an upgrade path to handle future requirements. Most M2M applications transmit small amounts of data at regular intervals. Although this amount of data transmission is typically not extreme, it presents special challenges to the wireless carriers. An M2M deployment may consist of tens of thousands of devices that continuously connect and disconnect from the wireless network. This behavior introduces a potential problem of crippling the systems used to control access to the network. Thankfully, most wireless carriers have made a commitment to support M2M devices and have invested in the infrastructure required to scale and support M2M. Although 2G and 3G networks work just fine for many M2M applications that don t transmit a lot of data, there are other M2M applications that use far more bandwidth. For example, the connected car (such as Audi Connect), high-definition security video surveillance, and Wi-Fi hotspot aggregation for the home are a few of the M2M applications that benefit from 4G speeds. See Table 2-1 for a list of technology and common applications for different network generations. Table 2-1 Network Generation 2G 3G Where 2G, 3G, and 4G Work Best Technology GPRS, EDGE, CDMA 1xRTT UMTS, CDMA EV-DO Rev. A Common Applications Asset tracking, point of sale terminals, vending machines Digital signage, smart parking meters, ehealth, ereaders 4G HSPA+, WiMAX, LTE Video surveillance, vehicle infotainment

16 12 M2M For Dummies, RACO Wireless Edition Selecting a Carrier In addition to choosing the correct hardware and developing your M2M applications, it s critical to choose the wireless carrier that can provide the service you need. Depending on the locations of your sites, you may have several options to choose from. Different wireless carriers use different types of network technologies and network evolution paths, factors that result in different costs to you both today and in the future. The two dominant technologies today are GSM and CDMA. However, these technologies are merging together as they move to LTE, a 4G network (see the previous section for more on LTE). Historically, GSM has been more cost effective because over 90 percent of the world uses it, which drives down the device cost. CDMA device costs are getting much closer to GSM costs today than they have been in the past. Make sure you know the network evolution strategy of your carrier so you don t have devices stranded when the carrier moves from 2G to 3G and then to 4G. Many devices were left without a network a few years ago when carriers eliminated their analog networks.

17 Chapter 3 Handling Device Post Launch In This Chapter Getting your solution out Taking care of the equipment Providing security Keeping your customers happy After planning your M2M project, you are ready to move on to the next stage of actually deploying your solution. This chapter takes a brief look at the steps you need to take to make your plan become a reality. Handling Logistics and Fulfillment Handling logistics and fulfillment for your M2M application rollout means getting the devices ready and deployed to the desired remote locations. There are several steps you will need to take during this process: Device preparation: You need to install firmware for specific applications. This part of the process can be somewhat difficult, because the firmware needs to be installed in each of the remote devices before they can be released. SIM cards for GSM: Each device needs its own SIM card in order to communicate over the GSM network. This can be a challenge, because it is a manual process that can

18 14 M2M For Dummies, RACO Wireless Edition take considerable time and effort when dealing with a large number of devices. Activation: Each device must be activated on the wireless carrier s network. This activation process will need to be coordinated between distributors, carriers, and your internal processes. You ll need sufficient time to prepare, activate, and distribute the devices. Make certain you plan out enough time for the process so that you aren t promising to meet unreasonable deadlines. Managing Devices After all your devices are fully prepared and activated, you need to properly manage them. There are a number of things you need to consider: Management and monitoring system: You need access to an automated provisioning and threshold alert system like RACO s Omega Management Suite (see Chapter 4 for additional information). This type of system allows management and monitoring of the devices to ensure that the devices remain online and within predetermined usage limits. API integration: This provides a protocol so you can control the software components in an automated fashion that can be integrated into a system or manufacturing process without human intervention. This is a critical aspect of automation for device deployment and account management. Security measures: These measures are needed to safeguard against improper data usage. For example, you need to make sure that a SIM card isn t taken out of a device and used for a different and possibly fraudulent purpose. SIM cards are used in all GSM devices such as smartphones, so you wouldn t want someone using the SIM card to incur huge data charges by downloading or streaming large content like movies or music. Device identification: You must be able to assign and attribute a SIM/Identifier to a specific device so that you can uniquely identify which device is communicating.

19 Chapter 3: Handling Device Post Launch 15 Specific customer identification: Your system must be able to assign and follow devices to specific customers to enable the billing process to function properly. Maintaining Security Security in M2M applications is obviously important. Many M2M applications transmit confidential information, monitor valuable assets, and control mission-critical devices. Here are five things to consider that can help secure your application: Data encryption: Encryption is necessary for any M2M application transmitting confidential information such as credit card information, GPS coordinates, or patient information through the network. Most M2M applications use cellular connectivity to transmit data over the network. You must consider each segment when designing the security of the application. Controlling access to the hardware: The internal components that allow for wireless connectivity must be enclosed and protected. A stolen SIM could result in unexpected wireless data charges or allow a hacker to have direct access to your back-end application servers. Monitor device behavior at every layer: You can only do so much to secure the device hardware and prevent an end user from removing the SIM. There must be monitoring systems in place to detect when such an event has occurred and a responsive action must be triggered to prevent any malicious use of the device or active SIM. Secure the network: M2M application traffic typically traverses three networks managed by three separate organizations, which are: wireless network operator (for example, T-Mobile, Sprint), M2M operator (RACO Wireless), and the Internet. Each network should be as secure as possible. Dedicate someone to security: Assign at least one member of the development team to focus on the security of the application. This individual should determine any security risks present and recommend design modifications or solutions to avoid them. This individual should also procure an industry standard security certification such as the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP).

20 16 M2M For Dummies, RACO Wireless Edition Providing Customer Support Good customer support is vital to any successful business venture. It is important to recognize that machines communicate all day, every day. They don t sleep, and they don t take holidays. Having the proper support resources such as a dedicated Call Center and a trouble ticket system to track and monitor issues is essential to the success of your product. The M2M industry is an ecosystem of partners all working together on a common solution. When technical issues occur, don t jump to conclusions right away. The issue may be with the device hardware or software, environmental factors such as location or topography, or the network connection to the carrier or solution provider. RACO Wireless has the ability and expertise to evaluate every level of the ecosystem, identify the issue, and work with the appropriate partner toward a solution. Follow these four guiding principles to mitigate issues and reduce the amount of time spent troubleshooting: Professional yet personal call handling to understand customers issues Established internal troubleshooting and escalation process for timely resolution Thorough documentation and reporting capabilities Empowerment through training and continued education with internal support staff There is a steep learning curve that will need to be understood in order to best support an M2M solution, because the devices and solutions are unique. These guiding principles have helped RACO Wireless support its many customers. Make sure your company has trained, experienced, and available people to help ensure that devices not only stay online, but that they re running as optimally as possible. Without the right resources like experience and training, a network failure or hardware failure can be fatal to your company.

21 Chapter 4 Taking Control with RACO Wireless In This Chapter Making sure you choose the correct partner Getting the right tools You want your M2M project to be a great success, so you ll want to make the right decision when it comes to choosing the correct partner and the best tools to implement your solution. This chapter provides information about the solutions that RACO Wireless provides. Selecting the Right Partner An M2M project is a complex undertaking. You need a partner who has the experience to make certain that your project progresses from its earliest planning stages through completion as seamlessly as possible. RACO Wireless has one of the most experienced teams in the M2M industry. RACO s entire focus is on supporting M2M applications. They recognize that speed to market and flexibility are critical in designing, delivering, and deploying applications. RACO s team is comprised of the following: Carrier Relations Managers: RACO Wireless has a dedicated team of network carrier experts that understand the details of each of RACO Wireless network carrier partners. Interacting closely with the leadership of the network carriers, the Carrier Relations Managers act as

22 18 M2M For Dummies, RACO Wireless Edition the primary liaisons to the network carrier to address any needs and work to build consensus with partners. The CRM brings the necessary knowledge and expertise to work quickly and efficiently with the carrier to seamlessly address customer opportunities and concerns. Business Development Managers: RACO Wireless has regional business development managers who help companies drive new business growth. These managers have relationships with hardware and software providers throughout the M2M industry that will help develop the right solution. They help foster new ideas on how to optimize your offerings in the market. Field Account Managers: These managers work with you to effectively manage your current devices, identify units that need to be monitored more closely, and educate your teams on new tools or offerings to optimize your account and grow your business. The Field Account Manager is your M2M consultant. These folks listen to you and evaluate your business needs to find the right offering, service, or carrier to help grow your business. Sales Engineers: Engineers help you navigate the technical obstacle course of modules, wireless connectivity, and data delivery to ensure that your wireless products succeed. In times of communication trouble, they work to resolve escalated issues with top priority and professionalism. Software Developers: The RACO in-house software development team created the Omega Management Suite (OMS) platform discussed later in this chapter. These software developers work to keep OMS on the leading edge by continuously adding new products, services, and offerings. Technical Support: RACO s team is available 24x7x365 to help resolve or escalate issues you may encounter. They re available to support your products and resolve wireless communications issues. Their Tier-2 network and system engineers monitor network performance and availability around the clock to ensure the highest levels of reliability.

23 Chapter 4: Taking Control with RACO Wireless 19 Selecting the Right Set of Tools In addition to having the right partner, you also need the tools that will make your M2M solution manageable. RACO s Omega Management Suite (OMS) offers a good example of the comprehensive set of device management tools and network services that can make managing your M2M solution deployment much easier and more streamlined. OMS is a web-based application that provides you with a single display for complete M2M device management. By using a single console for managing all the mobile and remote devices, OMS simplifies device management and provides full control of your M2M solution. Because OMS is entirely web-based, there is no software or plug-in to install. You can operate OMS from any networkconnected computer in the world. RACO s OMS includes a number of important features including: Real-time reporting: You can check the connection status of devices by using the real-time statistical dashboard. This troubleshooting tool enables you to view the status of all devices, specific groups of devices, or one specific device. Historical reporting: OMS makes it easy to track wireless data usage and system activity. Detailed usage reports can be generated in seconds and exported to Excel with one click of the mouse so you can easily do further analysis that suits your specific needs. Usage alerts: OMS generates notifications when an individual device or group of devices exceeds a defined data usage threshold. These notifications can alert you to developing problems before they get out of control. IMEI change notifications can help detect device misuse and fraud. SIM provisioning and management: Because OMS is tightly integrated into the wireless network operators back-end systems, you can perform all SIM management functions directly from OMS. This feature means that you ll have one less complication, because you won t have to use several different systems to control your SIM inventory.

24 20 M2M For Dummies, RACO Wireless Edition Online billing: This feature provides convenient access to detailed billing information. You can view a summary of each month s data usage, international and domestic roaming, voice and SMS, and additional add-on features. You can then use filters to drill-down and examine itemized charges associated with individual lines. You will have a better handle on your costs, because you can easily see where the money is going. Private labeling and Application Programming Interface (API): You can integrate OMS features into your own applications if you want to offer OMS functionality directly to your customers or technology partners. The Omega Ricochet set of APIs allow you to quickly integrate all OMS functionality into any separate system or application.

25 Chapter 5 Ten Facts about M2M In This Chapter Ten great things you want to know about M2M As is our custom in For Dummies books, I m closing with one of our lists of ten things you want to know about M2M (but probably didn t). So, here goes: M2M connectivity options are quite extensive. They include cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, network cables, and more. M2M is a green technology, because many solutions reduce energy consumption significantly. M2M is fast becoming a must-have technology for many businesses that want to remain competitive. M2M can be applied to many new types of products and will drive many of the future most-wanted applications in the consumer space. M2M solutions and applications are already used in technology without most users even realizing it. M2M applications are growing rapidly and are becoming a large driver of business efficiencies. They help create stronger companies, new jobs, and a higher standard of living globally. Onboarding a new solution or product in less than 24 hours is absolutely possible. The availability of alternative SIM form factors makes a difference for specific verticals, because they meet a variety of environmental and engineering requirements.

26 22 M2M For Dummies, RACO Wireless Edition More expensive high-speed networks aren t always necessary for M2M 95 percent of all M2M systems require just 2G speeds even though they also work on 3G and 4G networks. M2M is projected to be the fastest growing industry segment of the IT sector for years to come.

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