We've Moved to a New Blog Site

We've moved to a new Blog site M2M Headquarters , which is hosted by M2M Data Corp and will give us more flexibility in managing our M2M blog.

I hope you'll link to the new site and continue to visit us regularly.

Data Station Plus

Red Lion, famous for their LED display products has released a data integration product called Data Station Plus. The press release claims, "... new Data Station Plus, the industry’s most powerful tool for connectivity and machine data-management. The Data Station Plus is a multiple protocol converter, a system data logger, and a web interface for industrial and M2M applications. The Data Station Plus converts numerous protocols simultaneously, allowing seamless communication between disparate devices, and can save collected data in CSV files that are easily viewed by programs such as Microsoft Excel and Access."

Features:

• Protocol Conversion Feature Converts Numerous Protocols Simultaneously
• CompactFlash ® Slot Allows Process Data to be Logged Directly to CSV Files
• Virtual HMI Offers Built-in PC-based SCADA Functionality
• Webserver Provides Worldwide Access To Data Logs And Virtual HMI
• Extensive Built-in Driver List Allows Easy Data Mapping to PLCs, PCs, and SCADA Systems
• Alarm Notifications can be sent via Email or Text Messages
• 10 Base-T/100 Base-TX Ethernet Connection Can Connect To An Unlimited Number Of Devices Via Four Protocols Simultaneously

M2M Technology in Fast Food Industry

SCK Direct, Inc. is a subsidiary of Food Automation - Service Techniques, Inc. (FAST), a well respected supplier of commerical kitchen automation equipment. SCK (Smart Commercial Kitchen) specializes in a totally automated kitchen combined with data aggregation via the Internet.

From their web site:

"The SCK Network is the only end-to-end solution that enables you to link back office, point of sale, cooking equipment, energy management systems and more into one cohesive network leveraging the Internet.

Utilizing any of our SCK products in conjunction with the SCK Network operating system provides you with an extremely powerful tool for intelligently analyzing data both in the store and remotely, resulting in increased food quality, food safety, customer satisfaction, labor efficiency, and profitability. In addition, since multiple store locations can be monitored from the Internet, on-site regulation is virtually eliminated.'

Embedded WiFi for M2M Applications

Ezurio offers a set of OEM modules that allow manufacturers to embed 802.11 WiFi capability in their products. Two of the modules include analog and digital I/O AND support a user application development tool supplied by Ezurio.

US sales contact is Kent Wardley [Kent.Wardley@ezurio.com]

More info >>

Interesting M2M Article

CIE Online has published an article entitled "M2M: Behind the Buzzword", which reports conversations with three M2M players:

Mobius Networks
Comtech
Alpha Micro Components

Extract:

"CIE spoke to three companies with different business models to try and clear up the confusion and to get a clear picture of the M2M ecosystem and value chain."

Read the entire article >>

Success Factors for Smart Services

Harbor Research's latest newsletter announces a webinar about success factors for smart services. Speakers include:

Glen Allmendinger is the founder and President of Harbor Research
Brian Anderson with Axeda
Tim Enwall, CEO and co-founder of Tendril Networks

A presentation designed to help participants identify connected services opportunities and address issues surrounding strategy and implementation, with case examples from industry leaders Axeda and Tendril.

This webinar will cover:

• Opportunities and challenges of Smart Services
• Ideas for increasing services revenueOpening new markets via Smart Services
• Success stories from market leading companies
• Identification and development of strategic partnerships
• Understanding of Smart Services technology trends and advance

Webinar Details Webinar Title : Success Factors for Smart Services
Webinar Date : Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Webinar Time : 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. PST

Sign up here >>

M2M - the OEM Advantage

Jim Pinto, a well respected technology pundit, has published an article about the benefits OEMs are going to derive from M2M technology.

"The OEM business is tough – highly competitive with slim margins. It's not often that technology arrives to give OEMs a significant competitive advantage. One of those opportunities is emerging now – the machine to machine (M2M) communications revolution. Get on board!

M2M will unleash a wave of productivity and efficiencies previously unseen. When manufactured objects are continually sending field intelligence back, OEMs will be able to shed costs, explore new revenue opportunities, and solve customer problems as never before."

Read the whole article here >>