M2M and embedded mobile computing have revolutionized business efficiency across many industries and millions of such devices are operating on the Now Network As a result, Sprint has been able to expand its divers base of M2M partnerships, and offer a combination of 3G to 4G capabilities to consumers.
Launched in October 2009, Sprint Emerging Solutions added Axeda, Lenovo and Skiff as new strategic partners, and expanded its ecosystem. This enhances its already expanded capabilities from previous strategic partners.
'Emerging Solutions combines technology and applications to help business customers develop transformative business models and generate a rapid return on investment,' said Danny Bowman, president, Sprint Integrated Solutions Group, in a releae. He added that a constellation of factors were really responsible for this.
Elaborating, Bowman went on to add that diverse partners with wide ranging and unique capabilities, an array of devices and applications , an industry leading open-approach coupled with vast experience in certifying non sprint branded devices over the network, dependable 3G, and the first 4G capability from a national wireless carrier were all responsible for the rapid return on investment.
Because of its diverse partner ecosystem, consisting of aggregators and OEMs', Sprint has been able to enable M2M and mobile computing solutions across a variety of critical dimensions. Sprint's multi year agreement to provide 3G connectivity for a variety of Skiff enabled mobile devices, comes as a consequence of its partnership with Skiff LLC at the International consumer electronics show. Sprint used this as a platform to preview the Skiff e-Reader.
Three partners have enhanced Sprint's ability to assist business customers in a variety of industries as they build and support transformative business models using 3G and 4G mobile broadband:
--The Sprint-Axeda alliance made it easier and more cost effective for businesses to take a M2M solution from concept to completion, and deliver connected products using Sprint's 3G secure and scalable network and the communications optimized Axeda platform. Companies were thus allowed to focus on providing a solution and not the enabling technology.
--A new alliance between Sprint and Lenovo allowed PC users to access Sprint's dependable 3Gnetwork and 4G mobile broadband speed Internet, which were available on ThinkPad laptops. This was made possible because of the agreement signed between both parties.
--Sprint and Walsh Wireless announced availability of a solution developed to meet the growing market for Usage-based Insurance, the Walsh Wireless Data Logger, powered exclusively by Sprint 3G Mobile Broadband.
Sprint Emerging Solutions has also partnered with two companies which offer competitive products and capabilities on a domestic and global scale:
--Sprint's alliance with Top Global gave customers the freedom of secure Web connectivity on Sprint 3G Mobile Broadband Network, and “Anywhere in the World' facility through Sprint roaming partnerworks.
--It's partnership with ZTE corporation, China's largest publicly traded telecommunications equipment provider, enabled Sprint to offer a wide range of value solutions, making it an attractive option to the M2M and embedded device companies.
'M2M and mobile computing are opening a vast field of growth opportunities for businesses of all kinds,' said Wayne Ward, vice president, emerging solutions, Sprint, in the release. He added that the mission of Emerging Solutions was to provide the wide set of expertise, solutions and open network resources that businesses needed to develop effective M2M business models and implement them quickly in the market.
The open approach to both device and applications, benefits its partners, as they are able to certify the products through the company's Open Device Initiative.
A significantly streamlined M2M certification process for certain module suppliers has been announced by Sprint. The new process enables both developers and application providers to significantly improve their speed to market for their equipment and applications.
Sprint's commitment is to simplify the complexity for business customers by delivering the right network solution, the right distribution channel and the right support infrastructure to bring solutions to market quickly and with quality, augur well for the company.
Sprint has more than 10 years of experience in working with vendors to provision non-Sprint-branded devices to operate on its networks, as well as extensive experience in operating multiple platforms and assets. Sprint offers access to 4G as well as 3G tools, along with access to an extensive line of devices, including Android and multiple Windows Mobile and RIM BlackBerry devices. Sprint also provides the opportunity to access third-party voice services, including the new voicemail feature in Google.
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users, and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies.
In another press release, Sprint Nextel CEO Dan Hesse announced the launch of an expanded wireless buy-back program for wireless devices while testifying at a green telecom hearing on Capitol Hill.
Mini Swamy is a contributing editor for IoTevolutionworld. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Patrick Barnard