10 mobile trends: Should you care?

9. M2M

Wireless of course is not just about the device in the hand or even the user. Sometimes it's all about the machines. Machine-to-machine communications, also known as M2M or telematics (in some instances), is often associated with freight - using sensors to monitor the conditions of cargo in transit and then alter conditions to suit.

Ten mobile trends

1. FMC
2. Salesforce automation
3. VoIP
4. Payments
5. 3.5G - HSDPA
6. Location-based services
7. TV
8. Device management
9. M2M
10. Antivirus

However, proponents of wireless M2M are looking at new areas where wires can be cut. One area is a back-up connection for alarms over cellular networks so in the event burglars cut wires, the alarms will still work. Another example is vending machines, where they wirelessly report back to stock-ordering systems when levels drop too low.

Other applications beginning to come to prominence are automated meter-reading and building automation, where M2M communications are used to govern the conditions of a given premises - heating, lighting and surveillance, for example.

According to Juniper Research, wireless M2M revenues will rise from $11.6bn in 2006 to $25.3bn by 2009.

RATING: 2/5 - with certain sectors leading the way.