M2M stands for Machine to Machine, Machine to Mobile and Mobile to Machine communications. It is a combination of three elements:

- Hosted, commercial or custom software application

- Communications (wired or wireless)

- Physical asset, machinery or device connectivity


M2M Technology offers a way to link remote device to the Internet/Intranet, the enterprise IT systems and other proprietary systems - whether those devices themselves are moving or static. Extensively dispersed machines or machinery can communicate together and provide information to allow the enteprise to offer a broad range of smart service. Using wireless or wire M2M communications, a machine can be deployed almost anywhere but still be connected to a command center for efficient monitoring, control and management. M2M data improves service quality and lessens operating costs and can be a source of increased revenues or new revenue streams for the enterprise. Many areas of service can be enhanced using M2M technology. Assets can be tracked and controlled, refrigerated trucks can be monitored, security alarms can be made more proactive and stock inventory monitored. These are just some examples of the technology's application. M2M information and communications techonology is here and will play a very important role in enhancing efficiency, improving service levels, reducing operating costs and increasing or generating new revenue streams across all business sectors.