As smartphone penetration continues to increase, smartphone apps and well-implemented technology can help city authorities save money and become more efficient. However, there is much more than smartphones involved, including the networks that support cellular communications (LTE, LTE-Advanced, WiFi, etc.). 

Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communications

Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication is a revolutionary technology that allows effective supervision and maintenance of physical assets. M2M communication has historically represented the integration of microprocessors, microcontrollers and sensors with communications, monitoring and control systems to improve efficiencies and effectiveness of business operations.  

While CAPEX and OPEX are the key business components of Small Cell deployments to build a HetNet, it is also important for Mobile Network Operators (MNO) to identify new business opportunities from Small Cells to generate additional revenue that would offset the TCO. Generating these new revenue streams from Small Cells and creating a positive ROI is probably the most challenging business problem to solve from a strategic planning point of view.

Computer technology has advanced from mainframes to desktops, then laptops and palmtops and is now moving onto, and into, the human body by way of wearable computers. This type of gadget provides the ultimate in-network access, which is hands-free, heads-up operation with complete mobility. With voice activation and head-mounted or touchscreen display options, users anywhere can communicate with computers through the internet. Wearable computers bring forth a whole new concept in mobile computing, computer portability and computer miniaturization.  

Application Programming Interfaces (API) enable network operators to capitalize on existing network infrastructure to facilitate the third-party creation of a an array of business opportunities for carriers on a global basis. Telecom APIs allow carriers to disseminate valuable data to third parties, which they monetize on an asymmetric basis as network operators typically do not provide services to the end-users.  The use of APIs is also causing an evolution of business models within the ecosystem. 

Several vendors have developed a portfolio of products and solutions that act as the building blocks of the Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) ecosystem. Although there are a multitude of companies in this arena, only a few offer the end-to-end solution or, at least, certain key products for the HetNet environment.

In the recent report, HetNet Deployment and Operational Strategies for 4G and Beyond, Mind Commerce has evaluated the key players that are emerging as market leaders, including Cisco, Alcatel-Lucent, Huawei, and NSN. For now, let's focus on Cisco.

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Wearable devices represent technology that humans can wear on-the-go. According to market intelligence, these devices will ultimately replace most of today's traditional gadgets that are used on a daily basis. Just as today’s devices are wholly unrecognizable to someone from twenty years ago, wearable technology and other advances will make today's gadgets seem obsolete only in about ten years.

Wearables are a pioneering approach to integrating smarter and more practical gadgets into daily life. Initially focused on communications, applications, content and commerce, wearables will ultimately be involved in many other aspects of life and transform the lifestyles we once knew.  Routine tasks will be transformed as activities become more efficient, entertaining and controllable.