Saudi Arabian mobile network operator, Mobily has selected Gemalto’s machine identification module (MIM) for the deployment of machine-to-machine (M2M) services, according to an announcement from Gemalto, who are specialists in digital security.
Gemalto’s MIM specifically meets the demanding and high durability requirements of industrial environments especially in Saudi Arabia’s acute climates, and will be the first implementation of dedicated M2M technology in the Middle East. The Gemalto devices will be installed for upcoming Saudi M2M projects in the power management and transportation industries such as smart grid metering and fleet tracking.
Mobily says that M2M technology is opening up new channels and business opportunities for the MNO. Embedded in smart grid metering, the MIM solution allows utility companies in Saudi Arabia to collect and monitor electricity consumption data remotely and in real time.
When used for fleet tracking, the solution enables logistics companies to continuously monitor the flow of vehicles for route optimisation with up-to-date traffic information. The technology will, it is said, make business processes more efficient and cost-effective while ensuring service continuity.
Gemalto’s MIM is fully compliant with JEDEC* standards and is designed with the most robust materials to withstand extreme temperatures and environments, including temperature ranges from -40 to +105 degrees Celsius. It also resists vibration, humidity, corrosion and other harsh environmental factors that are often found in machine-to-machine applications.
The MIM leverages Gemalto’s operating system which features the Extended Life Mechanism, an exclusive memory management system that dramatically enhances the lifespan of the device. These purpose-built product features reportedly ensure the device is perfectly adapted to the industrial application to prevent service disruptions.
“Tests made on Gemalto’s dedicated M2M solution confirmed the highest standards in robustness, a key element for successful, long lasting M2M connectivity. This partnership will better enable us to launch M2M services with the premium quality we are renowned for and will benefit our customers seeking long-term, reliable solutions,” said Dr Marwan Al Ahmadi (pictured), Chief Business Officer at Mobily.
“Adopting the MIM standard positions Mobily as the only operator in the Middle East capable of addressing the Saudi industry’s unique requirements as a key, reliable M2M service provider. This will definitely have a positive impact on various industries who aspire to automate processes for more reliable, cost-effective and real-time operations. With M2M connectivity forecast to exceed 2 billion devices by 2020**, the use of MIMs will help expand the mobile operator’s horizons to provide new services and diversify revenue channels,” added Benoit Jouffrey, vice president M2M Value Added Services at Gemalto.
Gemalto (Euronext: NL0000400653 GTO) is a world leader in digital security with 2011 annual revenues of €2 billion and more than 10,000 employees operating out of 74 offices and 14 Research & Development centres in 43 countries.
* JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council) is a global leader in developing open standards for the microelectronics industry
** Source: M2M device connections forecast, Analysys Mason, 2011
