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Eurotech (eurotech.com), a leading provider of embedded systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) platforms and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions announced today that Thingstream’s global connectivity technology has been made available on its range of IoT gateways.
Thingstream’s network (thingstream.io) leverages Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), a protocol within all GSM networks that enables small amounts of data to be transmitted without the use of the internet. The joint technologies enable customers to securely connect industrial equipment to IoT platforms without the need for cellular data, reliably from almost anywhere on the planet for a simple fixed fee.
“For now the most common wireless connectivity option is cellular (GSM) data, however this creates friction for both companies delivering remote or mobile, and unnecessary costs for end customers” explains Neil Hamilton, VP of Business Development at Thingstream. “Choosing which provider to match an application’s footprint is particularly difficult, especially considering coverage varies so much between providers. Costs can quickly rack up if industrial equipment is mobile and requires a roaming SIM for international use.”
“We’re delighted to be working with Thingstream,” commented Andrea Barbaro, Regional Director for Western Europe at Eurotech. “Thingstream’s USSD connectivity, combined with our cutting-edge IoT software and hardware, provides an innovative answer to IoT projects where low data rate and global coverage are key drivers.”
There are several use cases in IoT where industrial devices are only required to send few kilobytes each day, making USSD an ideal solution. Furthermore, by removing TCP-IP, device size and their power consumption is significantly lower.
Hamilton continues: “Clear business efficiency can be realised when industrial equipment such as remote sensors or electrical generators can communicate with cloud based monitoring and predictive maintenance applications. Many industrial companies however are hesitant about connecting devices due to cyber security and cost challenges. We are delighted to be working with Eurotech. Leveraging our connectivity and Eurotech’s ESF framework has enabled us to present a cost-effective solution.”
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