M2M (machine-to-machine or mobile-to-machine) combines telecommunications and information technology to automate business processes, integrates company assets with its IT system and enables the creation of value-added services.  The M2M Platform can be implemented in a wide range of application and solution environments such as security and surveillance, automatic meter reading, machinery service and maintenance business, vending, public traffic services, fleet management, industrial process automation and telemedicine.

A new series of Nokia M2M Platform products and support tools was unveiled at the Systems Fair in Munich, Germany.  The new Nokia M2M Platform consists of:

1.      The Nokia M2M Gateway Software.  A Machine-to-Machine platform consists of two elements, the gateway and the GSM connectivity terminal.  The Nokia M2M Gateway software bridges the GSM network and the Internet by providing a two-way connection between applications located on the internet or on a company's server and within remote devices.  With the new Nokia M2M Gateway 2.0 Service Provider Edition, corporations can concentrate on their core business and service providers to support applications belonging to their customers.  It is for companies that choose to own and manage the gateway along with the server application.

2.      The GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) terminal, the Nokia 30.  The new Nokia 30 allows developers to take advantage of all possible bearers for data transmission over a GSM network.  This small and attractive looking GPRS terminal is easy to install as part of existing infrastructure and integrate with various applications.  In the future, the M2M enabled products will become increasingly commonplace and will often be incorporated already in the assembly of the host device.  The Nokia 30 GSM Connectivity Terminal is installed within a remote device, such as a vending machine or an elevator, and it offers GPRS, SMS, USSD, HSCSD data connection and audio over EGSM900/1800 networks.  The Nokia 30 is scheduled to be available in the first half of 2002.

3.      A set of support tools for a growing number of M2M application developers known as the Nokia M2M Application Development Kit (ADK).  The Nokia M2M ADK is a set of tools for creating applications that utilise the Nokia M2M Platform and which work seamlessly with Nokia M2M products.  More information about the developer opportunities can be found from Nokia's online developer community Forum Nokia, www.forum.nokia.com.

The Nokia M2M Platform is based on open, widely accepted middleware and communications architecture, and it supports standard GSM technology with a choice of wireless bearers.  Open interfaces facilities easy development, operation and maintenance of various M2M applications and services, and provide an easy upgrade path for future technologies.