The cellular M2M market will rise from about 110 million cumulative connections globally in 2011 to roughly 453 million cumulative connections by 2017. Nevertheless, a key challenge for the industry remains the complexity of developing, deploying, and managing M2M applications over the cellular network. “This is a challenge both for mobile network operators (MNOs) that are trying to offer profitable services tailored to the M2M market, as well as for application developers and service providers that are trying to reduce costs, speed time to market, and simplify robust application deployments,” says practice director Sam Lucero.

Two key M2M software platform markets have emerged to address these challenges: connected device platforms (CDPs) and application enablement platforms (AEPs). CDPs enable the cost-effective deployment and management of M2M connections over cellular networks. AEPs enable quicker and less expensive application development as well as granular remote device management.

Several large MNOs have self-built their own CDPs, including AT&T, Vodafone, and Telefonica, among others.  However, merchant market CDPs, such as those offered by Jasper Wireless, Ericsson, NEC, NSN, and others will increasingly become the primary option for MNOs newly entering the market, as well as a second and complementary option for MNOs that already have self-built CDPs deployed. “Core CDP functionality is going to become an increasingly commoditized aspect of the network, better left to third parties that can amortize development costs across multiple MNO customers,” says Lucero.

The more nascent, and smaller, AEP market will grow quickly as application developers seek to offload core functionality, such as data normalization, data modeling, and providing a rules engine, onto third-party platforms, rather than developing the application on a completely customized basis.  Leading “pure-play” AEP vendors include Axeda and ILS Technology.  According to Lucero, “The AEP market is set to grow from about $168.9 million in 2011 to nearly $1.72 billion in 2017.”

ABI Research’s report, “M2M Software Platforms,” covers both CDPs and AEPs. A technology overview is provided, including analysis of emerging standards and open-source tools, key market issues are addressed, the competitive landscape and value chain are analyzed, and detailed five-year forecasts are offered for both CDP and AEP revenue on a global basis.

The report is part of ABI Research’s M2M Research Service.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 40+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.