Machine-to-machine (M2M) technologies, that allow devices to communicate with each other and with software monitoring and control systems, are expanding into myriad new applications...

Machine-to-machine (M2M) technologies, that allow devices to communicate with each other and with software monitoring and control systems, are expanding into myriad new applications.

Devices such as sensors and meters capture events like equipment position and voltages, and send immediate, brief quantities of data through networks to software applications that can instantaneously react to changing conditions. As costs for such devices fall, as software systems become more sophisticated, and as IP networks proliferate and become less expensive, the use of M2M to provide instantaneous, automatic and accurate reaction to events is expanding rapidly.

Gilat Satcom sees a world of opportunity for satellite communications to expand the benefits of M2M. Reaching even the most remote corners of the globe, satellite communications extend M2M applications to a wealth of industries and operations, especially in emerging markets, that have been neglected until now. These new applications have in common the need for quick, dependable and low-cost access from remote locations to inexpensive networks. Far-flung industries like mining, shipping and offshore oil and gas are able to benefit greatly from satellite networks and we will see rapid expansion of cost-effective M2M applications over satellite in the coming year.