Numerex expands to U.K. with Vodafone deal

Numerex Corp. said it will offer machine to machine communications services on Vodafone Group’s network in the United Kingdom. Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of tie-ups between wireless operators and M2M technology companies as operators prepare for an expected onslaught of M2M products and services to hit the market in the future.
Although M2M solutions are touted throughout the industry as a major area of growth, most solutions are customized at this point, depending on the industry, the operator and the solution needed for the vertical market. More standardized solutions that can be used for a variety of applications would accelerate deployment in the space. As such Germany’s T-Mobile has teamed with Sierra Wireless, AT&T Mobility and Rogers Wireless have teamed with M2M provider Jasper Wireless, Verizon Wireless has teamed with Qualcomm Inc. on M2M solutions and Sprint Nextel Corp. inked a deal with M2M DataSmart.
Atlanta-based Numerex will provide its DNA (Device, Network and Application) and FAST platform to distributors, dealers and other businesses that sell M2M products and services to end users under the deal with Vodafone. Numerex, which got into the M2M space in 1992, focuses on selling products and services to businesses in asset tracking; security for homes and businesses; government and emergency agencies; and healthcare and utilities.
As part of the Vodafone agreement, Numerex will provide a complete solution to businesses, including the hardware integration and certification support, application development hosting and maintenance; and back-end support, including billing, customer care, Web-based management tools and training and distribution services, the company said.
“We are excited about the prospect of launching our M2M services in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with one of the world’s leading wireless carriers,” said Stratton Nicolaides, CEO and chairman of Numerex. “Vodafone’s experience, know-how, and intimate knowledge of the M2M marketplace will help us to solidify and expand our presence in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.”