M2M: The Wireless Revolution

This study details emerging M2M technologies, markets and industries, and examines related workforce and curriculum needs. What is M2M? M2M is an acronym for the term "Machine-to-Machine" and the birth of a 4th generation of computing. M2M is a category of information and communication technology that combines communications, computer, and power technologies to enable remote human and machine interaction with physical, chemical, and biological systems and processes. M2M represents a new kind of application for computing where data are transmitted to and from physical and biological environments (Krishnamurthy, Laksham, 2003). In many ways, M2M represents a "Wireless Revolution", as all things are increasingly connected to the network via wireless telemetry. Analysts are optimistic that a spectrum of promising markets and opportunities abound with an established $100 billion market in 2005.