By Mae Kowalke

All signs point to continued growth in the machine-to-machine (M2M) communications sector. M2M, technologies that allow both wireless and wired systems to communicate with other devices of the same ability, helps companies be more efficient by automating tasks, but it also has applications in the consumer market.

In the language of M2M, devices capture events and relay that data through a network to an application, which translates the event into meaningful information. For example, in retail a sensor may be triggered when a particular item is out of stock, and someone who monitors inventory is alerted that the item needs reordering or refilling.

By Mae Kowalke

Long term evolution (LTE) has emerged as the dominant technology for enabling 4G wireless broadband networks. The question for operators is no longer which technology revolution to join, but rather how to optimize their networks and reduce operating expenditures (OPEX) using LTE.

Focusing on network optimization is the key to successfully adopting LTE. With this lens, it is possible to create a migration strategy that addresses service level agreement (SLA) key performance indicators (KPIs) and other business concerns.

By Mae Kowalke

Increasingly, today’s consumers expect to be given choices in the goods and services they consume. This trend is spilling over into many areas, including the energy sector. As it does, utilities are compelled to provide real-time information that helps consumers make choices about how much energy they use, as well as where and when.

Smart communications technology is required to provide that real-time information.

By Peter Bernstein

Alcatel-Lucent Bell Labs on June 13 released a comprehensive white paper developed with support of the World Economic Forum’s Telecommunications Industry Global Agenda Council (WEF-TIGAC) entitled, Putting Broadband in the Palm of People's Hands. It is a fascinating read.

The report provides the supporting data on ALU’s initiatives in the area of helping developing countries deploy ubiquitous mobile networks that are environmentally friendly (while being energy efficient) which can act as economic and social accelerators with significant multiplier effects. ALU featured highlights of the study in its online publication Enriching Communications in a February 7 article, “Accelerating the Mobile Impact,” and an April 11 article, “Bringing Mobile Networking to the Masses,” emphasizing its partnerships and commitments to making promise reality.