MTN’s MTN Business recently introduced an open Internet of Things (IoT) platform. This new development was introduced with the thrust to connect and manage machines across its African footprint. This recent development is part of the organisation’s means to create an environment that allows its clients to perform activities that benefit their businesses. The platform is a reflection that MTN does not only focus on individuals but rather companies as well.
This technology initiative offers a dedicated network to bond devices and systems. This will enable MTN to get rid of significant cost and accessibility barriers, ultimately enabling development on a broader scale. The new IoT platform kick-started in South Africa, with other MTN operating countries set to follow over the next 12 months.
The number of global IoT connections is expected to reach 360 million by 2018, MTN said, with the South African wholesale Machine-2-Machine (M2M) market – one aspect of IoT – already worth an estimated R350 million and expected to grow to R1.2 billion by 2017.
What does this mean for businesses?
This means there are major business opportunities for aspiring developers in South Africa and the rest of the continent.
This free platform will allow networked devices to switch over information and perform actions, responding intelligently to their environments without human intervention.
The launch also sees the introduction of a global M2M SIM card, which will give MTN customers the same rate for M2