And machine will talk unto machine

One M2M Global is a SIM card from Jasper Wireless that'll let your van or truck communicate via GSM in around 35 different countries worldwide. There's even a ruggedised version of the SIM from Wavecom.

Jasper is carving out a new niche for itself in the GSM world by offering tariffs and a service which are entirely dedicated to machine-to-machine communications (telematics).

Japser can support all types of GSM data ranging from 2G (text), through 2.5G (GPRS) though to 3G itself.

However, as Jasper's Daniel Collins explained to the INQ, since there's no voice traffic involved at all, the company has to negotiate individually with each network operator.

This kind of service hasn't been offered before in Europe.

Essentially all Jasper's customers have to do is pay for the data they use as and when it's needed. There's no monthly subscription which would prevent most M2M applications from being economically viable.

Better still the One SIM works in every territory where Jasper has a presence. But if you fit it into a truck, you're talking about a card that would have to withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 85 degrees.

Which is why Jasper has just done a deal with SIM card specialist, Wavecom. Jasper's service can be loaded onto Wavecom's InSIM industrial-grade SIM card.

Naturally Jasper has tested its products out with all the major GSM modem suppliers including Siemens, Telit and in Wavecom's case it will work with the latest Wireless Microprocessor 50 box.

The automotive sector is by no means Jasper's only potential customer for it M2M. It's just that vehicle manufacturers and operators understand the benefits of being able to communicate in real-time.

You could, of course, fit a Jasper SIM inside a photocopier so that you can deliver a new toner cartridge to the customer's premises a couple of days before the ink runs out.

Jasper has stolen Cindy Patterson from Verizon Wireless to market the One SIM to existing telematics application providers.

The INQ just wishes it could remember the name of the Swedish rental car company which enables customers to open the car doors via Bluetooth.

They could send a new password to the car in whichever country it was located. µ

L'INQ
www.jasperwireless.com