AT&T Laying Groundwork for Projected Ramp in IoT Deployments

Rhea-AI Summary

AT&T is launching Notecard™, a solution designed to enhance the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices globally. Developed by Blues Wireless, Notecard allows easy cloud connectivity with carrier-grade security using just two lines of code. By leveraging AT&T's LTE-M and NB-IoT networks, it aims to simplify IoT integration for various industries, contributing to a projected 40 billion connected devices by 2025 according to IDC. This solution reduces operational complexity and costs, potentially unlocking new revenue streams for manufacturers.

Positive

• Launch of Notecard™ simplifies IoT device connectivity with secure, prepaid cellular solutions.
• Enables faster deployment of IoT technology across various industries, from healthcare to transportation.
• Projected growth in the IoT market with an anticipated increase to 40 billion devices by 2025.

Negative

• None.

DALLAS, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 

What's the news?  AT&T* is bringing to market a solution that can accelerate and streamline massive deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and applications globally for enterprise and government customers through cellular connectivity. Notecard™, by Blues Wireless, allows just about any asset to be connected to the cloud with carrier-grade security. The solution takes away significant complexity and cost through pre-paid connectivity and allows solution integrators and product builders to accelerate time to market and scale.  

Why is this important?  The global market intelligence firm IDC estimates that by 2025, the overall number of connected Internet of Things devices worldwide will reach almost 40 billion, an increase from 31.1 billion in 2020.¹
The need is clear for businesses to take full advantage of the potential of IoT innovation, become more efficient, reduce their environmental impact, and scale their operations. Commercial appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and beverage dispensers, as well as construction rigs, refrigeration equipment, and containers are all envisioned to be coming off  the assembly lines fully equipped for connectivity. To date, the development, scaling and adoption has been low due to the complexity of scaled operations due to management and operational constraints when relying on Wi-Fi for connectivity. Cellular connectivity overcomes these challenges, making it the best option available for remote monitoring, control, and tracking use cases.

What's the solution?  Notecard was developed by Blues Wireless, founded in 2019 by Ray Ozzie, former CTO and Chief Software Architect at Microsoft. Notecard is a System-on-Module (SOM) that enables connections using just two lines of code.  The solution enables developers of a broad range of commercial and industrial products to embed highly secure prepaid global connectivity through AT&T's LTE-M and NB-IoT Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) networks designed for IoT applications, without the complexity of Wi-Fi connections. Data is routed to cloud providers or application end points of customers choosing.  Notecard makes it easy to manage devices, connectivity, and data remotely, empowering the manufacturer to better understand how their assets are used in the field, and open new revenue streams for services like proactive maintenance and usage-based pricing models. The simplicity of Notecard enables rapid scaling for businesses to move from prototypes to full deployments. Notecard just works – right out of the box.

Who can use this? The automotive, healthcare, industrial, manufacturing, supply chain, transportation, or just about any industry. Notecard enables cellular connections for applications requiring longer battery life, improved coverage and lower costs that are enabled by AT&T's Low-Power Wide-Area networks, in addition to traditional 4G LTE networks. These include  wearables, asset tracking, home appliances and utility meters.  Notecard is suited for low, to medium data rate transmissions.

Where is this available? Notecard is available in the AT&T IoT Marketplace here.

What are people saying?

"AT&T is a recognized leader in the IoT solutions space with significant and growing deployments with customers in many verticals. They have been a great collaborator with our innovative business model of cost-effective embedded cellular solutions for mass developer adoption,"  said Mobeen Khan, Chief Operating Officer  of Blues Wireless. "We are working with them to bring this game-changing solution to AT&T enterprise and government customers and accelerate adoption of IoT network services with thousands of customers across the globe."

"Businesses increasingly recognize the potential for IoT technology to materially improve their operations, create entirely new revenue streams, reduce their environmental footprint  and realize the efficiencies of scale," said William Stovall, vice president, Mobility, IoT and 5G, AT&T. "Notecard, as an all-in-one solution, will help unlock the potential of IoT and accelerate customer adoption."

"Internet of Things deployments require hardware, software, and wired or wireless connectivity, and most require some level of services to implement," said Sandra Wendelken, senior research analyst, mobile services and software at IDC. "The reality is that IoT at the enterprise scale is still complex. Notecard, with embedded AT&T cellular connectivity, can help companies manage expenses by including data costs in up-front device pricing and simplifying the connection process."

Safecast recently released Airnote, an air quality sensor using the Notecard for cellular data transmission. "At Safecast.org we are dedicated to providing open data about our environment to the global community. Collecting air quality data has been costly and cumbersome through dedicated cabling and internet access. Notecard, with embedded AT&T's connectivity, has changed all that. It makes our Airnote affordable,  takes just a few minutes to install and will help us measure our environment through our global network of volunteers," said Pieter Franken, Co-founder and Japan Director of Safecast.

*About AT&T Communications

We help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. AT&T Communications is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). For more information, please visit us at att.com. 

About Blues Wireless

Founded in 2019 by Ray Ozzie, former CTO and Chief Software Architect at Microsoft, Blues Wireless is the creator of Notecard, the fastest and most cost-effective way to add wireless connectivity to any product. Blues is headquartered in Boston, MA. Please connect with us at hello@blues.com or visit blues.io for more information. Read here about IoT innovators and champions' journey working with the Notecard. 

1 IDC, Worldwide Global DataSphere IoT Device and Data Forecast, 2021–2025, Doc # US48087621, July 2021

 

 

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SOURCE AT&T Communications

FAQ

What is Notecard from AT&T?

Notecard is a solution by AT&T that simplifies the deployment of IoT devices, enabling easy cloud connectivity using just two lines of code.

How does Notecard improve IoT deployments for AT&T customers?

Notecard reduces complexity and costs associated with IoT deployments by providing secure, prepaid cellular connectivity, making it easier for manufacturers to scale.

What industries can benefit from AT&T's Notecard?

Industries such as automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation can benefit from Notecard's connectivity solutions.

What are the projected IoT device numbers by 2025?

According to IDC, the global number of connected IoT devices is expected to reach 40 billion by 2025.

When was Notecard launched by AT&T?

Notecard was launched on October 13, 2021.