| | July 20158CIOReviewM2M in theFabric of Business Lifehile there are various definitions and terminologies to describe the connected ecosystem M2M, Internet of Things, IoTone thing is clear: it can be instrumental in breaking down silos and create an interconnected business. As this becomes more evident to organizations around the world, the question is not whether to adopt machine-to-machine (M2M) technologies, but how best to use them to drive business forward.Vodafone recently published its third annual Vodafone M2M Barometer Report, which revealed continued strong growth in the use of the technologies, networks and services that connect a wide variety of smart devicesfrom household products and cars to industrial applicationsto the Internet of Things. The study found that more than a quarter of all businesses worldwide now use M2M technologies to enhance productivity, a 23 percent increase year on year. However, it's about more than just adoptionorganizations are implementing far more sophisticated strategies leading to increased ROI across multiple industries.While the Internet of Things remains popular in applications like the connected car and wearable, new industries are now realizing how M2M technology can help them compete in today's digital economy. For example, the retail sector saw the fastest growth in rates of adoptionup 88 percent year on year, due to retailers' enthusiastic adoption of solutions like in-store digital signage, smart payment systems and supply chain optimization. The healthcare sector saw an increase of 47 percent, where M2M is used for applications such as remote patient monitoring and patient record systems. If this trend continues, the Internet of Things will soon touch every aspect of our lives. M2M Is Proving Its WorthAs M2M spreads across business units and processes, organizations are experiencing better ROI than ever before such as measurable cost savings, and, ultimately, a significant level of organizational transformation. In fact, 59 percent of early adopters reported a significant return on their investment in M2M. And in the Americas, which leads in the adoption of consumer connected devices, companies saw the fastest return on investment, with 41 percent reporting ROI within six months. M2M deployments are even driving business leaders as 83 percent of M2M adopters worldwide feel that they gained a competitive advantage since implementation. While these numbers may tempt businesses to jump into M2M with a `quick win' approach, it's the companies that commit to a more sophisticated, business-wide strategy that will see transformation and gain a competitive advantage in the long run.By Andrew Morawski, Head of M2M for the Americas, Vodafone WAndrew Morawskiin myopinion
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