Verizon Wireless and nPhase, a Verizon Wireless/Qualcomm Joint Venture, are forming a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating the adoption of global machine-to-machine (M2M) deployments by simplifying the remote management and monitoring of devices spread across both European and US networks.

The alliance is designed to deliver a simple and effective international management solution for the growing number of companies looking to use M2M wireless communications to enhance their customer service and create new service offerings in sectors including energy, healthcare, automotive telematics, consumer and commercial products.

A good example of M2M technology in action is the growing use of smart meters in the utility industry, enabling firms to efficiently collect meter data and provide two-way data transmissions and tailored offers for their customers.

The alliance members anticipate that this move will result in increased demand for M2M services on mobile networks across Europe and North America over the coming years. Globally, industry-wide operator revenues for wireless M2M were €3 billion ($4.3B USD) in 2008, and this is forecast to rise to €8.9 billion ($12.9B USD) in 2012, according to the telecom analyst firm Berg Insight, based in Sweden.

"M2M technology is playing an increasingly key role in helping firms to deliver more customised services to their customers, but the difficulties of managing devices on a global level was stopping the sector from realising its true potential," said Erik Brenneis, Global Head of M2M, Vodafone. "Through this alliance, we are making it even easier for firms to roll out M2M technology to their customers, where ever they may be."