On June 14, Kontron announced its M2M Smart Services Developer Kit with a deployable Intel Atom processor-based system. Developed in collaboration with Intel, the COMs-based kit is a development and deployment solution designed to enable designers to develop and test their application's connectivity and performance, prior to final deployment.
The M2M Smart Services Developer Kit is designed to meet needs for accelerated M2M connected-computing launch schedules of smart services that utilize cloud-based computing to communicate and aggregate data on edge node and gateway devices. The kit uses the COM Express compatible Kontron Computer-on-Module nanoETXexpress-TT powered by the Intel Atom processor and includes a M2M System Carrier Board and an AV board to support headed configuration use.
The Kit is also 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN (wireless local area network) and 802.15.4 WPAN (wireless personal area network) capable, allowing development of wireless connectivity solutions. 3G WWAN (wireless wide area network) is either pre-installed or enabled by inserting a pre-certified PCI Express 3G/4G module for further broadband connectivity flexibility.
As devices become ever more inteconnected through this decade, the channel for Kontron's M2M solution includes OEMs, smart services developers, and independent software vendors (ISVs) who seek the benefits of reduced development cost, less risk, and accelerated time-to-market with a production-ready COTS small factor platform. The M2M solution and kit packaging will be available worldwide in Q3, and it may also be easily customized to include a network operator's, OEM's, or ISV's brand.
VDC sees more traditional embedded suppliers, such as Kontron, continuing to embrace the M2M and cloud computing concepts as traditional board and system business models evolve to support the unmistakable convergence of information technologies, communications technologies, and building management technologies.