TORONTO – Rogers Communications is proposing to make our smart world a whole lot smarter by powering more than one million machine-to-machine connections and bringing a cloud-based hosted data analytics offering to market this year. The company plans to grow its traditional M2M business to include big data and analytics as well as professional and managed services, and expects the market revenue for the overall M2M ecosystem in Canada will reach $1 billion in the next three years.
At a roundtable discussion today at the new Toronto Rogers Wireless Innovation Centre (pictured), Nadir Mohamed, Rogers President and CEO, was joined by SAP and leaders from Canadian healthcare and retail industries including Women's College Hospital and Canadian Tire. The discussion focused on the impact connected technology and the ability to tap into big data and analytics will have on Canadian businesses and consumers.
"Internet is the foundation for a truly digital world and as our lives become increasingly connected we will see an explosion of valuable data for businesses, governments, healthcare providers and consumers," said Nadir Mohamed, Rogers President and CEO. "As a business, we expect to surpass one million M2M connections before end of year. To position Canada at the forefront, we are making investments in networks, strategic partnerships, and big data and analytics platforms to build a robust ecosystem that will power a connected future for Canada."
As part of its commitment to accelerate the adoption and development of connected technology, Rogers has opened a new Wireless Innovation Centre in Toronto. The space provides an interactive experience with the latest machine-to-machine (M2M) technology and enterprise mobility applications from partners. Solutions showcased include wireless asset tracking, wireless backup connectivity, digital signage, video surveillance, point of sale and data analytics applications. Hands-on demos of technology that businesses and consumers use today are also featured including ATMs, parking meters and GPS locating tools. Rogers expects vertical industries will increasingly embrace these types of connected solutions – particularly healthcare, retail, transportation, energy and utilities.
"The future of enterprise mobility is about bringing together connected, mobile devices with applications that allow crucial data to be gathered," said Tony Olvet, Group Vice President, IDC Canada. "Rogers is contributing to the advancement and growth of Canada's wireless industry by not only investing in network technology, but also resources to support and drive innovation."
In addition to Toronto, Rogers has also opened Wireless Innovation Centres in both Montreal and in Vancouver.
