[Satellite TODAY 08-12-11] The Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) has launched a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) focus group initiative, which aims to address how companies can seize core opportunities through standards work for ICT solutions as they pertain to M2M, smart grid and connected-vehicle applications, ATIS announced Aug. 11.

    The initial work of the M2M-FG will assess standards issues in a variety of areas, including: carrier portability for devices without the need to swap out SIMs and for embedded SIM devices; inter-service platform communication if needed; provisioning, activation and billing; the abstraction layer; and the service delivery platform. ATIS said the group’s work also would include the development of relationship maps with other non-ATIS vendors and standards development organizations.

   “M2M is creating an entire ecosystem and economy with significant revenue creation opportunities. Value-added services associated with M2M remain a relatively untapped market for ICT. The Focus Group’s work gives ATIS member companies the opportunity to shape and define ICT’s contribution to this burgeoning space,” ATIS President and CEO Susan Miller said in a statement.