The Future of Managed Connectivity

The telecommunications industry is undergoing a major change right now. In the past, digital communication was reserved for dedicated devices like phones, computers, and fax machines. However, we are now living in a world where an increasing number of things communicate over digital networks. It’s not just traditional devices. It’s machinery, clothing, buildings, and even cities. The technology powering this change is collectively known as managed connectivity. In this article, we’ll go over what managed connectivity is, what its future looks like, and why every business should invest in it. Let’s get started!

What Is Managed Connectivity?

Managed connectivity—or embedded connectivity — refers to the ability of electronic devices to connect with other devices, networks, or the internet. The connectivity is “embedded” because it is integral to the device’s design and functionality.

For example, many home appliances are being made with managed connectivity these days. Think voice assistants, like Amazon’s Alexa, or autonomous vacuums, like the Roomba. They can be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or to other devices via bluetooth or cellular service, such as your smartphone. In fact, they must be connected in some way in order to function as designed.

The Current State of Managed Connectivity

Managed connectivity is revolutionizing the way we live and work. As it becomes more commonplace across smartphones, laptops, wearables, and other devices, humans will naturally adapt their day-to-day lives. But managed connectivity is also being implemented in machines and industry tools, including medical devices. This means we will also learn to work differently.

So far, the main technology driving the managed connectivity trend is the Internet of Things (IoT). What’s that? A collection of network-enabled devices that have sensors and software for collecting and exchanging data. This is what powers smart thermostats and wearables like Apple watches and Fitbits, for example.

However, moving forward, there will be much more to business connectivity than just IoT. In fact, a convergence of different technologies are poised to take embedded connectivity to a whole new level.

What’s Next for Network Managed Services?

If you’re wondering what’s next for embedded connectivity, here’s a taste of what to expect:

5G cellular networks promise to be a game-changer for embedded connectivity. Why? Because they offer faster data transfer speeds at lower latencies and an overall greater reliability and capacity for communication than previous cellular networks. Once 5G becomes mainstream, it will enable new ways to use embedded connectivity, such as creating entire interconnected “smart cities.”
Edge computing is a new development that enables devices to process data internally rather than sending it to a central hub. For embedded devices, this has the potential to accelerate decision-making and put less strain on the network. It would mean that small devices could have enough storage and computing power to process data on-site.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can help enable embedded devices to make decisions based on real-time data. For example, it could help homeowners optimize their energy usage or enhance safety in autonomous vehicles. Essentially, AI could help embedded devices leverage data to make more sophisticated and intelligent decisions on the spot.
Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as businesses rely more on embedded connectivity. Why? Because the more connected your company infrastructure is, the more channels cybercriminals have to attack you through. As a result, cybersecurity measures and systems are becoming more robust to help prevent and minimize cyberthreats and protect sensitive data.
Blockchain is a popular record-keeping technology that uses a distributed ledger system to decentralize authority. Because it is incredibly difficult to alter or hack, it could be adopted by embedded connectivity systems to store and share data in a more secure way.

To say the least, the future of embedded connectivity is bright. The above-listed developments are just a handful of the potential advancements in the field of embedded connectivity. As connected devices continue to proliferate in coming years, innovation will accelerate.

5 Benefits of Business Connectivity Services

Now that you know what embedded connectivity is and where it’s headed, you may wonder what’s in it for your business. Should you invest in it? The short answer is yes. Not only is embedded connectivity the future but it also leads to a host of benefits:

1. Increased Efficiency

When your business assets are embedded with connectivity, you can streamline processes and reduce the need for manual intervention. For example, a retail store could install a front door system that collects data on who enters and who goes so you can make better decisions about how many staff members to put on the store floor.

2. Real-time Data

On a similar note, managed connectivity can collect and analyze data in real time. This allows you to make better business decisions in the moment as well as identify opportunities for optimization and improvement.

3. Remote Monitoring and Control

Managed connectivity can help you remotely monitor and control devices and machines. For example, it might help you anticipate a needed repair or a dead battery in a forklift so that you can address it quickly. This means you don’t have to spend as much time on-site checking equipment manually.

4. Improved Customer Experience

When your customer relationship management (CRM) systems are embedded with connectivity, you can provide better customer experiences. For example, you may be able to provide personalized product recommendations based on user behavior or track inventory in real time to show what products you currently have in stock for consumers to buy.

5. New Revenue Streams

Lastly, embedded connectivity can help open up new revenue streams. For example, you may be able to sell the data you collect from IoT devices to advertisers to generate ad revenue or sell preventative maintenance data to businesses that use your equipment.

Time will tell all the ways in which embedded connectivity will change the world of business. But it’s destined to lead to higher levels of efficiency and productivity. So if you don’t embrace it now, you’ll eventually fall behind the competition.

Managed Connectivity Is Just a Click Away

Ready to take your business to the next level with embedded connectivity solutions? Contact First Class Connection today for a free consultation. We look forward to discussing your telecommunication needs and how we can help.