It is clear to see that the communications world is changing
rapidly. However, what our customers are looking for has changed
very little. They still want the best possible communications
solution that they can afford. The big changes are in how
we deliver those solutions, and how much more complex and
innovative those solutions can be now, without being prohibitively
expensive.
Not long ago, our customers shied away from any type of
integration, because they knew it was going to be expensive. The
good news is that in the last three or four years, integration has
become a lot less costly, so we really need a mindset change in the
industry.
No longer can we operate in silos, believing that our system is all
our customers are using for their critical comms. Equally though,
no longer should network operators shy away from incorporating
other technologies because they believe that complexity
equals cost. Today’s radio network is just one element of the
communication solution, and it must integrate seamlessly with all
the other technologies in use. This change is happening fast, as
different technologies become both more accessible and more
affordable.
The communication industry is already impacted by the availability
of Io T equipment, and that impact is set to increase rapidly. Right
now, Io T is largely consumer-driven and lacks the robustness
needed for critical communications. For instance, when a
customer wants to read a meter 10 miles away, across a field, radio
is still the best choice. Cellular is available but is not sufficiently
reliable. An Io T company may offer a low-cost solution, but as yet,
it is likely to be even less reliable than cellular.
When we are seeking that perfect combination of affordability
and quality, an essential ingredient is standards. Across a
communications network, the various technologies and devices
can only talk to each other by using similar protocols and standard
interfaces which have been defined and understood, implemented
and tested by all parties. In the past, closed protocols meant that
equipment manufacturers would work with only one or two other
vendors. That doesn’t offer customers a good solution, because
it reduces their choice of equipment supplier, and potentially,
increases cost.
Open protocols give customers flexibility and avoid vendor lock-in.
So while some manufacturers still promote closed protocols – and
it may seem less expensive initially – it is rarely in the customer’s
long-term best interests. Undoubtedly, we are getting more open
with protocols, but there is still plenty of work to do in this area.
Customers are beginning to realise that they can now do a lot
more with their comms network than they could previously – in
fact, more than they ever imagined. And we are really only at the
beginning of what they might ask for. Already, we are involved in
many different and exciting projects.
Kevin Golding, Applications Manager at South
Midlands Communications (SMC) in the UK gives
us an industry view on the communications world
and how it affects us all.
“Today’s radio network
is just one element of
the communication
solution, and it must
integrate seamlessly
with all the other
technologies in use.”
