Ericsson unveils new GSM module for wireless machine-to-machine communication

Ericsson unveils new GSM module for wireless machine-to-machine communication Ericsson unveiled today the GM32 - a new small-size and lightweight wireless communications module. The GM 32, which is dual band GSM 900 and 1800 and supports SMS and voice, is the first of a series of new products that will be launched this year with new features such as Circuit Switched Data, CSD, GPRS, GPS and Bluetooth support. Wireless M2M - machine-to-machine, or man-to-machine - communications are also known as wireless telematics, especially in the automotive industry. In the near future, our homes, vehicles and many other pieces of equipment will be fitted with a wireless module. Ericsson has designed and manufactured a range of wireless modules for M2M communications. The modules are specifically designed to provide high performance, quality and reliability, needed for wireless M2M, as well as being suitable for unattended remote operations for long periods of time. The GM32 is easy to integrate to enable customers to accelerate time to business. Wireless M2M communication is enabled by wireless communication modules, which are increasingly integrated into a wide variety of equipment - including domestic appliances, industrial machinery, metering equipment and all kinds of vehicles. The GM32 will be commercially available in April. "The development of wireless M2M business is starting to gain momentum, and Ericsson is well placed to become a leading player," says Gunilla Nordström, VP and General Manager, Business Unit Modules at Ericsson. "With our new products, increasing customer base, and support, we are able to help different players in the value chain to develop their M2M business." Ericsson will introduce a new family of products, including GPRS, GPS and Bluetooth, during the latter half of 2001, with volume sales by the end of the year. Presently in wireless M2M applications, DTMF, SMS and CSD type services are sufficient to cover the needs of communication. Nevertheless, as GPRS is starting to be implemented in networks around the world, it will be the next natural step also for machine-to-machine communications. For wireless M2M communications, GPRS enables applications to be "always on" and that greater amount of data can be sent if and when needed. This will allow new types of applications and businesses to appear. Ericsson is working closely with network operators, equipment suppliers, system integrators, service providers and consumers worldwide on the development and provision of wireless M2M technology, solutions and applications. The company is also involved in helping to formulate international standards for wireless M2M communications. Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/press FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Peter Bodor, Public Relations Manager, Ericsson Mobile Communications Phone: +46 703 28 24 23, E-mail: peter.bodor@ecs.ericsson.se Gunilla Nordström, VP and General Manager, Business Unit Modules Ericsson Mobile Communications Phone: +34 94 485 8002, E-mail: gunilla.nordstrom@ine.ericsson.se