Telstra hits milestone for 'Internet of Things'

Telstra has talked up its IT solutions clout, claiming to have surpassed one million machine-to-machine (M2M) services in operation.

The milestone makes Telstra the largest M2M provider in Australia, the telco claimed.

According to Telstra, M2M "gives your business assets the power to communicate directly with each other, automating day-to-day tasks that free up your workforce to get on with more important business". M2M is a key component of the 'Internet of Things' trend.

Through a Telstra internet connection, machine-to-machine devices can communicate with business processes, business systems and other business assets. Telstra has claimed that by automating day-to-day tasks, employees can focus their productivity elsewhere.

The M2M portfolio is a vital part of Telstra's growth strategy as it continues to diversify into providing technology solutions, said Telstra director of M2M Mike Cihra.

"This allows businesses to automate complex tasks, implement preventative maintenance and optimise operations efficiency.  Our solutions are enabling services such as security, water and electricity monitoring, stock control, home health care and remote temperature control," Cihra said.

Telstra's growth in M2M has come via partnerships forged in the last year. The telco has joined with solution providers, system integrators and hardware providers to deliver M2M services across a range of industries.

These services include 26,000 handheld scanners for Australia Post, parking solutions to the City of Perth and 1,000 self-service trailer hire kiosks for Move Yourself Trailers.

Telstra has been aggressively positioning itself as a key player in the IT space. The telecommunications company acquired unified communications company NSG Group and a 50 percent stake in IT solutions provider Fred IT in under three months.