Jola Cloud Solutions' Blog

The IoT market used to be the preserve of a small number of IoT specialists and the IoT departments inside the Mobile Network Operators. IoT applications were limited to some mega-scale consumer-focused services and B2B remote sensing services focused on specific vertical markets, such as utilities.

Almost every business can benefit from IoT with thousands of different applications being available off the shelf.  The public cloud providers such as AWS and Azure complement these with mature and secure IoT development environments allowing organisations to develop their bespoke solutions.

What IoT solutions are in demand?

Some of the most popular IoT solutions that we find our resellers are involved in are vehicle telemetry and tracking, connected security and fire systems, machine monitoring, asset tracking, smart healthcare and smart city applications.

What opportunities are available to the Channel around the IoT?

There is no reason why the channel can’t be involved in any type of IoT opportunity by partnering with the right suppliers.  Jola provides IoT connectivity, IoT hardware and IoT solutions through our 1400 channel partners.  Where we don’t have all the elements required for an end-to-end solution we can help direct a reseller to the vendor partner that can provide the missing pieces of the puzzle.

With IoT connectivity, the most common requirement is for multi-network un-steered SIMs to provide resilience and the best coverage. Typically, mobile operators cannot provide these themselves. The channel has the opportunity to provide the right SIM for its customers without being tied to any single mobile operator’s network footprint or product portfolio.

With technologies being switched off (PSTN, ISDN, 3G) and the current economic climate, demand for cost-effective, managed mobile data solutions from the Channel, has never been so high.

Hotels and care homes are replacing single phone lines with managed 4G solutions and other single PSTN applications like lifts, alarm lines and door entry systems are following suit. There is a need for secure pre-configured 4G routers for digital signage, temporary WiFi for construction sites and fixed IP SIMs for CCTV cameras. Multi-Net SIMs are required for ANPR cameras, wearables and tracking devices. 3G SIMs in thousands of devices from fixed line backup to street signs need to be replaced.

The list goes on, and the opportunity for the channel is massive. The challenge is finding the opportunities each partner can win and to do this Jola has come up with a unique process called The Mobile-Data Revenue Generator™.

Jola is helping channel partners uncover prospects with immediate requirements for mobile data SIMs. We help develop unique solutions that partners can't buy from anyone else, at a competitive price and healthy margin. We are channel-only so partners can trust us to help them pitch and close deals. We are on hand to support partners and their customers throughout the buying process and we can help create winning propositions, producing large, high-margin long-term contracts.

With technologies being switched off (PSTN, ISDN, 3G) and the current economic climate, demand for cost-effective, managed mobile data solutions from the Channel, has never been so high.

Hotels and care homes are replacing single phone lines with managed 4G solutions and other single PSTN applications like lifts, alarm lines and door entry systems are following suit. There is a need for secure pre-configured 4G routers for digital signage, temporary WiFi for construction sites and fixed IP SIMs for CCTV cameras. Multi-Net SIMs are required for ANPR cameras, wearables and tracking devices. 3G SIMs in thousands of devices from fixed line backup to street signs need to be replaced.

The list goes on, and the opportunity for the channel is massive. The challenge is finding the opportunities each partner can win and to do this Jola has come up with a unique process called The Mobile Data Revenue Generator™.

Jola is helping channel partners uncover prospects with immediate requirements for mobile data SIMs. We help develop unique solutions that partners can't buy from anyone else, at a competitive price and healthy margin. We are channel-only so partners can trust us to help them pitch and close deals. We are on hand to support partners and their customers throughout the buying process and we can help create winning propositions, producing large, high-margin long-term contracts.

High Demand

Demand for reliable mobile data to track the location of lorries, buses, coaches, taxis, delivery vans and hire cars is growing, as is the tracking of assets. Smart transport networks offer significant benefits to passengers, operators and local authorities, enabling urban services to become more efficient, effective and safe. Customers want to be able to track the progress of their deliveries and car hire companies need to track the location of their vehicles, as well as monitor the safety of the drivers.

Solutions

There are many end-to-end solutions available to the transport industry, involving 4G routers and cameras. Trams, buses and trains are tracked, and arrival times are accurately estimated and advertised, factoring in potential delays. These devices need 4G data SIMs, often with a fixed IP or delivered via a secure Private APN.

Suppliers

MSPs and resellers need a wholesale supplier with a wide range of connectivity options from single to multi-network to Fixed IP to meet the evolving needs of the sector. Many MSPs have strong relationships in this sector and understand the challenges faced and the solutions required. End-users need continuous connectivity and control over their data usage to avoid data overage charges. Jola’s MSPs can manage global SIM estates in Mobile Manager providing end-users with real-time data usage, alerts bolt-ons and data pools to monitor usage and avoid bill shock.

Challenges and solutions

Without the involvement of an intelligent aggregator, Service providers face a few challenges with 4G. Firstly, some networks are stronger than others in specific locations requiring relationships with multiple network providers. Secondly, they have no way of tracking data usage and if devices use more than their allocated monthly allowance, they get high data overage charges. Thirdly, they need a secure channel for transmitting financial data. Cost-effective multi-network SIMs are available along with an online ordering and management portal, which tracks data usage and allows resellers to set up usage alerts, and back-date bolt-ons. Data pools, allow data to be shared across multiple SIMs and buffer pools negate high data overage charges completely. Private APN networks offer increased levels of security, allowing encrypted data to travel across a private mobile network.

A few years ago IoT was driving transformational change in certain market sectors such as utilities and transport.  The return on investment was so rapid that if you didn’t invest in IoT you were vulnerable to competitors who were already benefiting from efficiencies being gained from their investment in IoT.  Today you would struggle to find a water supplier that isn’t monitoring their distribution networks in real-time or a transport company that isn’t tracking and monitoring their fleet in real-time.  In fact, in these industries, they’re probably on their second or third generation of solutions.  

Today every market sector has a problem that can be solved by IoT.  A few years ago companies would seek out an IoT specialist or perhaps the IoT division of a mobile operator for help.  Today, IoT is mainstream and companies are turning to their trusted IT service provider or telecoms service provider for advice.

IoT sits adjacent to so many other services that resellers may find it relatively easy to fill gaps in their portfolio.  For example, somebody that is already selling traditional mobile could find adding IoT connectivity a natural extension and if you’ve already got businesses that trust you to supply, support and bill their mobile handset SIMs then you’re halfway there.  You may be providing public cloud consultancy or services.  Over 80% of IoT projects are built using one or more services in the public cloud and so there’s a great opportunity to develop an IoT business using tools and technologies that you already know.

IoT opportunities don’t just come because you add an IoT product or service to your portfolio.  You already have customers with huge IoT opportunities but you just don’t know it yet.  At Jola, we have a process called the Mobile-Data Revenue Generator™ (The MRG™) that helps resellers identify opportunities in their existing base and helps develop the necessary products, services and skills to be successful in winning those opportunities.

3G Sunsetting 

The sunsetting of 3G and indeed 2G has huge implications for the IoT market.  There are millions of devices out there that only support 3G that need to be replaced.  There are millions of SIMs that only support 3G, even if they’re in devices that are capable of connecting to 4G.  So there in many cases, the starting point should be an audit of your customers' use of IoT and M2M connectivity and devices.  Some major sectors are payment processing terminals, vehicle telemetry/vehicle trackers, remote environmental sensors, digital signage etc.  In many cases, your customers may not be aware of the ticking time bomb within their own organisation.  Of course, for the reseller, this is a huge opportunity not just to solve a problem but to save their customer money.  The reality is that connectivity costs have come down significantly over the past few years so your customers’ 3G solution likely supplied by one of the big four mobile operators will look very expensive based on today’s prices.  Of course, swapping hardware could be expensive but with solutions like the Jola Device as a Service then you may be able to solve their problem without any CAPEX at all whilst delivering better performance and the latest features.

Every IoT solution will involve a variety of vendors from the device manufacturer, connectivity supplier, device management software vendor, application vendor, and cloud or hosting location.  In some cases your customer will be coming to you for just one element of the solution, in others, they’ll be looking for the end-to-end solution.  Many vendors are not geared up to sell via the channel and should be avoided.  Only a truly channel-only specialist will be able to help resellers at every step of the engagement with a new IoT opportunity.  The low-hanging fruit in all IoT opportunities is connectivity.  The reality is that mobile network operators have quite rigid product sets and limited management bandwidth to deal with a lot of opportunities.  Of course, if the opportunity is sizeable then they’d rather win it themselves. 

Demand for Machine to Machine (M2M) and (IoT) SIMs is growing, as well as multi-network and Low Power SIMs (LP-WAN). Channel partners are building a pipeline of big deals in key vertical markets, generating high-margin recurring revenue from mobile data.

Transport

There are many experienced providers offering end-to-end solutions to the transport industry, involving 4G/5G routers and cameras. Trams, buses and trains are tracked, and arrival times accurately estimated and advertised, factoring in potential delays. These devices need 4G/5G data SIMs, often with a fixed IP or delivered via a secure Private APN. On average there are seven SIMs per bus, for logging into the cameras to download relevant footage, Wi-Fi, secure card payments, passenger trackers, applications tracking hours worked, engine telemetry and miles travelled.

Utilities

Businesses are managing their energy flows through smart energy grids and smart meters, allowing for more accurate bills. There is a focus on improving energy efficiency and resolving outages more effectively, with remote site monitoring. These devices often require LP-WAN SIMs for longevity and don’t use much data.

Health

Smart devices offer important patient benefits, like connected ambulances. Ambulance crews have access to high-bandwidth internet capabilities, and tablets holding patient records. This means that information can be sent to hospitals in real-time. Tablets require data-only SIMs with data packages to meet requirements.

Security

Commercial security is getting smarter. CCTV and alarms can be monitored securely and footage can be stored remotely. Security devices typically require M2M data SIMs or Fixed IP SIMs.

Retail

Stores are using technology to differentiate themselves by enhancing their in-store experience. They are allowing customers to beat the queues with connected handheld smart devices. From personalised billboards to tailored signage, retailers are evolving to meet changing market conditions. For digital signage, Intelligent 4G/5G routers and multi-network M2M SIMs allow retailers to plug signs in anywhere in the UK and not worry about signal strengths, blackspots or hackers trying to edit their content.

Demand for reliable mobile data to track the location of lorries, buses, coaches, taxis, delivery vans and hire cars is growing. As is the tracking of assets such as mobility scooters, e-bikes and electric scooters. On construction sites, assets such as telehandlers are tracked and monitored to record operational-critical alarms for servicing, remote diagnostics and load usage. Do you have customers who need to track their devices? Could they be buying bespoke mobile data solutions from you?

Jola offers a cost-effective range of M2M and IoT SIMs designed for asset tracking and monitoring. Many device tracking specialists have been let down by the MNOs in the past, who have not been responsive enough to solve problems as they were identified. Mobile data aggregators like Jola are able to offer partners the widest range of M2M and IoT SIMs from multiple suppliers as well as Multinetwork and Fixed IP variants all controlled within a real-time automated portal. Customers are able to tailor packages to meet exact requirements with solutions, you just cannot get from the MNOs directly. End-users need to be able to stay in control of their end-user experience and track usage to avoid bill shock. Jola allows partners to use pooled data options to share data across multiple sites and track data usage in real-time. Alerts are really useful for partners, who can then add bolt-ons where required or use data pools to control their own margins and their customers’ charges.

Jola is an award-winning, channel-only supplier of business communications, specialising in mobile data SIMs. We are a global data specialist, providing innovative IoT and mobile data solutions to MSPs, ISPs, IT Support companies and Telecommunications Resellers.

Electric Vehicle charging points are popping up across the country, from individual domestic units used at home, to multiple units at service stations and supermarket carparks.

EV charging points require reliable 4G connectivity for two reasons; to monitor and maintain the system highlighting any issues with the hardware and to collect usage information to charge customer accounts.

Suitable connectivity is often a challenge for manufacturers, with no fixed line service or WI-FI coverage available at the many different charging sites across the country.

The connectivity solution must also be easily scalable as the demand for EV charging points is rapidly increasing across the globe.

The Jola solution is a multi-network SIM with an aggregated data pool, connecting to over 150 network platforms across the globe.  This creates a single SIM solution which maximises the benefits of aggregated data. This can all be managed within the award-winning Mobile Manager portal.

A shift towards online shopping has driven demand for fulfilment and distribution centres. These new spaces require reliable connectivity. Where no existing fibre is available, MSPs are turning to 4G.

MSPs are quoting online retailers for bespoke 4G connectivity packages that meet their exact requirements. They are offering solutions that can be preconfigured and delivered to multiple locations to meet tight deadlines.

MSPs are turning to Jola for their multinetwork roaming SIMs controlled in Mobile Manager.

MSPs partnering with Jola are offering multinetwork solutions. Data is managed within Mobile Manager, an online management portal for ordering and managing SIM estates globally.

The healthcare sector has been adopting new technology to assist with medical activities for some time. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, technology has developed at a much faster pace in this sector, which presents opportunities for the channel.

Medical professionals are adopting new ways to treat patients and avoid unnecessary in-person treatments, and IoT devices have helped make this possible. Smart thermometers have been used to measure temperatures, and wearable IoT devices are used to track patients’ vital signs. Smartwatches and heart rate monitors gather data that can be remotely analysed by a physician.

Challenges

Data security and patient confidentiality are critical in healthcare. The industry must protect itself from hackers, and patients must feel comfortable that their personal data are secure.

Opportunity for the channel

The healthcare sector is in desperate need of technology to avoid unnecessary visits to surgeries and hospitals and to protect frontline workers. Opportunities for mobile broadband, cloud-based telehealth software and mobile data flooded the market, as demand increased for real-time communication and remote monitoring.

Patient experience has changed dramatically during the pandemic, with patients encouraged to wait for doctor call-backs or arrange video calls. Phone systems are being upgraded, telehealth software is being rolled out and smart devices are provided to mobile healthcare workers. Some exhibition centres have been turned into vaccination centres, and the channel was called upon to set up communications and monitoring equipment.

Jola partners have been providing fast, reliable mobile broadband connections, telephony solutions and M2M/IoT data SIMs for monitoring devices, managed in Mobile Manager.