How managed IoT connectivity helps unlock businesses’ potential

Cellular connectivity is becoming increasingly attractive for businesses wanting to harness the enormous benefits of the Internet of Things (IoT)

However, deploying, monitoring and controlling all those cellular-connected IoT devices can be a major challenge, which explains the growing importance of managed IoT connectivity platforms.

Vodafone’s Managed IoT Connectivity Platform

Vodafone’s cloud-based IoT connectivity platform (GDSP) has an easy-to-use interface with comprehensive features that enable IoT applications to be built and managed easily on the world’s largest network.

The platform simplifies IoT device management by giving businesses visibility and control over their IoT SIMs in more than 180 countries around the world. It feeds businesses insights and analytics that allows them to better manage and monitor their connected assets in one place – helping them to reduce operational complexity, automating processes and reducing their operating costs.

With more than 190 million IoT connections across 670+ networks worldwide, Vodafone operates the largest global IoT platform.

But how can our platform really benefit businesses?

Unrivaled flexibility

Customers can choose the type of cellular network, data allowance, footprint and roaming ability that best suits their needs whether it be high speed, low latency 4G and 5G, LPWA technology like Narrowband-IoT and LTE-M or even satellite connectivity.

Complete visibility and control

Managed connectivity: Our GDSP platform provides customers the data they need that helps businesses in their digital transformation journey, as well as ensuring they stay compliant with local regulations. Once connected, our easy-to-use web platform – which is accessible from anywhere in world – gives businesses compete visibility and control of all their devices. SIMs can be remotely activated and deactivated as required, and new SIMs can be added as businesses expand.

Flexible reporting: Using the data our platform generates, customers can receive customisable reports as frequently as they need, and at any time throughout the day. These reports provide insights into how assets are performing, while alerts and diagnostic tools will alert and provide solutions to performance issues.

IoT Analytics: To enhance visibility on SIM estates, our analytics provide customers with data on everything from SIMs moving between different regions and in which countries, if there is overspending or if SIMs are roaming in restricted countries. Through Machine Learning, anomalies are also flagged for further inspections, e.g. if there’s a device malfunction, cybersecurity breaches or a fraud incident.

It's scalable

Vodafone’s IoT platform is a future proof platform that accommodates growth and upgrade requirements. Whether you’re a small or large business, looking to meet local or global needs (or both) – the platform allows you to grow at your own pace on a dedicated network.

Rigorous security

The platform has been designed with security in mind from the ground up, with several layers of protection built in (as well as for network applications and SIMs). It’s both ISO 27001 (international security standard) and TISAX (a dedicated security certificate for the automotive industry) certified and is continuously audited by various independent parties. Furthermore, due to our platform being centrally hosted – with Vodafone owning the infrastructure – we have full control over the rigorous security standards we set.

The platform has a well-established security framework and thorough security processes for the high protection of organisational and customer assets. Pen tests and security assessments are carried out and platform assessments are conducted annually. Furthermore, our portal has a robust access management system via multi-factor authentication, so only those that are intended to access the system can see and manage it.

Vodafone Business IoT has a dedicated team of security experts who consistently monitor and manage our operations. Furthermore, additional security aspects such as secure data centres, web application firewalls, distributed denial of service protections and intrusion detection, and prevention products are also in place to enhance the security of our customers’ connectivity. As a company, we continuously evaluate future trends and technology to ensure our operations – including our managed IoT connectivity platform – is fit for the future.

Expert support

Vodafone has a wealth of IoT professionals delivering global products and services – from planning and deployment to monitoring and maintenance, our team of experts offer the same high levels of guidance and support to businesses of all sizes.

To find out more about how we could help your business, why not take a look at our full range of managed IoT connectivity services.