Dimension Data’s Internet Solutions (IS) has announced plans to launch an Internet-of-things (IoT) offering in partnership with Comsol.
IS intends using Comsol’s low-power wide-area network (LoRaWAN) technology.
Its platform will offer “intelligent, automated orchestration” along with “self-configuration by users so they can change network technologies” between LoRaWAN, Sigfox (being deployed in South Africa by Dark Fibre Africa), Wi-Fi, GPRS and others “at will”.
“The platform will capture incoming device messages from IoT networks, archive the data and deliver it to the user in whichever format is the most useful to their business requirements,” said IS senior engineer for research and development Roger Hislop in a statement.
“There is already an extensive catalogue of low-cost, low-touch devices available locally, and substantial investment into LoRaWAN deployments by Comsol and others,” he said.
“Our network- and tech-agnostic platform will interconnect a range of IoT networks, both existing and new low-power wide-area networks, while providing a management and orchestration layer over them. This will enable enterprises to quickly deploy real-world applications of enterprise IoT.”
Recent advances in IoT radio technology have resulted in devices or “things” that can be connected to the cloud using ultra-low cost and ultra-low power wireless networks, powered by batteries that can last for five to 10 years, and able to communicate over many kilometres even through buildings and vegetation, Internet Solutions said.
“South Africa’s geography and wide range of highly developed industries, from agri-business to mining, security, retail and logistics, makes this an ideal market in which enterprise IoT can flourish,” said Justin Colyn, head of IoT at Comsol.
Comsol, which was founded in 1997, announced plans for an open-architecture, open-platform LoRaWAN deployment in November last year. Its IoT Connect offering is an open-access network using LoRaWAN technology and is being made available through third-party providers.
Last year, Comsol sold 25% of its equity to Nedbank, joining shareholder Convergence Partners, businessman Andile Ngcaba’s ICT investment vehicle. Ngcaba is chairman of Dimension Data Middle East and Africa. — (c) 2017 NewsCentral Media
