 status to a UMTS wireless network via a modem. The protocols such as TCP/IP and the short message peer-to-peer (SMPP) are used by the UMTS network to send the information to a back-end server. The server processes the data and sends it via the Internet to the facility that monitors and controls the machine. TCP/IP TCP/IP Machine Wireless Internet network Machine- pertinent Back-end protocol server Interface modem Monitoring facility Figure 9.29 M2M process. Reproduced with permission from Lawton C 2004 IEEE [45] Next Generation Mobile Communications Ecosystem equipment supplier software publisher hosting integrator and service distributor platform supplier telecom operator consulting Figure 9.30 M2M value chain. Reproduced from C 2006 Orange [46] 9.12.4.3 M2M Ecosystem A number of industries, and in turn the players, are involved in M2M communications. A successful M2M implementation requires the interplay of the following technologies and services (Figure 9.30): Equipment Supplier: Handles all the tasks from manufacturing to maintaining intelligent communication enabled devices. Software Publisher: Handles the middleware and all M2M applications. A large range of software publishers can be used depending upon which M2M system is to be built. Telecom Operators: They are one of the key members of the M2M team as they pro- vide connection to remote devices and offer all operation and administration services for networks and devices. Consulting: Help in recognizing the feasibility of M2M projects and the areas on which companies can focus more in M2M solutions. Consultants also help in selecting other key players SO that different players can work together in a better way. Integrator: Has the responsibility of integrating all components into a solution to form a complete M2M package. An integrator can be any of the following: an IT service provider, a telecom operator or an equipment supplier. Hosting and Service Platform Provider: They are the ones hosting the M2M solution. Distributor: Has the responsibility of m