A network for companies involved in the machine-to-machine (M2M) business has launched. 

Called m2mapps.com, the network is billed as an independent intelligence platform for the M2M value chain, and aims to serve as a source of information for decision makers who deal with M2M in areas such as industry, finance, science, or public affairs.

It is free for companies to register on the platform, which offers comprehensive search functions to help businesses in need of a M2M solution to find the best vendor, says m2mapps.com. 

As well as the company network, the platform also offers market analysis though a blog from Beecham Research CEO and analyst Robin Duke-Woolley.

“The M2M market has grown increasingly complex in the last few years,” says Duke-Woolley. “The aim of m2mapps is to provide a single platform on which to host the complete value chain of M2M of products and services, all of which will be easily and quickly accessed by potential users. We think m2mapps fills a real need, that of helping to bring together expertise across the industry with users who want to gain real advantage from using M2M solutions, and we fully support its objectives.” 

Users can search the m2mapps platform withing four categories: applications; solution development (with access to advisors and product design consultants); solution creation; and connectivity (for example mobile network operators and MVNOs). 

The platform will serve as a knowledge hub, says m2mapps.com, and will feature interviews with industry figures as part of its analysis. The first interview on the platform is with Dr Preston Marshall, research professor in the department of electrical engineering at the University of Southern California. The interview highlights the relationship between M2M technology and academic research. 

To register your company at m2mapps.com, go to the m2mapps.com website.