M2M refers to those solutions that allow communication between
devices of the same type and a specific application, all via wired
or wireless communication networks. Typically, M2M is
deployed to achieve productivity gains, reduce costs, and increase
safety or security. M2M has been applied in many different
scenarios, including the remote monitoring and control of
enterprise assets, or to provide connectivity of remote machinetype
devices. M2M solutions, however, do not generally allow for
the broad sharing of data or connection of the devices in question
directly to the Internet. The IoT is a widely used term for a set of
technologies, systems, and design principles associated with the
emerging wave of Internet-connected things that are based on the
physical environment. In many respects, it can initially look the
same as M2M communication - connecting sensors and other
devices to Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
systems via wired or wireless networks. In contrast to M2M,
however, IoT also refers to the connection of such systems and
sensors to the broader Internet, as well as the use of general
Internet technologies.