In today’s interconnected world, the seamless operation of IoT devices is critical for maintaining business continuity. These devices, which range from simple sensors to complex industrial machines, rely on constant connectivity to transmit vital data. However, several factors can disrupt this connectivity, leading to significant business challenges. This post explores how multi-IMSI SIMs offer a robust solution to these challenges, and why Velocity IoT emerges as the ideal connectivity partner for businesses aiming for uninterrupted operations.
Challenges to Business Continuity for IoT Devices
Outages
Connectivity outages are perhaps the most direct threat to IoT-dependent operations. Whether due to network failures, natural disasters, or maintenance downtimes, the loss of connectivity can halt data flow, rendering IoT devices useless. For businesses, this can translate into halted production lines, compromised security systems, or disrupted logistics operations, each carrying substantial financial costs.
Security Issues
IoT devices, by their nature, are spread across various locations, often transmitting sensitive data. This exposure makes them prime targets for cyber attacks. A security breach can not only interrupt connectivity but also compromise critical business data, leading to significant legal and reputational repercussions. As pointed out in an article from IoT Now research by Kefactor and Vanson Bourne found that nearly all organizations (97%) are struggling to secure their IoT and connected products to some degree.
Technology Sunsetting
The telecom industry is in constant evolution, with older technologies making way for newer, more efficient ones. However, this transition can leave IoT devices stranded on outdated technologies, facing obsolescence. For businesses, this means forced upgrades or facing connectivity issues, both costly options. As highlighted in an article by floLIVE the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, experienced two weeks of business interruption as a result of relying on the 2G network past its sunset date.
Roaming Issues
For IoT devices that operate across international borders, roaming presents a unique set of challenges. Devices may face connectivity issues due to incompatible networks or incur exorbitant roaming charges, affecting both operational continuity and cost efficiency. Additionally, the approach of choosing different vendors for different countries can quickly become a logistical nightmare, complicating the management and operation of these devices significantly. This integration of various vendors not only escalates the complexity of operations but also introduces potential inefficiencies in managing connectivity for globally deployed IoT devices.
The High Cost of Connectivity Outages
The cost implications of connectivity outages go beyond just immediate operational losses. They can affect customer satisfaction, lead to data losses, and even cause contractual penalties. In industries like retail, transportation, or manufacturing, where real-time data is crucial, the impact can be particularly severe, with potential safety implications. In 2021, Gartner estimated the cost of unplanned downtime to be around $5600 per minute.
Multi-IMSI SIMs: Facilitating Uninterrupted Connectivity for Enhanced Business Continuity
Before diving into multi-IMSI technology’s role in IoT, it’s essential to understand the basics. The International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) is a unique number in SIM cards that allows devices to connect to cellular networks. Multi-IMSI SIM cards store multiple IMSIs, unlike traditional SIMs with only one. This allows them to switch between network operators, boosting both connectivity flexibility and reliability. Some key benefits include:
Global Coverage: They ensure seamless global connectivity by automatically connecting to the strongest carrier signal, eliminating manual switching and ensuring devices remain operational across borders.
Enhanced Connectivity and Uptime: By dynamically switching between carriers, these SIMs maintain stronger signals, minimizing connectivity outages crucial for applications like remote monitoring, where consistent operation is vital.
Regulatory Compliance without Roaming: Multi-IMSI SIMs bypass roaming restrictions through direct relationships with local network operators, using local IMSIs to ensure compliance with regional privacy and tax laws.
Secure, Zero-touch Updates: Support for remote addition of new IMSIs allows operators to update network preferences without physical SIM swaps, enhancing device security and operational flexibility.
These features collectively make multi-IMSI SIMs a powerful solution for improving reliability, compliance, and security of IoT deployments on a global scale.
Velocity IoT: Your Ideal Connectivity Partner
At Velocity IoT, we position ourselves as the quintessential partner for navigating the complexities of business continuity challenges in IoT deployments. Leveraging our cutting-edge multi-IMSI, eUICC-compliant technology, our IoT SIM cards offer expansive global coverage that significantly reduces the risk of connectivity disruptions. Our technology seamlessly adapts to new markets and network technologies, ensuring devices remain connected across borders without incurring high roaming fees. Our strong commitment to security means we provide robust protections against cyber threats, complemented by real-time monitoring and management capabilities to enhance operational reliability.
Our infrastructure is engineered with automatic carrier switching, promoting enhanced connectivity. While no provider can guarantee uninterrupted connectivity due to the unpredictable nature of network infrastructures and environmental factors, our approach is designed to maximize uptime and ensure the best possible continuity for your IoT operations. Velocity IoT delivers scalable, efficient, and secure connectivity solutions, making us your ally in overcoming the challenges of maintaining continuous IoT device operations in a dynamic global landscape. Ready to enhance your IoT Connectivity? Contact us today!
