M2M (machine-to-machine communications, also called embedded or pervasive Internet) will change the world more than people understand, say some analysts. This can be the booster rocket that moves businesses past the service alignment challenges of the 1990s, allowing companies to "catch up" if they haven't yet expanded service offerings. Three key points follow.

1. Networked services and M2M-enabling technologies change business models and the rules of doing business.
2. Beyond technologies, it's about relationships that deliver value to customers. These new models work through enhanced relationships and alliances.
3. Those with M2M-enabling technologies first and the business-changing relationships that follow (despite slings and arrows from competitors) will gain huge market advantages, because the learning curve is extensive.

Source: Control Engineering with information from Harbor Research.