CDG announces Device Corner online marketplace for smart wireless modules and devices

SHANGHAI, CHINA: The CDMA Development Group (CDG) (www.cdg.org) today announced a new initiative intended to enable the growth of machine-to-machine (M2M) communications via an online marketplace for smart wireless modules and devices.

The free Web-based portal, called Device Corner (www.devicecorner.com), will allow buyers and sellers to exchange information about CDMA2000 and multi-mode modules and devices, including integrated solutions. The CDG is encouraging module providers, system integrators and resellers to sign up on the pre-launch site immediately to assist testing and to develop a large selection of products for the official Device Corner launch, expected later in 2010.

"Since forming our M2M Special Interest Group in 2009, the need for a one-stop shop for smart wireless devices has become abundantly clear," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. "Our members are looking to take advantage of widespread CDMA2000 1X and EV-DO networks and services, as CDMA will be an enabling technology for these connected devices in a variety of industries."

Device Corner will allow registered sellers to post information about products for free, and permit potential buyers to view that information without registration. If a viewer finds that a module or solution will fit his unique needs, he would complete a simple and free registration before receiving information about contacting the seller.

Likewise, registered buyers may post information about their unique needs and solutions providers can obtain more information via the same registration process. The CDG will not charge for the use of Device Corner or sales made as a result of its use, recouping all costs of operation from sponsorships of the portal.

The market for connected devices is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, prompting industry leaders such as Ericsson to lend their support for the CDG-led M2M marketplace.

"We predict that the number of mobile broadband users will increase from the current 400 million to about 3.5 billion by 2015 due to massive increases in data growth," said Rima Qureshi, senior vice president and head of the CDMA business unit for Ericsson.

"With such a rate of mobile broadband uptake, we envision that in 10 years there will be 50 billion connected devices - anyone and anything that needs a connection will have one - providing exciting opportunities for consumers, society and for our industry in making the all-communicating world a reality. Vehicles such as Device Corner will allow module solution providers from all over the globe to collaborate and meet the needs of each unique vertical market or application."