Vi Business launches integrated IoT solutions for enterprise

Vi Business, the enterprise unit of Vodafone Idea Ltd. (VIL) on Thursday announced the launch of integrated IoT solutions for enterprise in India.

The company claims VIL is the only telecom company in the country to offer a “secure end-to-end” IoT solution that includes connectivity, hardware, network, application, analytics, security and support. With the latest launch, VIL’s IoT offerings now cover industries such as smart infrastructure, smart mobility, and smart utilities, based on its 5G-ready network.

“Recognising the challenges faced by enterprises in conceptualising, designing and deploying IoT as a strategic driver, with Vi Integrated IoT solutions, the telco will adopt a consulting-led engagement to support businesses in identifying their needs, design and develop the right IoT solution and implementation. It will also provide them with a tailored solution to be integrated with best-in-class enterprise-grade IoT framework,” the company said in a release.

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VIL added it was a market leader in the IoT space with a large market share in the smart mobility industry, covering over a million vehicles. It also claimed it had more than 90% customer market share in the automotive space, with more than 2.2 million vehicles using its IoT solutions.

VIL’s new integrated IoT solutions come a day after Airtel announced the launch of a similar integrated IoT solution for enterprises on its 5G-ready network. Airtel’s solution brings access to technologies, such as NB-IoT, 4G or 2G connectivity using Airtel e-SIM technology. Airtel has already onboarded MG Motor, Pine Labs, Paytm, Kirloskar, BSES, Genus, and Kent for its IoT services.

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IoT is fast emerging as one of the next big things in the technology space. The consumer space is already growing in the country. The revived focus in the space from the likes of Airtel and VIL hints at the growing interest for the enterprise segment as well.

According to a June 2020 study conducted by consultancy firm Zinnov, the IoT investments in India were stood at $5 billion in 2019 and are expected to grow three-fold to hit nearly $15 billion by 2021. According to an IDC report, IT spending on IoT in the Asia Pacific is estimated to reach $288.6 billion at a CAGR of 11.7% in 2021.

Airtel data says the IoT market is estimated to grow at ₹10,000 crore by the end of 2022. Connected cars and appliances, SMART factories and utilities are some of the industry areas that are likely to drive the space.