2-way communication: data flow between devices and systems. The data will be interpreted as information for remote control and monitoring.

Three basic elements for M2M are:

• Embedded Processor for storing data
• Communication Technology for transfer of data
• Management Applications for monitoring and control

As modern machines increasingly contains chips that stores information, communication between machines opens up impressive scope for innovation, and Europe has the opportunity to lead this revolution.
Most often, M2M solutions are task-specific which means that a given platform is purpose-built for one specific device, or a very restricted class of devices in an industry. Each purpose-built platform repeats many functions already implemented in similar solutions. The M2M market is still in its infancy as a unified intercommunication standard has yet to evolve.
The key pieces of a typical M2M system include:

• A device or group of devices capable of replying to requests for data contained within those devices or capable of transmitting data contained within those devices autonomously.
• A communications link to connect the device or group of devices to a computer server or another device.
• A software agent, process, or interface by which the data can be analyzed, reported, and/or acted upon.
• Software intelligence

Please read more about NeoConsult's M2M solution here:
 NeoConsult Chayn M2M (pdf)