Dubai, June 18, 2015 - The popularity of machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications is growing across Saudi organizations, especially with the increasing number of offerings emerging from systems integrators and telcos. That's the opinion of global ICT consulting firm International Data Corporation, whose latest industry research indicates that the solutions vary from horizontal offerings such as fleet management to vertical-specific services such as ATM connectivity.

"Organizations across a number of verticals in Saudi Arabia are intensifying their efforts to implement the latest ICT solutions in a bid to improve operational efficiencies and enhance the customer/citizen services they provide," says Tolga Yalcin, a senior research analyst for telecommunications and networking at IDC Saudi Arabia. "At the same time, the share of M2M and IoT applications within the ICT ecosystem is growing. While most of the applications are essentially M2M based, IoT solutions are also increasingly being applied, particularly in Smart City projects."

The development of fixed and mobile infrastructures across the country has also started to provide seamless connectivity for service providers, supporting the growth of the IoT ecosystem. Security and monitoring, smart grid, and smart traffic are some of the emerging applications that are expected to become more prevalent in the Kingdom over the coming years.

"Saudi Arabia is generally a follower, rather than an initiator, in the adoption of new technologies and smart ICT solutions," continues Yalcin. "However, the country is still in the early stages of economic diversification and private sector development; in the future, more opportunities will arise to deploy smart solutions as part of ongoing infrastructure projects."

IDC believes that telcos should pioneer smart project initiatives and drive the development of new solutions. "Saudi telcos should not be overly cautious in their approach to IoT," says Yalcin. "They should be proactive in capturing opportunities by driving market development and building end-to-end solutions, rather than restricting themselves solely to providing connectivity."

For more information about IDC's telecommunications and media services research in the Middle East and Africa, please contact Paul Black on +971 55 902 3399 or at pblack@idc.com. 

About IDC
International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community makes fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries worldwide. For more than 50 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and Events Company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com.

IDC in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey
For the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey region, IDC retains a coordinated network of offices in Riyadh, Casablanca, Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg, and Istanbul, with a regional center in Dubai.  Our coverage couples local insight with an international perspective to provide a comprehensive understanding of markets in these dynamic regions. Our market intelligence services are unparalleled in depth, consistency, scope, and accuracy. IDC Middle East, Africa, and Turkey currently fields over 130 analysts, consultants, and conference associates across the region.

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© Press Release 2015