IBM and Deutsche Telekom have entered into a partnership to provide integrated solutions that allow cities to make smarter use of their services through intelligent data capture and analysis.

The latest Smarter Cities solutions will combine IBM’s expertise from a large number of smarter city engagements and Deutsche Telekom’s global machine-to-machine (M2M) capabilities, which include M2M solutions integration and advanced network connectivity.

M2M communication technology allows the automated exchange of information between terminal equipment such as machines, vehicles and containers with a central control centre, creating an interconnectivity, which is often referred to as the ‘internet of things’.

With the help of sensors that are deployed in a wide range of systems serving the public, including traffic lights, public transport vehicles and parking spaces, M2M technology can report in real-time the status of the system being monitored through the internet in real-time.

"M2M communication technology allows the automated exchange of information between terminal equipment such as machines, vehicles and containers with a central control centre."

This technology, when combined with IBM’s Smarter Cities expertise, will enable intelligent, real-time decision-making, which will allow services such as intelligent traffic management, route optimisation, bus or train arrival prediction, and parking space management.

The Smarter Cities solutions from Deutsche Telekom and IBM are expected to be beneficial to municipalities as they deliver significant cost efficiencies through better use of their existing infrastructure and enhanced planning of resources.

It will help cities speed up the way in which they design and deploy intelligence systems that improve sustainability.

Deutsche Telekom chief product and innovation officer Thomas Kiessling said that the M2M is a technology with enormous growth potential as it adds real value to our daily lives, both in business and privately.

"Our joint Smarter Cities initiative gives us the opportunity to work with cities across the globe and offer them valuable end-to-end solutions that help support public welfare, as well as their economic growth in the future," Kiessling said.