In this episode of the IoT For All Podcast, Chris Baird, President and CEO of OptConnect, joins Ryan Chacon to discuss what it takes to provide a global IoT connectivity solution. The conversation covers the role of managed services in simplifying complex deployments, acquisitions and consolidation in IoT, the challenges and benefits of global expansion, connectivity in different regions, supply chain management, satellite connectivity, 4G and 5G, and innovation in IoT.

Chris Baird started at OptConnect in 2009 as an ATM repair specialist and worked his way up through the ranks into leadership and management roles. After years of hard work and dedicated leadership, Chris was appointed CEO of OptConnect in October of 2018. His various roles within the company over the years have given him deep knowledge and experience of the connectivity business while also giving him a unique ability to relate to what each employee is asked to do, what challenges exist, and how to best empower each employee to be successful.

Since its founding in 2009, OptConnect has emerged as a leading provider of cellular connectivity services for a wide variety of industries and applications, including security systems, ATMs, wireless kiosks, micro markets, smart safes, digital signage, parking and mobility, irrigation systems, and many other M2M applications. Many thousands of customers across the globe rely on OptConnect for its ‘easy button’ approach, plug-and-play hardware, managed services, and world-class customer care.

Discover more about IoT at https://www.iotforall.com

More about OptConnect: https://optconnect.com

Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-baird-85833232/

(00:00) Intro

(00:13) Chris Baird and OptConnect

(03:20) Global expansion and maintaining connectivity

(06:16) Consolidation and acquisitions

(08:58) Connectivity in different regions

(11:18) The value of managed services

(17:39) Challenges of global expansion

(20:10) Remote connectivity and satellite IoT

(23:17) Learn more and follow up

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