What to Expect When You're Connecting

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In this episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' host Ryan Carlson interviews Brandon Satrom, Senior Vice President of Product and Experience at Blues Inc. They delve into the challenges and innovations in IoT connectivity, discussing Blues Inc.'s unique approach to creating flexible and efficient solutions for connecting products. The conversation covers topics like blended networking, the importance of developer-focused communities, and the significant advantages of modular hardware design. Recorded at Soracom Discovery 2024 in Tokyo, Brandon shares insightful reactions to the event and explains how Blues Inc. is simplifying IoT deployment for engineers and product builders.

00:00 PODCAST: Interview with Blues Inc
00:27 Introduction to Today's Topic
00:39 First Impressions of Soracom Discovery 2024
02:24 Understanding Blues Inc.'s Unique Approach
05:00 Challenges in IoT and Connectivity Solutions
05:48 The Concept of One-Way and Two-Way Door Decisions
09:58 Blues Inc.'s Hardware and Firmware Innovations
17:21 Blended Networks: Cellular and Satellite Integration
18:01 The Future of Satellite Connectivity
32:07 Advice for Newcomers in IoT
37:03 Closing Thoughts and Developer Community
37:49 What is Soracom to You?

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In this episode, the discussion revolves around digital healthcare, specifically PatchRx. Andrew Aertker, CEO and co-founder of PatchRx, elaborates on their smart cap enabled platform aimed at tackling medication non-adherence—a major issue in healthcare. PatchRx's technology tracks medication intake through a universal smart pill bottle cap and provides real-time data to patients, providers, and caretakers. The discussion covers the technical aspects of the product, including connectivity to a gateway device with multi-carrier support facilitated reliable data transfer even in rural areas. Andrew details the company's journey, their alignment with healthcare regulations, and the crucial role of data in improving patient outcomes. The interview also highlights the complex customer landscape, spanning patients, providers, and payers, and the importance of user-friendly design for successful adoption.

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We discuss how to increase access for remote IoT devices using satellite as primary or secondary connectivity with the same radio infrastructure. Guests Tarun Gupta of Skylo Technologies and Kenta Yasakawa of Soracom explain how recent advancements in satellite standards now enable devices to connect with both cellular and satellite networks seamlessly. The discussion covers the technical aspects, prime use cases, and the significant cost and operational benefits of integrating satellite connectivity into existing IoT networks. The episode highlights how this technology can improve service reliability, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas, and offers insights into how developers can future-proof their hardware for blended network environments.

0:00 Deploying Blended Connectivity Using Cellular and Satellite Networks (with Tarun Gupta and Kenta Yasukawa)

00:27 Introduction to Satellite Connectivity for IoT Devices

01:25 Understanding Skylo's Role in Satellite Connectivity

02:12 Technical Insights: Satellite and Cellular Integration

04:34 Building Skylo: Partnerships and Ecosystem

06:11 Soracom's Connectivity Platform and Satellite Integration

09:30 Use Cases and Applications of Satellite Connectivity

13:08 Technical Considerations for Hardware and Certification

16:35 Cost and Efficiency of Satellite Connectivity

24:51 Global Coverage and Future Prospects

29:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities in digitizing industries with legacy systems, particularly focusing on the oil and gas sector. Jamie Lyle of Muddy Boots Online shares his journey from 20 years in field operations to his transition to facilitating data management. His journey highlights field experiences, the process of setting up and digitizing operations, dealing with regulatory requirements, and the benefits of transitioning to digital systems. Emphasis is placed on the importance of making solutions user-friendly for field operators, optimizing time management, and ensuring data interoperability. Jamie explains how feedback from clients continuously shapes how software companies are adapting to meet the evolving needs of the industry, and most importantly the operators on the ground that need to believe in the value of those tools.

0:00 Podcast - Connecting Remote Work Sites with Legacy Systems

00:26 Introduction to Digitization and Legacy Systems

00:40 Field Work and Operator Setup

02:36 Challenges in Data Management

04:05 Jamie's Journey in Oil and Gas

05:05 Implementing Digitization Solutions

09:08 Operate by Exception Explained

11:14 Streamlining Data and Reporting

25:57 Customer-Centric Software Development

35:09 Conclusion

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A conversation with Darby Davenport, the Manager of Operations for Telemedicine at UAB Health Systems. The discussion focuses on UAB's advanced telehealth initiatives, especially in the context of rural Alabama. Davenport shares insights into how telehealth services were enhanced before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges of connectivity in rural areas, and the shift to cellular-enabled monitoring devices to ensure patient compliance and data accuracy. The episode covers the importance of health and technical literacy among patients, the impact of telemedicine in preventing hospital readmissions, and the potential for telehealth to standardize care delivery through remote patient monitoring programs. Additionally, Davenport emphasizes the significance of choosing the right technology partners, such as Withings for their health monitoring devices. The episode ends with a reflection on the future of telehealth as a standard of care and an invitation for further dialogues on healthcare innovation.

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Navigating IoT Connectivity Challenges: Insights from Chris Whitaker

This episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting' features host Ryan Carlson in conversation with Chris Whitaker, a seasoned expert in the telecommunications and connectivity space with over 25 years of experience. Chris shares valuable insights on the complexities of IoT connectivity, from the nuanced path of transitioning a product from 'going to market' to 'gone to market', which involves not just engineering but also selling, supporting, and maintaining connected products and services. Through various examples, including a unique solution at an amusement park for managing trash can emptying efficiently, Chris illustrates the importance of understanding and solving real-world, people-centric problems rather than just technology challenges. The discussion delves into the significance of asking the right questions, understanding customer needs, and foreseeing unintended consequences to ensure successful IoT implementations. Chris also emphasizes the critical role of connectivity in IoT solutions and offers advice on preparing sales teams to navigate this evolving landscape confidently.

This episode combines insights from industry expert Chris Whitaker on navigating IoT deployment challenges and a discussion on tech sales and managed mobility solutions. It emphasizes strategies for successful IoT deployment, team alignment, addressing customer needs creatively, and understanding market dynamics. Additionally, it explores the importance of industry knowledge in tech sales, managing mobile devices effectively, and the continual evolution and adaptability required in the technology industry.

0:00 Navigating IoT Sales with Chris Whitaker

00:27 Navigating the Tricky Path of Connectivity

00:51 Introducing Chris Whitaker: A Connectivity Expert

01:46 The Core Strategy for Going to Market

03:03 Understanding the Human Element in Connectivity Solutions

03:16 Solving Real-World Problems with IoT

03:57 Innovative Solutions in Action: From Car Washes to Amusement Parks

09:54 Overcoming Challenges in IoT Deployment

10:20 What's Your Backup Plan When Things Go Down?

11:07 Navigating Stakeholder Dynamics and Compliance in IoT

16:25 The Art of Selling IoT Solutions

19:40 Personal Anecdotes and Sales Strategy Insights

22:07 Empowering Sales Teams with Knowledge and Confidence       

23:04 Navigating the Shift to Voiceover IP

23:22 Embracing Mobility and IoT: A Learning Curve

23:31 Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning

24:12 The Importance of Basics in Sales and Performance

26:56 Overcoming Digital Overload in Healthcare

28:11 The Challenge of Solution-Specific Selling

28:48 Learning from Mistakes: A Case Study

29:45 Advice for Sales Leaders: Market Research and Training

32:36 Understanding the Market: The Key to Success

36:04 The Future of Managed Mobility Solutions

40:35 what is Soracom to you?

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Exploring IoT Challenges and Opportunities with Ryan Chacon

This episode features Ryan Chacon, CMO and co-creator of IoT For All, delving into the world of Internet of Things (IoT) from a connectivity and industry perspective. Host Ryan Carlson engages with Chacon on a range of topics including Chacon's personal relationship with connectivity, the evolution of IoT For All, and the obstacles and triumphs encountered in the IoT space. They also discuss the importance of focusing on consumer needs, the relevance of AI in IoT, effective marketing strategies for IoT solutions, and the significance of partnerships within the industry. The conversation highlights how IoT For All started, its mission to demystify IoT technology for a broader audience, and the critical role of industry-specific solutions and expertise in accelerating IoT adoption.

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Overcoming Challenges with Embedded SIMs in IoT Devices

This episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' hosted by Ryan Carlson, features Titu Botush from Neuronic Works discussing the benefits of embedding SIM cards directly into IoT devices. The conversation covers the technical, manufacturing, and operational advantages of using embedded SIMs (eSIMs), such as improved environmental resistance, higher security, and reduced assembly errors. Challenges like the initial technological adoption barrier and the necessity for infrastructure to manage eSIMs are addressed. The discussion also explores the impact of eSIM technology on device form factor, certification ease, and the future predictions for integrated SIMs (iSIMs). Furthermore, it touches on the importance of carrier relationships for successful IoT deployments and the potential of eSIMs to facilitate easier, more flexible connectivity solutions for IoT devices.

00:05 Introduction to Embedded SIM Technology
00:32 Introduction to Embedded SIM Cards
01:03 The Benefits of Embedding SIM Cards in Devices
01:03 Benefits of Embedding SIM Cards in Devices
01:19 Q: Benefits beyond environmental considerations?
01:31 Technical and Manufacturing Advantages of eSIMs
01:42 Technical and Security Advantages of eSIMs
02:04 Addressing Security and Environmental Concerns with eSIMs
03:05 Manufacturing Benefits and Error Reduction with eSIMs
04:54 Overcoming Challenges and Misconceptions about eSIM Technology
05:13 Biggest Issue with Adopting the New Technology
17:30 The Future of SIM Technology: From eSIM to iSIM
18:40 eSIM objection handling
29:52 Choosing the Right Carrier for IoT Devices
35:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
35:39 What is Soracom to You?
36:11 A few words about NeuronicWorks

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This conversation is with Nasim, the founder of Electron2Go. The discussion revolves around the journey of developing Electron2Go, a phone charging hardware solution for schools, airports, stadiums, and public spaces. Nasim opened up about the challenges faced in the process such as the decision to switch to cellular versus wifi connectivity, struggling with FCC and PCI certification, and dealing with supply chain issues. This conversation also contains some guidance for developers contemplating the creation of similar projects.

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We talk with  ProSentry's founders Nadav and John, discussing their company's development, practical applications, and technological challenges of deploying their connected products throughout New York City multi-tenant housing properties. They talk about their unique system, which leverages LoRaWAN technology (a wireless data communication technology) to detect issues such as water leaks, pest infestations, gas leaks, and more in buildings. The system is capable of alerting building managers within seconds of detecting a problem, allowing for immediate action. The conversation covers how they solved various problems, including the need for multi-carrier support- accomplished with Soracom's technology, the simplicity of their system, and the benefits brought to end users and installation teams. They also explored possible future advancements in their technology and potential new applications for their system.