Posted: Mon, May 16, 2005
 NextGen Telematics: The ITWales Interview
by Sali Earls
Dr Shane Rooney has extensive experience in Telematics and M2M, having been involved in cellular communications since its inception in the UK, developing the first systems at NEC
Corporation. With roles at Hutchinson 3G, Visteon and Ford Motor Company, Rooney is a both a pioneer and expert in his field.
Following his well received recent presentation to the ITWales Business Club on wireless technology and telematics, Sali Earls caught up with him to find out more about his company NextGen
Telematics, and this exciting industry.
NextGen has developed from a background in automotive electronics and wireless communications. How are these disparate worlds connected, and how has this background helped you
get where you are today?
In the early days of cellular telecommunications, mobile phones were referred to as carphones and hence companies like 'The Carphone Warehouse'. Part of this reason was that the phones were
so big and need a decent power supply. Positioning equipment like GPS Navigation was also a monster and car bound. So partly through necessity and partly through consumer demand the unholy
alliance begun. At the time I was working with NEC in developing the first carphones when I got an invitation to join Ford Motor Company to help form Ford Cellular Systems. Naturally things have
evolved and now Telematics is now a viable proposition
The IT industry is full of buzzwords and "telematics" is no exception. Can you explain what it is, and why SMEs should take note?
The word Telematics has its origins in remote computing. Today it usually refers to the Transport sector. It is also known as M2M (Machine-to-Machine). My definition is 'the transfer of data from a
remote machine and processed into useful information that can add value to a product or service'. Telematics or M2M will start to transform the way businesses and consumers use machines. SME's
who use machines can benefit by improving Service Level Agreements with their customers or improving their own business efficiency. For example, vending or air-conditioning servicing.
With new developments in IT announced everyday, are there and M2M applications already in existence that can help SMEs?
Most Telematics applications right now are at Corporate level but this will change over the next few years as systems become cheaper to buy and operate. Consumer Telematics systems for
Automotive are all ready big business in the US where OnStar have over 2 million consumers of there services.
You're a small company, but you work with a number of well known multinational brands. Do you think the size of NextGen has been a help or hindrance?
It's been both. Corporate companies like small companies because they are nimble and can react to the market quicker but also can be vulnerable when there are delays and when processes do not
match. Cashflow is always the enemy of SME's.
What prompted NextGen's move to the Digital Technium at Swansea University?
I was impressed by the enthusiasm and support from all quarters within Wales. The staff at Digital Techium and at University has been superb in helping NextGen establish itself there. They have
been key in finding quality resources quickly for NextGen. We know we are in the right environment to grow the business and develop the company further.
What's the future of telematics?
Telematics/M2M is just beginning. There are 6 billion machines with embedded intelligence out there that could be connected. The proposition is different to consumer cellular and pure economics as
well as added value must be very clear for it to be adopted in large numbers.
For more information, please visit www.nextgentelematics.com
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