DALLAS, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- If you're a developer, you can create software applications for computers and mobile devices - but what about tractors, electric meters, eReaders and heart monitors? Machine-to-Machine (M2M) is generating interest across many industries but building M2M solutions can be time consuming, expensive and challenging without the appropriate technology solutions.

AT&T* is extending its leadership in M2M application development with a U.S. reseller agreement with Axeda Corporation, an exclusive among major U.S. mobile carriers. Announced today during the AT&T Developer Summit in Las Vegas, the AT&T M2M Application Platform Powered by Axeda is designed to help businesses and organizations get to market faster with innovative M2M applications.

The multi-year agreement will provide AT&T customers with access to fully integrated solutions: cloud-based M2M connectivity, applications and development services on AT&T's nationwide wireless network as well as globally. In addition, customers can benefit from the deep industry experience of AT&T's professional services team and managed services offerings, providing an end-to-end solution.

"AT&T will be the only carrier to provide businesses with network connectivity and Axeda's application development platform along with AT&T professional services to help rapidly design, build and manage M2M applications," said Chris Hill, Vice President, Advanced Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions. "With M2M applications, businesses can easily connect to products and assets to collect and process data, helping to improve their business operations, increase customer satisfaction and drive new lines of revenue."

The AT&T M2M Application Platform Powered by Axeda includes:


    --  The Axeda® Platform, which allows developers to build and manage
        applications for almost any type of connected device in a highly secure
        environment and includes a framework to integrate M2M data with ERP/CRM
        business systems.
    --  Axeda Connected Product Management Applications enable users to remotely
        access and service connected products, distribute software and content,
        and manage usage and configuration data.
    --  M2M connectivity to link a company's assets to applications created on
        the Axeda Platform, using the customer's choices of communication
        methods (Internet, WiFi, and the AT&T network).
    --  Cloud services for deploying and scaling applications, practically
        eliminating the need for investment in back-end server hardware and
        infrastructure.

"Companies must connect their products and assets to the cloud, integrate M2M data into existing mission-critical applications and processes and, more significantly, create new innovative applications that transform their businesses," said Axeda CEO, Jack Sweeney. "They want complete end-to-end solutions for this. By integrating all of the layers of an M2M solution stack into one offering, AT&T has taken significant cost, risk and time out of the process."

In 2011 Current Analysis honored AT&T with the highest possible competitive ranking in M2M services[1]. Principal Analyst Kathryn Weldon wrote, "AT&T continues to add value to its M2M solutions...AT&T has made a number of recent alliance announcements with application platform providers, which adds to its arsenal of solutions."

For more information on AT&T's innovative M2M offerings, visit www.att.com/M2M.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About Axeda

Axeda is the leading cloud-based software system for managing connected products and implementing innovative M2M applications. Axeda takes the cost and complexity out of connecting and remotely servicing the products of the world's leading companies. Axeda's customers use its M2M cloud service to deliver innovative M2M solutions and optimize their business processes with data from their connected products.

By relying on the Axeda® Platform to power their connected products, companies are transforming their business by improving customer satisfaction, reducing costs, and generating new sources of revenue. The M2M solutions behind these connected products range from remote service, fleet management, usage-based insurance, asset tracking, mHealth, and more. Join our developer community at: http://developer.axeda.com and learn more at www.axeda.com.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T ?DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

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[1] Current Analysis, "M2M Service Provider Analysis: Who is Best Positioned?" June 14, 2011.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.