What to Expect When You're Connecting

Send us a textIn this episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' host Ryan Carlson sits down with Antoine Robillard, Vice President of Health Solutions at Withings. They discuss the power of design in healthcare devices, the evolution of connectivity from Wi-Fi to cellular for seamless patient care, and the importance of ease-of-use in driving user adoption and retention. Discover how Withings' consumer-centric approach has impacted millions of lives and what the future holds for connected health.

Send us a textIn 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 Inc00:27 Introduction to Today's Topic00:39 First Impressions of Soracom Discovery 202402:24 Understanding Blues Inc.'s Unique Approach05:00 Challenges in IoT and Connectivity Solutions05:48 The Concept of One-Way and Two-Way Door Decisions09:58 Blues Inc.'s Hardware and Firmware Innovations17:21 Blended Networks: Cellular and Satellite Integration18:01 The Future of Satellite Connectivity32:07 Advice for Newcomers in IoT37:03 Closing Thoughts and Developer Community37:49 What is Soracom to You?

Send us a textIn 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.

Send us a textWe 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 Devices01:25 Understanding Skylo's Role in Satellite Connectivity02:12 Technical Insights: Satellite and Cellular Integration04:34 Building Skylo: Partnerships and Ecosystem06:11 Soracom's Connectivity Platform and Satellite Integration09:30 Use Cases and Applications of Satellite Connectivity13:08 Technical Considerations for Hardware and Certification16:35 Cost and Efficiency of Satellite Connectivity24:51 Global Coverage and Future Prospects29:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us a textThe 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 Systems00:26 Introduction to Digitization and Legacy Systems00:40 Field Work and Operator Setup02:36 Challenges in Data Management04:05 Jamie's Journey in Oil and Gas05:05 Implementing Digitization Solutions09:08 Operate by Exception Explained11:14 Streamlining Data and Reporting25:57 Customer-Centric Software Development35:09 Conclusion

Send us a textA 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.

Send us a textNavigating IoT Connectivity Challenges: Insights from Chris WhitakerThis 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 Whitaker00:27 Navigating the Tricky Path of Connectivity00:51 Introducing Chris Whitaker: A Connectivity Expert01:46 The Core Strategy for Going to Market03:03 Understanding the Human Element in Connectivity Solutions03:16 Solving Real-World Problems with IoT03:57 Innovative Solutions in Action: From Car Washes to Amusement Parks09:54 Overcoming Challenges in IoT Deployment10:20 What's Your Backup Plan When Things Go Down?11:07 Navigating Stakeholder Dynamics and Compliance in IoT16:25 The Art of Selling IoT Solutions19:40 Personal Anecdotes and Sales Strategy Insights22:07 Empowering Sales Teams with Knowledge and Confidence       23:04 Navigating the Shift to Voiceover IP23:22 Embracing Mobility and IoT: A Learning Curve23:31 Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning24:12 The Importance of Basics in Sales and Performance26:56 Overcoming Digital Overload in Healthcare28:11 The Challenge of Solution-Specific Selling28:48 Learning from Mistakes: A Case Study29:45 Advice for Sales Leaders: Market Research and Training32:36 Understanding the Market: The Key to Success36:04 The Future of Managed Mobility Solutions40:35 what is Soracom to you?

Send us a textExploring IoT Challenges and Opportunities with Ryan ChaconThis 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.

Send us a textOvercoming Challenges with Embedded SIMs in IoT DevicesThis 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 Technology00:32 Introduction to Embedded SIM Cards01:03 The Benefits of Embedding SIM Cards in Devices01:03 Benefits of Embedding SIM Cards in Devices01:19 Q: Benefits beyond environmental considerations?01:31 Technical and Manufacturing Advantages of eSIMs01:42 Technical and Security Advantages of eSIMs02:04 Addressing Security and Environmental Concerns with eSIMs03:05 Manufacturing Benefits and Error Reduction with eSIMs04:54 Overcoming Challenges and Misconceptions about eSIM Technology05:13 Biggest Issue with Adopting the New Technology17:30 The Future of SIM Technology: From eSIM to iSIM18:40 eSIM objection handling29:52 Choosing the Right Carrier for IoT Devices35:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions35:39 What is Soracom to You?36:11 A few words about NeuronicWorks

Send us a textThis 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.

Send us a textWe 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.

Send us a textIn this episode, our host Ryan Carlson talks with Rajeev Dutt, a theoretical physicist and the founder and CEO of AI Dynamics, to discuss the world of artificial intelligence (AI), its defining characteristics, and the challenges of AI governance. Rajeev shares examples of how AI is solving problems in various industries, such as drug target identification in biotech and visual quality inspection in smart factories. They also explore the importance of data quality, potential biases in AI models, and the need for transparency in AI decision-making. Tune in to gain insights into AI and learn about the future of AI building AI.An Introduction and Exploration of the World of AIExamples of AI Applications in Different IndustriesUnderstanding the Characteristics and Applications of AIThe Importance of Data Quality and AI BiasesAddressing the Challenges of AI GovernanceThe Future of AI and AI Building AIConcluding Thoughts on Trust and Transparency in AI

Send us a textIn today's episode, we're joined by Alan Boone, CEO and founder of Simetric to delve into the intricacies of managing multiple carriers and how technology is revolutionizing cost savings. We'll explore how innovations are streamlining operations, detecting anomalies, supporting IT asset monitoring, and automating workflows. Plus, we'll discuss the challenges and potential wastage associated with large enterprise deployments that typically engage with an average of eight different cellular carriers.

Send us a textWe're talking about the idea that there are alternative ways of arriving to a solution, especially in product development involving new technologies and creative engineering.

Send us a textWe are talking with John Hubler of the BHIOT group about the use of blended networks in smart products and building out device ecosystems. What is a blended network? It's when you're trying to make a bunch of internet of things, devices all communicate, and they're not all using the same Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular, Satellite, or LoRAWan connection, but need to be on the same network.

Send us a text What to expect when you're connecting in difficult remote locations where bandwidth and hardware constraints are working against you. We are joined by Andrew Jarman, CTO of Toku systems and Kenta Yasukawa, CTO and co-founder of Soracom. Andrew shares his experience deploying leak detection devices in oil and gas fields and along pipelines in some of the most remote regions of the world. He shares both his engineering tactics for optimizing hardware, but also explains why old DOS programmers make some of the best IoT embedded engineers.The participants talk extensively about minimizing power and bandwidth requirements for IoT devices, optimizing cellular connectivity, improving software and firmware performance, and the use of services like Soracom Beam and Soracom's Global Roaming SIMs for efficient and cost-effective data transmission. They also discuss GDPR and IoT security. The discussion reveals the deep technical complexity of IoT systems and the creative solutions required to ensure they operate effectively.

Send us a textToday we’re talking about how cellular IoT projects can reduce their data costs. We’re joined by Steve, a Customer Reliability Engineer at Soracom who spends every day working through support tickets submitted by customers. Most of these requests are from customers deploying and supporting their fleets of IoT devices, and Steve has agreed to share his experience. Whether helping configure an APN or troubleshooting modem commands, the reality is that the best-laid plans rarely survive contact with the real world. Stay tuned and we’ll dig into the insight and advice from an engineer that specializes in helping people take ownership of their cellular device fleets, eliminate waste, reduce expenses, and streamline their operations.

Send us a textIn this interview, we’re talking about connectivity of a different sort - stepping up your networking game. No, not computer networking - professional networking, the cornerstone behind personal and professional success. The same mindset for intentional networking happens to follow the same motions that you’ll find in companies with a strong culture of innovation. Learn about building your network, the power of micro-partnerships, and what happens when we assume technology is the hardest part, when people are in fact, the source of the biggest challenges IoT projects face.Today our conversation is with Kurt Schmidt, a person who I met at first was a project manager, but now a President and Partner at Foundry, a digital strategy, design and development agency with offices in Minneapolis, and New York City.Kurt is a long-time podcaster with five years of interviews with business leaders and technology leaders on the Schmidt List. Kurt is now a published author with the release of The Little Book of Networking (Available on Amazon)

Send us a textWe're talking with Eric Hoersten who started his career as the internet was taking its shape and how connectivity has always been a core aspect of the technology solutions he's been involved with. Eric learned a lot about the complexities of managing large connected fleets as vice president of information technology throughout the early years of Redbox. Today, Eric is the chief product officer at Banyan Hills where they are helping companies leverage software tools and technical expertise to build effective automation around fleets of connected devices and the operations teams that manage them. Kick back and let the nostalgia wash over you as we revisit the pre-streaming years when a trip to your local McDonald's was just as likely to rent or return a DVD movie than it was to buy a cheeseburger and fries. The Redbox automated kiosk experience leveraged early cellular data technology to deploy and manage over 45,000 locations across the US.  Eric shares what it was like building out the technology stack from the ground up to remotely manage their own systems and data from a central system.What I think you'll enjoy about this conversation is the opportunity we had to look in the rearview mirror and examine how the Redbox experience provided unique insights. Insights have been baked into the software platforms that Banyan Hills provides to their customers to manage and monitor their own fleets of connected hardware devices.

Send us a textThis is a recording of an internal conversation between Soracom product manager and customer reliability engineer Felix (Shay) Hsieh, and Soracom partnership manager Richard Halliday during one of Felix’s monthly AMA office hours calls in which he invites anybody in the company to ask any questions they have.In this week's episode, you’ll get some very specific examples of what happens when teams of cellular network engineers partner up with cloud engineers to break new ground in the world of connectivity operations.Some of the best IoT product experiences come down to anticipating the small things. That means building the tools and networking options that IoT engineers, hardware developers, field support technicians, QA specialists, or IT teams can use to do their jobs faster, gain more control, or streamline non-negotiable things like security. For many deployments, that means addressing old problems in new ways.This can include:Managing the time, expense, and security risks of static IPsNavigating the number of hoops you need to jump through to configure VPNs and private networking over cellularDiagnosing network traffic issues and perform packet analysis over cellular networksAnd more.I’ve listened to this conversation half a dozen times and always seem to take away something new about the differences between traditional cellular data networks and examples of what the future looks like for IoT-optimized cellular networks and how engineering teams are modernizing the experience for those responsible for building and maintaining networks of IoT devices.