Chicago-based nPhase, a pioneer in the machine-to-machinecommunications industry, is moving on to its next phase as part ofSan Diego-based telecommunications giant Qualcomm.
Steve Pazol, who founded nPhase in 2003, said, "We're excitedthat we have been recognized for innovation in Chicago, and nowwe're being recognized on a global level."
In 2004, nPhase won a Chicago Innovation Award, a competitionfounded by the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago new-productconsulting firm Kuczmarski & Associates.
Pazol said nPhase, which employees 11, will remain in Chicago asa unit of Qualcomm's Wireless Business Solutions group, and itsproducts will be sold under the nPhase name. Qualcomm declined toreveal the terms of the acquisition.
Machine-to-machine, or M2M, wireless communications involvessmart services, in which intelligence, awareness and connectivityare built into products for such industries as transportation andlogistics, industrial and commercial manufacturing, health care andfood service. Products communicate with a company's M2M network hubover the Internet, transmitting data on machine use and maintenanceneeds, which increases productivity and revenue, and enhancescustomer service.
Joan Waltman, president of the Wireless Business Solutions Group,which has been monitoring M2M growth since 1991, said theacquisition "clearly shows [Qualcomm's] belief in this evolvingindustry. Qualcomm views this acquisition as a gateway to a new areaof wireless communications and machine intelligence, which alsoholds additional benefits for our current markets."
She said technology from Qualcomm and nPhase will help companies"transform their businesses, using wireless capabilities to runsupply chains and manage assets."
hwolinsky@suntimes.com
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