Aeris Communications - IoT and M2M Solutions Leader

Aeris Communications, Inc., founded in 1992, is a technology company that specializes in providing end-to-end Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) solutions. The company’s headquarters are located in San Jose, California, with additional offices in Chicago, London, New Delhi, and Tokyo. Aeris is recognized as a pioneer in the IoT space, offering a broad range of products and services designed to facilitate the development, deployment, and management of IoT devices and applications.

The company was founded by Syed Zaeem Hosain, and Sanjay Sharma, who served as the CEO of Aeris Communications until 2015. Marc Jones succeeded Sharma as the CEO in 2015, bringing with him extensive experience in the technology and telecommunications industries.

Offerings

Aeris began as a company focused on providing wireless communication services for the M2M market. Over the years, it has evolved its offerings to include IoT solutions, targeting industries such as automotive, transportation, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. The company’s primary product offerings can be divided into three main categories: Connectivity, Platform, and Solutions.

Connectivity: Aeris offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity services for IoT devices, including cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite-based communication. The company’s flagship connectivity product is the Aeris Fusion IoT Network, which is a globally available 5G-ready IoT network designed to provide reliable, flexible, and secure connectivity for IoT devices. This network leverages multiple communication protocols and technologies, such as LTE-M, NB-IoT, and 5G, to ensure optimal performance and coverage.

Platform: The Aeris Mobility Platform (AMP) is a cloud-based, end-to-end IoT platform that provides device management, data management, and application enablement services. AMP enables companies to develop, deploy, and scale IoT applications quickly and efficiently. The platform’s key features include device lifecycle management, data analytics, and integration with third-party services.

Solutions: Aeris offers a range of industry-specific IoT solutions designed to address the unique needs and challenges of various sectors. These solutions include Aeris Asset Tracking, Aeris Fleet Management, and Aeris Electric Vehicle Solutions. Each of these offerings is built on the Aeris Mobility Platform and leverages the company’s connectivity services to provide comprehensive, end-to-end IoT solutions for customers.

Funding Rounds

In terms of funding, Aeris Communications has raised a total of $60.9 million through various rounds of funding. The company’s most recent funding round took place in September 2020, in which it raised $30 million in a Series D round led by Trifecta Capital. Other notable investors in Aeris include Riverwood Capital, NTT DOCOMO Ventures, and JK Capital.

Acquisitions

The company has also been involved in several acquisitions to bolster its product offerings and market position. In 2014, Aeris acquired Wyless Group Holdings, a leading provider of global IoT solutions, to strengthen its position in the M2M market. The acquisition expanded Aeris’ global footprint and customer base, enabling it to serve a broader range of industries and applications.

In 2017, Aeris announced the acquisition of SoftBank Group’s IoT business, which included the IoT platform, IoT analytics, and IoT security products. This acquisition aimed to enhance Aeris’ IoT capabilities and expand its market presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Partnerships

Aeris has also formed strategic partnerships with several industry-leading companies to extend its reach and capabilities in the IoT space. In 2018, the company announced a partnership with Volkswagen Group of America to develop connected vehicle services for the automaker’s Car-Net platform. This collaboration focused on leveraging Aeris’ IoT platform and network services to improve the reliability, performance, and scalability of Volkswagen’s connected vehicle services.

Another notable partnership was established in 2019 when Aeris joined forces with Google Cloud to integrate the Aeris Mobility Platform with Google Cloud IoT Core. This collaboration aimed to provide a seamless and secure end-to-end IoT solution for enterprises, enabling them to develop, deploy, and manage IoT devices and applications more efficiently.

In 2020, Aeris partnered with Microsoft to integrate the Aeris Fusion IoT Network with Microsoft Azure IoT. This integration enabled customers to leverage the power of Azure IoT services in combination with Aeris’ global connectivity services, providing a comprehensive IoT solution for managing connected devices, data, and applications.

Awards and Recognitions

The company’s commitment to innovation and customer success has earned it several awards and recognitions over the years. In 2018, Aeris was named the “IoT Platform Vendor of the Year” by Frost & Sullivan. In 2019, the company received the “IoT Global Awards – Automotive, Vehicle Telematics” for its work with Volkswagen Group of America. In 2020, Aeris was awarded the “IoT Breakthrough Award” in the category of “IoT Enablement Company of the Year.”

Aeris Communications has also been actively involved in industry organizations and standardization efforts to promote the growth and adoption of IoT technologies. The company is a founding member of the IoT M2M Council (IMC) and a member of the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC), and the LoRa Alliance, among others.

In conclusion, Aeris Communications is a prominent player in the IoT and M2M market, offering a wide range of products and services that cater to various industries’ needs. The company has demonstrated strong growth through strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and funding rounds, positioning itself as a leading provider of end-to-end IoT solutions. Aeris’ commitment to innovation, customer success, and industry collaboration has solidified its reputation as a trusted and reliable partner for businesses seeking to harness the power of IoT technologies.