Collaboration to connect IoT devices to Microsoft Azure IoT Hub

The company’s unique solution is based on a dedicated global network delivering ubiquitous connectivity to billions of objects that will use the IoT. SIGFOX’s cloud-to-cloud integration, which will be available to both SIGFOX and Microsoft customers, is based on Azure IoT Hub, which provides an easy and secure way to connect and control millions of devices.

The collaboration allows users to utilise both SIGFOX’s LPWA network and the power of advanced analytics and storage on Microsoft Azure to collect, analyse and visualise large quantities of operational data produced by their connected devices and applications.

“Integration with Microsoft Azure IoT Hub in SIGFOX’s Cloud is a key step in the evolution of the IoT, providing customers with a great alternative to investing large amounts of resources to develop and manage data storage and management themselves,” said Stuart Lodge, SIGFOX executive vice president global sales and partners. “We are thrilled to have Microsoft as part of our global ecosystem as it will empower our customers’ asset management tool efficiency and lower their costs”.

“The rapid proliferation of connected devices can raise challenges in bringing together disparate data sources, handling the scale of the aggregate stream, and ensuring a variety of platforms and protocols work together harmoniously,” said Steve Guggenheimer, Microsoft corporate vice president of developer platform & evangelism and chief evangelist. “Our collaboration with SIGFOX enables Microsoft Azure IoT customers to more easily integrate devices connected to the SIGFOX network in their existing solutions.”

SIGFOX and Microsoft are also working together on both startup opportunities and large-scale joint projects with customers around the world, including:

• The 'Connect your City' hackathonin San Francisco, when 150 participants developed prototypes of connected hardware utilising the network and the platform. The four winning teams developed smart solutions for the City of San Francisco, which is covered by the SIGFOX network.

• System integrator Econocom enables the French company Servair to improve logistics efficiency and better secure Paris Orly Airport runways. The innovative logistics solution uses a network of connected buttons for sending parcel-removal notifications to Servair employees.

• At Grand Lyon Métropole in France, a solution developed by Exakis measures real-time air quality in the city via sensors attached to buses and trams. The Lyon Air platform, to be launched soon, is fully monitored in Azure.

• A program developed by the IoT consulting firm Eridanis allows GRT Gaz, one of Europe’s biggest natural gas transportation companies, to continuously monitor the condition of its distribution network through connected terminals. The terminals immediately transmit signals, if sensors detect any changes in their position.