Qualcomm, the leading supplier of chips for smartphone connectivity to mobile data networks, has unveiled a new paid cloud software service called Qualcomm Aware. The service is designed to assist companies in monitoring the movement of goods throughout their supply chain using Qualcomm chips embedded in tracking devices for containers, pallets, packages, and other parts of the supply chain. Although most of these trackers are made by third-party manufacturers, Qualcomm produces some of its own devices, such as a tilt sensor that can report whether utility poles have fallen during storms.
Jeff Torrance, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Qualcomm’s Smart Connected Systems Business, stated that Qualcomm has already shipped millions of the chips involved, costing less than $10 each. The software service’s aim is to enable Qualcomm customers to program their chips from a central location, with updates sent over the air to the chips. Additionally, the service aims to optimize the data obtained from the chips.
Qualcomm’s software will also connect with other cloud-based services such as Microsoft’s Dynamics 365, which corporations use to track their inventory and supplies. Companies can use both systems to create virtual dashboards displaying the location of all inventory at any given time.
Although Qualcomm did not publicly disclose pricing for the new service, the move represents a strategic push to increase its earnings from its chips by charging not only for the chip itself but also for cloud-based services that use the chip. With the introduction of Qualcomm Aware, the San Diego-based company is leveraging its expertise in wireless communications to enter into new markets where the devices need to connect to the internet, such as automobiles and factories.
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