Microsoft partner foresees tech roadmap for IoT with Dynamics 365

The Internet of Things (IoT) has had fits and starts since the term was coined around 1999 to describe how machines in the supply chain, without human support, can capture data about things moving around the world. Even at that time, the concept was nothing new. But increased attention and accessibility has many enterprises exploring the concepts for the first time in 2017.

"The Internet of Things was always there, but a lot of people are still trying to figure out: what's the best, most cost-effective way to make it happen?" says Mazik Global Corporate Vice President Syed Fahad. The company's recent technology partnerships and customer wins in the Microsoft channel offer a hint at where many companies may be headed as they consider a deliberate investment in IoT-related technology.

Mazik, a veteran Microsoft gold partner focused on IoT and remote monitoring, entered the US Dynamics market 14 years ago, and has won clients like Oregon-based Peterson Corp., which manufactures and operates land clearing and construction equipment. (Microsoft showcased Peterson Corp. in July, describing how it "disrupts the forest industry with IoT.") And in June, Mazik announced a partnership with STW Technic, to collaborate in applying mobile machine connectivity on IoT implementations of MazikThings, Mazik's IoT solution built on Microsoft's Dynamics 365 and Azure platforms. The companies expect MazikThings/STW gateway integration to offer customers remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and connected field service solutions.

MazikThings is an IoT software solution platform developed using Dynamics 365/CRM as an application development framework (xRM), along with Azure IoT Suite.