Qualcomm’s new kit allows developers to fine-tune its modem

Chipmaker Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has unveiled a new software development kit (SDK) for its MDM9206 modem that will help developers fine-tune the device in a cost-effective and power-efficient way for their products related to the Internet of Things (IoT). 

The SDK opens up new avenues for companies such as Sony, Samsung, Huawei, LG and HTC, which make smart appliances to create their own IoT networks. The SDK also paves a way for Qualcomm to sell more units of the modem and the processor combo, by making the device malleable to changes by other companies to suit their IoT requirements.

According to the chipmaker, the manufacturers’ use of the SDK along with its wireless edge services will help them deliver products and services for enterprises and IoT cloud providers.

Qualcomm says its wireless edge services are designed to meet the requirements of enterprise and industrial IoT customers to securely provision, connect and manage long life-cycles of smart wireless devices through their cloud platforms.

Serge Willenegger, senior vice president and general manager for 4G/5G and Industrial IoT at Qualcomm Wireless GmbH, was cited as saying by IoT Business News that the new SDK, combined with modules based on its MDM9206 chipset, is designed to help original equipment manufacturers and developers build a wide range of IoT applications.

The modem already supports cloud platforms such as Alibaba Cloud Link One, China Mobile OneNET, DTSTON DTCloud, Ericsson IoT Accelerator, Gizwits and Verizon ThingSpace. The SDK will allow the modem to support other cloud providers as well, Qualcomm said.

The chipmaker said the SDK, which will be available for customers in the next few months, will give the modem access to capabilities such as the global navigation satellite system.

Headquartered in San Diego, California, Qualcomm is a multinational semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company. Its venture capital arm, Qualcomm Ventures, has made several investments in Indian startups.

Qualcomm is a major supplier of modem chips to Apple Inc for the tech giant's iPhones. On 5 February, Qualcomm shares fell 3% after two brokerages said Apple might drop the chipmaker in favour of Intel Corp as the supplier for modem chips in its next generation of iPhones to cut costs.