Verizon plans to integrate Sensity’s LED lighting work that includes embedded sensors and connectivity to boost ThingSpace IoT work in smart cities
Verizon Communications said it plans to acquire privately held Sensity Systems in a move to bolster its ThingSpace “internet of things” platform. Financial terms of the agreement were not released, with the transaction expected to close later this year.
The deal is set to combine Sensity’s work on cities converting lighting infrastructure to LED lighting using technology that also includes sensors and connectivity with Verizon Communications’ work on connected solutions including parking, lighting, traffic management and security.
Sensity claims 42 smart city installations around the world working through its ecosystem partners “that have enabled facility and municipal lighting owners to link energy efficiency and cost savings to the improvement of business goals such as public safety, parking control, asset management and analytics.” The company also notes it has been recognized as a “technology pioneer” by the World Economic Forum.
Sensity had previously struck a deal with Cisco Systems to supply its NetSense platform for Cisco’s City Infrastructure Management software, as well as for Cisco to join Sensity’s NetSense Partner Program. The firm earlier this year partnered with the Chinese Academy of Sciences Smart City entity to create a global platform for smart city solutions.
“With Verizon, we look forward to delivering IoT-connected systems on a massive scale to change how cities and communities operate around the world,” noted Hugh Martin, chairman and CEO at Sensity, in a statement.
Verizon Communications’ ThingSpace program is focused on expanding its IoT business through its Smart Communities organization. The telecom operator recently joined the International City/County Management Association at the executive partner level. ICMA said it plans to work “specifically with Verizon’s Smart Communities Division.”
“Sensity is a leading provider of IoT solutions for smart communities with a strong ecosystem of partners, and this transaction will accelerate the deployment of large-scale implementations that will drive the digital transformation of cities, universities and venues,” said Mike Lanman, SVP for enterprise products and IoT at Verizon, in a statement. “Verizon is uniquely positioned through its infrastructure investments at the network, platform and application levels to provide holistic solutions that empower communities to address their most pervasive challenges.”
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