According to a recent report from IMS Research, we are currently about to surpass the five billion number for devices connected to the Internet. IMS also forecasted that there will be 22 billion connected devices globally by 2020.

A lot has been said about the size of the connected devices marketplace. And whether you believe IMS’s new report of 22 billion or Mary Meeker’s 10 billion number, there are few undeniable drivers:

• Size matters…The market for connected devices is going to be very large. As Connected Planet’s Kevin Fitchard points out, the opportunity is being driven by consumer electronics and M2M.
• Build it and they will come…The device wow factor—as long as the likes of Apple, Dell and Motorola continue to create slick, multi-use devices for the hyper-connected consumer, they will continue to purchase them.
• Proliferation of mobile broadband… As wireless market penetration increases globally, connected devices provide the opportunity for all markets to grow at a more accelerated rate. From LTE, GSM to 3/4G—wireless networks have continued to expand their scopes and capabilities making it easier for devices to access.

Among these billions of connected devices, consumers will certainly have a wide range to choose from. In addition to the actual device, there is a huge opportunity for the service providers and OEMs to connect with their consumers on a deeper level by offering additional features, such as content transfers and backups, as well as providing a seamless activation and provisioning experience.

Companies that focus on simple, seamless and quick activation/provisioning processes to deliver a positive customer experience will have a competitive edge.