Verizon Wireless announced in November that it would open up its network to any company that wanted to make a device for it. The industry went abuzz with projections of cheap international calling and Google applications for daily use. The first to make use of this offer is a wireless device from SupplyNet Communications a firm from Schaumburg, Ill. The device is a modem that connects to a sensor that dips into large storage containers, like construction-site diesel tanks or tanks of shortening at a food factory. When a tank runs low, the modem zips off a text message to SupplyNet, which alerts the customer that it needs a refill. It's called an M2M or machine-to-machine application, where an automated system, like an alarm or a temperature gauge, reports its observations to a control center. Another maker of M2M modems, Multi-Tech Systems Inc., is also participating in the ODI process. Its products are used in cash registers, medical devices, digital signboards and building alarms. The privately held Mounds View, Minn., company is larger than SupplyNet, but does less than $100 million in business each year.

SupplyNet manages 25,000 wireless modems on different carriers; the newly certified modem will be the first to take advantage of Verizon Wireless' coverage. Now here's to practicality over oomph factor.

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