The latest agreement expands the collaboration to provide business customers with more convenient and valuable mobility experiences through SmartThings Pro. The B2B management platform offers efficient energy savings and integrated space management by connecting various devices, solutions and services across residential facilities to office buildings and commercial facilities. Attending the signing ceremony were Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President at Samsung’s B2B Integrated Offering Center, and Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia’s PBV Division.

“By integrating SmartThings Pro into Kia PBV, we plan to present an intelligent new way for businesses to be connected to their customers,” said Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President of B2B Integrated Offering Center at Samsung Electronics. “We will provide an optimized integrated store management experience based on customized solutions to cater for a range of B2B customers including the self-employed and small business owners.”

With the integration of SmartThings Pro and Kia PBV, B2B customers can connect their vehicles to external business spaces and execute automated routine controls set in vehicles to increase operational efficiency and convenience. For example, self-employed and small business owners who purchase Kia PBVs will be able to manage automation routines such as air conditioning, signage and home appliances in their stores through SmartThings Pro, making operation and management much more convenient.

Small business owners who remotely operate multiple unmanned stores or shared lodgings can use a Kia PBV to manage them in real time while on the move. As part of remote management, users can receive notifications of abnormal activity and device failures or maintenance. Users can also manage check-ins and check-outs, optimize air conditioning and prevent energy waste when customers are away.

Additionally, SmartThings Pro provides advance notifications of the on-site tasks that need to be carried out — such as consumable replacements and maintenance lists — tailored to the store or establishment where the PBV arrives, enabling easy operation.

SmartThings Pro also helps busy small mobile business owners like food truck operators. Food trucks move frequently and take time to prepare and organize signage, audio, cash registers, refrigerators, cooking appliances and lighting before and after hours of operation. With SmartThings Pro, users can be automate everything at once, allowing a single operator to run a food truck.

“Kia PBVs are designed to be more than just vehicles, they are intelligent business solutions that connect seamlessly with digital ecosystems,” said Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia’s PBV Division. “We anticipate that our business collaboration with Samsung Electronics, leveraging its AI B2B solution SmartThings Pro, will extend the vehicle user experience for our business customers beyond PBVs into the broader IoT ecosystem. This partnership is expected to create new opportunities for discovering customer value.”

¹ Platform Beyond Vehicle is Kia’s total mobility solution that combines fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software solutions.

Samsung’s B2B online store is a service within Samsung.com providing products and solutions, as well as purchase benefits — all dedicated to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

The Samsung B2B online store accepts various payment options for businesses, such as installment payments and invoice payments. Additionally, customers can benefit from exclusive corporate-only promotions, discounts on the total purchase amount and technical support. Furthermore, customers can shop from a diverse product portfolio from Samsung Electronics, ranging from TVs, monitors, air conditioners and refrigerators to mobile products such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones.

Samsung Electronics first launched its B2B online store in October 2021 in Australia, France, Türkiye, the U.K. and the U.S. Since then, the service has vastly expanded throughout Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East with an impressive coverage of 30 countries in less than a year and a half.

“The key elements to the remarkable expansion of B2B online stores are open accessibility, simple purchase process, and a variety of payment methods specialized for SMBs,” said Daniel Kang, Executive Vice President and Head of the D2C Center at Samsung Electronics. “As we see the growth potential in the online B2B business globally, Samsung will continue to expand and develop services to provide practical benefits and support for our SMB customers.”

Compared to last year, the average number of newly signed-up members globally has increased by 100% and the sales on the B2B online stores have doubled in growth as of this February.¹ Based on these achievements, Samsung Electronics plans to grow its online B2B retail footprint further to maximize the benefits and services aimed specifically at SMBs.

¹ Based on internal research

Having protected the popes in the Vatican since 1506, the GSP is a Renaissance-era army performing their highly successful duties in the modern age. However, things have changed dramatically since the first Swiss citizens took up their halberds, a two-handed pole-type weapon, to stand in defense of the Pope.

Technological advancements have encouraged the GSP to modernize their tactics and technology to ensure the safety of Vatican City. To do this effectively, they required a robust solution allowing them to be mobile, smart and digital and to ensure their communications are as secure as the Vatican’s Apostolic archives. The importance of security and privacy cannot be overstated, and huge considerations around any technological integrations must be taken into account.

The GSP chose Knox Suite, Samsung Electronics’ powerful and adaptable mobile device management platform, due to the wide range of crucial benefits it provides. The platform is designed to help IT administrators easily secure, deploy and manage devices in ways that suit their business. Highly customizable and adaptable, Knox Suite is perfectly suited to handling the most diverse and complex needs.

For example, the platform allows system admins to remotely manage and monitor the location of every device used by the GSP and erase data in the event that a device is lost or stolen. It also enables the organization to customize the configuration and functionality of its devices in line with any changing requirements needed to aid the protection of the Vatican.

Knox Suite is also essential to the GSP in high-risk scenarios. Through the platform, the GSP can instantly share threat information across multiple devices while patrol leaders are able to view where all members of the GSP are deployed at any one time.

Knox Suite¹ consists of Knox Platform for Enterprise, Knox Mobile Enrollment, Knox Manage, Knox E-FOTA (Enterprise Firmware Over the Air) and Knox Asset Intelligence. Among them, the key solutions and functions used by the GSP are as follows:

• Knox Mobile Enrollment — Provides easier device enrollment for both IT admins and device users. Knox Mobile Enrollment allows for thousands of devices to be set up at once and configured easily. The ability to quickly initialize a batch of new devices means that they can be deployed quickly, helping to reduce any potential device downtime for the GSP. New devices can also be enrolled quickly and easily via Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth or QR code scans.
• Knox Manage — Allows the GSP to restrict the contents of devices remotely and disable certain features, such as cameras and microphones, at certain times. For instance, if a device is stolen or lost, it can be locked or wiped to ensure the contents are inaccessible to malicious parties.

Knox Manage also gives the GSP the ability to limit non-essential app use. This creates a highly simplified user experience and streamlines the apps that the guards need to perform their duties. Minimizing distractions and reducing time spent on devices allows the GSP to ensure maximum focus and productivity.

This feature also allows devices to be restricted in sensitive situations to ensure additional security. Knox Manage could be used during the next papal conclave, for example, to help safeguard information and communications while key decisions are made.

Galaxy Tab Active Series With Knox Suite

The Vatican is perhaps as synonymous with secrecy as it is with tradition. In order to ensure privacy amongst its members and staff, the guards have added cutting edge enterprise software to their security arsenal alongside halberds and swords. Complementing this are Samsung Galaxy ruggedized devices, such as the Galaxy XCover Pro and Galaxy Tab Active series, which have led the GSP to report fewer repairs and fewer devices needing replacement.

Although they are “the world’s smallest army,” the GSP shoulders an immense responsibility and therefore requires mobile devices with military specifications.² Accidents can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, yet Galaxy’s ruggedized devices are incredibly reliable and offer IP68-rated³ water and dust protection. Knowing that Galaxy XCover and Tab Active series devices can withstand tough conditions allows the guards to perform their duties confident in the reliability and longevity of their tools.

For example, the Galaxy Tab Active2 offers a wide range of features such as enhanced touch for use with gloves⁴ and a long-lasting and replaceable battery⁵ which minimizes downtime in the event of low power. The Galaxy Tab Active3 builds on these features with a clearer high-resolution display and a programmable key that provides instant access to critical apps, such as push-to-talk or emergency functions.

The Galaxy Tab Active3 also supports Samsung DeX,⁶ which provides a PC-like experience when plugged into a monitor or TV, for officers performing planning or administrative work. These various features make the Galaxy Tab Active series an ideal mobile device choice, backed up by Knox Suite, for a professional honor guard with hundreds of years of history.

End-to-End Support From Hardware to Software

Samsung also provides continuous support at every turn. The GSP can seek assistance if they have any queries or concerns regarding their devices, operating systems or functionalities, ensuring they consistently have the best tools available in the line of duty.

With the ideal management platform, ruggedized hardware and end-to-end support, Samsung provides the device security and productivity that the GSP needs to preserve tradition while transitioning into a new, digital era. The Knox Suite platform’s comprehensive offerings mean the Pontifical Swiss Guard can be confident that they are performing their duties with the best possible support. Armed with Samsung’s rugged, reliable and secure digital devices, the GSP can seamlessly focus on protecting the Pope and the Vatican as they have traditionally done for over 500 years.

¹ Requires separate license key (purchased separately).
² Galaxy Tab Active2 is compliant with MIL-STD-810G. Galaxy Tab Active3 is compliant with MIL-STD-810H. MIL-STD-810 is a standardized form of testing for altitude, humidity, immersion, salt fog, dust, vibration, drop, etc., designed by the US Military to accurately assess device limitations.
³ IP68 rating: Water resistance based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes and protected from dust, dirt and sand. Rinse residue/dry after wet. Not advised for beach or pool use.
⁴ Touch Sensitivity responsiveness may vary depending on the material and thickness of gloves as well as other environmental conditions.
⁵ Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors. Extra replaceable battery sold separately. In the case of extra replaceable batteries, only Samsung certified products are compatible for use.
⁶ Samsung DeX on Galaxy Tab Active3 is available on compatible external screens via wired or wireless connections. Compatible apps may vary.

The latest XCover6 Pro has a screen almost twice as large as the original XCover, which was launched back in 2011 and is tougher than ever.

Starting from that first 2011 XCover launch, Samsung invites you to look back across the history of its ruggedized devices to see how the innovation of the present begins with the design pedigree of the past.

At this year’s IFA event, Samsung announced the launch of its SoftPOS solution, which is based on the company’s partnership with First Data, PayCore and Visa. Requiring no additional hardware, this mobile device solution easily and securely transforms Samsung mobile handsets into Europay, Master Card, or Visa (EMV)-based contactless payment terminals, and is set to lead a mobile retail revolution. Supported by Samsung Knox, SoftPOS supports all global payment schemes and is compatible with all Sams­­­­ung mobile devices¹ and existing mobile EMV payment options.

But this SoftPOS solution is not the only leading B2B solution being showcased at IFA. Samsung Newsroom invites you to take a closer look at the full range of Samsung’s latest mobile B2B solutions.

SoftPOS solution

Solutions and Devices Designed to Meet Enterprise Needs

At IFA, Samsung is showcasing a product portfolio replete with the latest in durable products and solutions designed for the full gamut of working conditions and situations.

This portfolio is led by three devices custom-built for users that lead rugged lifestyles; the Galaxy Tab Active Pro, Galaxy XCover 4s and the Galaxy XCover FieldPro. These sturdy devices are appropriate not only for harsher environments, but also fit the modern needs of a wide range of industries, from public service and automobile to retail and conference.

The Galaxy Tab Active Pro is the latest in the Galaxy Tab Active range set for release later this fall. This 10-inch tablet is uniquely suitable for business as well as rugged work conditions, and delivers an immersive viewing experience thanks to its larger display fitted with a variety of solutions that enable users to engage more efficiently when undertaking business. The Galaxy Tab Active Pro also supports Samsung DeX, meaning that workers in the field can now make use of a PC-like experience on-site or at the office.

The Galaxy Tab Active Pro

The compact, rugged Galaxy XCover 4s boasts both durability and portability with its 5.0-inch screen, 16-megapixel front camera, IP68 water and dust rating, and removable battery. Samsung has also developed a solution to help ensure the safety of workers engaged in sectors from the public service industry to the logistics industry – the Galaxy XCover FieldPro. The Galaxy XCover FieldPro provides water and dust resistance (IP68) and also complies with the United States Military Standard MIL-STD 810G. The Galaxy XCover FieldPro is also fitted with a dedicated, programmable button that allows the Push-to-talk (PTT) communication feature, which utilizes interwork with third-party PTT solution partners. The resulting solution is a PTT mobile application that offers a range of communication options, including Lone Worker Protection and GPS Localization for use in emergency situations.

In order to best meet the diverse needs of all B2B customers, Samsung has collaborated with a variety of partners to create leading device convergence solutions, a range of which are on display at IFA 2019:

• Integrated Tablet Case and Cradle Workstation: This market-first solution was designed to improve tablet users’ productivity as well as provide rugged protection while on the go. Thanks to the integrative connectivity of Samsung DeX, the cradle workstation allows the Galaxy Tab Active Pro to be easily docked and connected to a monitor for seamless productivity.

• AR Platform: This augmented reality (AR) solution was designed to improve access to mobile information sharing among enterprises, and specifically for repair industries. The AR platform for mobile devices lets users aggregate information and create step-by-step maintenance manuals that they can access anywhere, anytime.

• Docking and Mounting Station: For industries that require working on the go, Samsung has developed a docking and mounting station that can be used for a range of applications, including vehicle mounting. This station is lightweight and portable, streamlining the productivity of a mobile working environment.

Docking and Mounting Station

• Thermal Imaging Technology Solution: Thermal Imaging Technology provides a range of uses and benefits to industries from public service through to construction. The solution lets workers turn their Galaxy XCover 4s or Galaxy Tab Active Pro into a powerful thermal imaging camera, and is ideal for situations where users need to quickly detect faults, water damage or energy loss, and for identifying the presence of animals or people in dark working conditions.

• Barcode/RFID Scanning Solution: Samsung has developed a barcode/RFID scanning solution for the Galaxy XCover 4s and the Galaxy Tab Active2 for use in the retail, warehousing and construction industries. This solution provides professional barcode scanning and both long and short-range RFID reading capabilities that are optimized for fast and accurate data transmission.

Barcode/RFID Scanning Solution

Secure, Connected, and Collaborative Solutions

Samsung’s IFA 2019 B2B booth is also showcasing the company’s leading B2B device and solution convergence capabilities, founded on the defense-grade security of the Samsung Knox platform.

Samsung Galaxy Enterprise Edition is Samsung’s comprehensive mobile security solution for businesses in all sectors. It is equipped with Samsung Knox security, including the over-the-air bulk configuration and customization feature, Knox Configure. Knox Configure ensures that mobile devices used for specific business contexts can be quickly set up, synced, branded and transformed into professional kiosk devices with as much ease as possible.

Samsung Knox Enterprise Firmware Over the Air (E-FOTA) is another of Samsung’s leading B2B security solutions. With Knox E-FOTA, an IT admin can remotely control OS security updates and manage a stable IT environment on workforce devices.

Developed for when technical difficulties arise at the workplace, Samsung Enterprise Technical Support (ETS) is a premium technical support service for businesses. ETS offers a wide range of support capabilities thanks to Samsung’s unique position in developing hardware, OS and enhanced security solutions. With each business granted a single point of contact within Samsung’s team of mobility experts, ETS provides custom solutions and troubleshooting, should the need arise. for customers experiencing difficulties.

James Pak, Vice President of B2B Product Management Group at Samsung Electronics said of the promising future of Samsung’s B2B solutions: “Samsung continues to lead the enterprise mobility market with innovative solutions and an open partner ecosystem. Our latest rugged devices with Samsung Knox security and next-generation network and device convergence solutions will further enable a new era of digital transformation for our enterprise customers.”

Push-to-talk (PTT) solution

¹ All Samsung phones and tablets with NFC and Android OS 4.4+ are compatible with the SoftPOS solution.

See the infographic below to learn more about the new professional monitors.

Samsung Electronics recently supplied the 360 Cassette to the Singapore Zoo and 18 Coffee Bean outlets located in Manila, the Philippines. In addition, Samsung has been supplying the 360 Cassette to Harry’s, Singapore’s famous casual restaurant chain with multiple stores, as well as pubs located in the Tanjong Pagar area, where many young patrons frequent.

“Samsung is pleased to supply the 360 Cassette to the Singapore Zoo, a landmark of Singapore, and to Coffee Bean, a globally well-known franchise coffee brand,” said Steve Lee, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia & Oceania. “Going forward, we will continue to introduce and showcase a variety of innovative products and best services to the premium B2B market and consumers in Southeast Asia.”

360 Cassettes installed in restaurants located in the Tanjong Pagar area in Singapore

A New Type of Air Conditioner

The 360 Cassette is a new type of air conditioner, entirely different from conventional air-conditioners, with a circular design that harmonizes with air spaces, and horizontal airflow technology which prevents cold wind from blowing directly onto users, and instead spreads cool air evenly.

Unlike conventional air conditioners with square designs which control wind direction with the blade attached to the ventilation section, the 360 Cassette adopts a booster fan that embodies horizontal airflow without blades so that users enjoy the wind all around them rather than in direct streams, thereby making their overall environments more pleasant.

The circular design, which is inspired by natural curves, allows the 360 Cassette to harmonize with any space. Also, it enables the users to customize designs on the circular front panel to create their desired ambience, with options such as a national flag, brand logo and various colored lightings.

Optimal Energy Efficiency and Coolness

360 cassettes were supplied to 18 Coffee Bean outlets located in Manila, the Philippines

Optimizing the efficiency of heat exchange through its turbo fan and high-efficiency compressor, the 360 Cassette boasts the highest level of energy efficiency among system air conditioners which is essential to enhancing energy efficiency in shopping malls, buildings and shops where air conditioners are installed and used all day long.

Southeast Asia is one of the regions with the highest demand for air conditioners due to its warm weather all year round, and it is essential to install air conditioners not only inside buildings, but also along high traffic passages including public facilities, buildings and shopping malls. Therefore, the demand for the B2B market is much higher than other regions.

Coffee Bean stores in the Philippines had high praise for the 360 Cassette when it was installed. They found that coffee no longer gets cold as quickly and consumers enjoy a cooler and more pleasurable experience at their stores than before.

Samsung Electronics has been bringing innovative products such as the 360 Cassette to the Southeast Asian B2B air conditioner market since it entered the region in 2011. As a result, it has increased its annual revenue about 1.5 times each year, growing approximately 35% year-over-year in 2017. Samsung will continue to present more innovative products for customization to expand the premium market, especially in the B2B sector.

These days, businesses such as restaurants, cafes and shops are placing more and more focus on creating aesthetically consistent interiors. Samsung’s 360 Cassette, the world’s first circular-designed air conditioner, offers powerful, even airflow and boasts a design that blends seamlessly with a variety of environments, allowing proprietors to create sophisticated and beautiful interiors that resonate with customers.

Now, to make it even easier to integrate the device in a way that suits its surrounding décor, Samsung has created customizable design panels that may be applied directly to the 360 Cassette to complement each business’s individual aesthetic.

Turkey’s Zübeyde Hanım Educational Institution was the first to attach one of the stylish designs to its 360 Cassette, opting for a design panel that displayed its school symbol. Subsequent design panels have been applied in locations spanning several fields, including a suburban cafe in Korea.

A Design to Suit Every Interior

Recently, Korean café A Twosome Place customized its 360 Cassette air conditioner with an aesthetic-amplifying design panel

The 360 Cassette’s design panels allow users to customize the air conditioner’s aesthetic to match their store’s interior. To help users find the perfect pattern to suit their style, Samsung created a diverse collection of designs tailored to match any decor. Choices include a range of colors, woods and branded designs.

After applying a matte black branded design panel to his café’s 360 Cassette, A Twosome Place’s manager remarked that the design blended seamlessly with the décor and added a sense of aesthetic harmony

A Rounded Approach to Air Conditioning

Whereas traditional air conditioners may yield uncomfortable drafts and uneven airflow, the 360 Cassette’s ‘rounded’ approach allows it to provide optimum efficiency and comfort.

The 360 Cassette’s design panels allow users to customize the air conditioner’s aesthetic to match the interior

The 360 Cassette’s circular design is responsible for the comfortable atmosphere the appliance provides, preventing its breeze from directly contacting the skin and evenly distributing air without traditional air conditioners’ ‘blind spots.’ This design was made possible by discarding with the blades that traditionally control wind direction and instead inserting a Booster Fan, which guides air to provide even, horizontal airflow that feels pleasant in any spot.

By paying equal attention to function and design, the 360 Cassette offers businesses a versatile and efficient air conditioning solution that both looks and feels great.

As a key figure in the industry, Samsung is committed to helping consumers achieve greater energy conservation with its sustainability-centric, eco-friendly HVAC innovations.

A Circular Design for Enhancing Performance

Utilizing inventive designs is one way Samsung is working toward enhancing efficiency.

The 360 Cassette, for example, is an innovative, bladeless system that incorporates an industry-first circular design for an even airflow and stylish aesthetic. Unlike conventional indoor units that use blade rotations to control the direction of air, the 360 Cassette integrates a Booster Fan that uses pressure to generate a complete, horizontal airflow that works to eliminate cold drafts.

Samsung’s circular air wave consistently controls the temperature of the room by providing an even distribution of air across a full 360-degree range. Bladeless flow control allows for a 39 percent increase in coverage area by delivering 100 percent of air volume, compared to traditional four-way cassette units, which can lose up to 25 percent of air volume.

Small Size, Big Efficiency

Samsung’s System Air Conditioning units like the 360 Cassette rely on outdoor units to function. But conventional outdoor units are not without their limitations, as many of them take up large amounts of space.

Because of this, inverter-type air conditioners are becoming increasingly popular, as they occupy less space and can achieve greater efficiency at lower costs when compared to traditional AC systems. Furthermore, they are integrated with a variable speed compressor that switches off once the desired temperature is reached and switches on when the temperature changes, thus providing energy savings.

The DVM S is the first air conditioning system to achieve 30HP (84kW) per unit by including a new Super Inverter Scroll Compressor with flash injection technology that improves its performance by as much as 21 percent compared with conventional products.

Samsung developers spent four years researching ways to maximize the outdoor unit’s efficiency. To minimize its size, they reduced the number of compressors from three to two. Also, they improved the efficiency of air and heat exchange by separating the pins from the heat exchanger. The resulting product weighs 29 percent less and occupies 40 percent less space.

“For mid- to large-sized buildings, the best HVAC system is one that takes up the least amount of space,” said Iloh Bae, Samsung System Air Conditioning B2B Product Manager. “Conserving space not only decreases one’s early-stage investment but also extends the lifecycle of the building, helping to secure profitability.”

The DVM Chiller, meanwhile, combines an air-cooled chiller with Inverter Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) in a compact unit. Because it does not require a separate cooling tower, it is capable of dramatically decreasing the required size of the installation area by 21 percent. Furthermore, basic models can be combined in different ways to extend capacity up to 320 tons.

“There are many challenges in installing System Air Conditioning in old structures,” noted Wansoo Yang, Senior Engineer of the System Air Conditioning R&D Lab. “Simply changing the outdoor unit can significantly improve efficiency. The DVM Chiller is very useful in this case, particularly for buildings that store heat.”

Similarly, the DVM S ECO is a maximum capacity side discharge VRF air conditioner engineered to deliver a single outdoor unit solution for apartment and office buildings. The innovative design of the product features a robust Inverter Scroll Compressor and corrugate fin, which improve heating performance by 20 percent and increases airflow by 10 percent compared to standard side discharge VRF units.

From utilizing inverters to incorporating specialized designs, Samsung’s innovations in HVAC engineering are set to transform the air conditioning marketplace by boosting energy efficiency, maximizing space and ensuring sustainable development.

Samsung Electronics, a worldwide leader in innovative display solutions, announced that its mirror display has been commercially installed for the first time in a LEEKAJA HAIRBIS salon in Seoul, Korea.

Using Samsung’s 55-inch mirror displays, LEEKAJA HAIRBIS’ Jamsil salon will now provide a customized experience to their clients – they can consult different styles and colors and also show information on the latest trends; straight from the mirror display.

Samsung’s mirror displays, which enable clients to provide an interactive environment for their customers, received a lot of attention in numerous exhibitions including CES 2016 and ISE 2016.

Following the first commercial installation, Samsung expects the application of mirror displays to increase in various scenarios including fashion, furniture, interior design and retail. The 55-inch mirror display model will be available worldwide starting Q3, 2016.

About LEEKAJA HAIRBIS
LEEKAJA HAIRBIS has locations around the world in Australia, China, Korea, and the U.S.

Broadly speaking, commercial buildings make use of two types of AC systems, namely: central air-conditioning systems, which control overall indoor temperatures, and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, which provide temperature control for individual rooms and spaces. The former provides a type of ready-made air conditioning, while the latter offers a more adaptive, tailor-made system.

With the addition of in AC products designed for family use, central air-conditioning and VRF systems comprise the top three global AC markets.

Recently, traditional VRF systems have received a further boost in the form of an improved network, enhanced functions and a range of sensors that all create more customizable Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, while at the same time decreasing overall energy consumption.

Samsung Electronics intends to provide the air-conditioning industry with a further boost by delivering innovative products that meet the demands of global consumers, especially in the commercial sector.

“As we enter the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), the industry will begin upon a new phase of practicality whereby construction, communication and other services will merge to offer customers the best ground-up experiences,” said Charles Park, Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Digital Appliances Business.

Park added, “Samsung has the ability to link its leading communication devices with innovative air-conditioning products, including HVAC solutions. That puts the company in a great position in terms of embracing the opportunities ahead.”

Samsung’s new 360 Cassette units operating at a duty free shop in Korea

Since October last year, Samsung has hosted a series of global roadshows, taking in 117 cities to showcase its air conditioning product range, inviting more than 9,000 B2B customers from 50 countries. Samsung met approximately 4,500 partners, winning a favorable response for its new high-end products, including the 360 Cassette unit.

“The 360 Cassette model guides air to form a complete and comprehensive, 360-degree horizontal dispersion, and preventing direct airflow onto individuals in the room. It also ensures fast, even cooling throughout interior settings,” said Park. “It has a very stylish design, so we are receiving a lot of orders from large franchisors like chains of cafés and luxury retailers.”

Conventional 4-way cassette systems, often used in coffee shops and hospitals, usually require wind deflectors to minimize cold air drafts. The 360 Cassette, on the other hand, eliminates the drawbacks of its predecessors, making a meaningful difference for indoor environments.

Although Samsung is something of a late bloomer in the AC market—one that boasts a century-long history—the company is rapidly emerging as an industry leader by applying unmatched technological innovations to its products.

At Milan’s Mostra Convegno Expocomfort 2016 (MCE), the largest HVAC exhibition in Europe, Samsung showcased its innovative AC solutions at work in real-life applications over 800 square meters of floor space—the biggest display at the expo—from March 15-18.

Samsung showcased its new AC range for four different locations—retail businesses, hotels, residential spaces and offices—as well its Smart Home solution at MCE 2016.

In addition, four of Samsung’s new air conditioning products were recognized for their excellence. Samsung’s 360 Cassette and DVM Chiller were acknowledged for their “Efficiency & Innovation Path (Percorso Efficienza & Innovazione),” while the DVM S 30HP and 8-pole Inverter (UG9AJ3090FER) were recognized in MCE’s “Beyond Class A (Oltre la Classe A)” initiative in their respective categories.

“While it has only been about a decade since Samsung started engaging in the VRF AC system business, our buyers believe that our products will be the industry trendsetters,” said Park. “This rings especially true when it comes to our 2016 products, including the 360 Cassette indoor unit and the DVM S, which has the highest capacity in its class.”

In addition, four of Samsung’s new air conditioning products were recognized for their excellence. Samsung’s 360 Cassette and DVM Chiller were acknowledged for their “Efficiency & Innovation Path (Percorso Efficienza & Innovazione),” while the DVM S 30HP and 8-pole Inverter (UG9AJ3090FER) were recognized in MCE’s “Beyond Class A (Oltre la Classe A)” initiative in their respective categories.

“While it has only been about a decade since Samsung started engaging in the VRF AC system business, our buyers believe that our products will be industry trendsetters,” said Park. “This rings especially true when it comes to our 2016 products, including the 360 Cassette indoor units and the DVM S, which has the highest capacity in its class.”

Going forward, VRF products will work in tandem with IoT technology to create intelligent AC systems that can deliver precise cooling, heating and ventilation tailored to the needs of people in individual rooms.

Through the development of its Smart Vertical Solution, an intelligent AC system, as well as general IoT-ready VRF products, Samsung remains one step ahead as it prepares to develop smart building systems in the near future.

Said Park, “We are hoping to create a growth opportunity in the global commercial AC systems market by applying industry-leading innovation to our products, and combining these with intelligent AC solutions.”

Samsung is equipping its VRF AC products with Internet connectivity features. Included are (from left): the 360 Cassette, the DVM S 30HP and the DVM S Eco.

Samsung Electronics announced that it provides three new software packages related to document imaging solutions through the company’s partnership with Nuance Communications.

The strategic partnership with Nuance, first announced in September 2015, enables Samsung to sell and distribute document imaging solutions within its printing business, including:

• Equitrac—both Office and Express—is a print management software solution that allows businesses to print what they need regardless of location, routing the documents to nearby printing devices through a pull-printing system. Equitrac also reduces IT complexities by removing dependencies on print servers, print drivers and complex print fleets.
• AutoStore is an electronic document capture solution that automatically recognizes and stores various types of user documents, including PDF files and information captured from multifunction printers (MFP), smartphones, copiers and scanners.
• SafeCom helps consolidate and standardize different types of printing jobs without installing additional print drivers. It can also reduce printing budgets by restricting printer access to only authenticated

“Samsung is quickly and consistently bringing incredible products to market,” stated Chris Strammiello, Vice President of Global Alliances & Strategic Marketing for Nuance Communications. “Nuance has long enjoyed a strong relationship with Samsung and extending the partnership to our imaging solutions is strategic for both companies. We look forward to bringing innovative solutions to market that address the business needs of our joint customers.”

“Samsung is continuing to expand cooperation with the world’s leading vendors to develop software offering specialized and customized solutions to improve workflow,” said David SW Song, Senior Vice President of Printing Solutions Business at Samsung Electronics. “B2B customers will be able to purchase solutions and services optimized for their business directly with Samsung printing devices.”

Nuance Communication is the world’s leading output solution company. According to a 2015 report by IDC, the company is the largest imaging software vendor in the document/MFP space, with more than 58 percent market share. It has built a relationship with Samsung by providing voice recognition capabilities that ship across a range of Samsung devices.

Mok Oh, Vice President of New Services, Samsung Electronics’ Enterprise Business, welcomes visitors to Samsung’s “Car, Connected” event at MWC 2016.

Safety First

Equipped with internet connectivity and software that enable drivers to stream music, look up traffic and weather conditions, prevent their teenagers from texting and even power driving-assistance services such as self-parking, the connected car is providing entirely new value to drivers.

Furthermore, utilizing driving data lowers costs to insurance and third-party service providers, disrupting the automobile market. Growing at a compound annual growth rate of 30 percent, this next generation vehicle is creating massive new business opportunities and making consumers rethink the way they drive.

Samsung’s Connect Auto service features an app that allows users to monitor their driving habits and helps them improve their driving behavior.

Samsung, too, is hoping to transform transportation with its new connected car solution, Samsung Connect Auto. Slated to launch in the second quarter of this year, starting in the US, Samsung Connect Auto uses real-time alerts to help consumers improve their driving behavior, including increased fuel efficiency, while offering a Wi-Fi hotspot and other features to create a multimedia center for the car. And what’s better is it plugs directly into the on-board diagnostics connector making it compatible with most automobiles on the road today.

Hyesung Ha, Senior Vice President of Samsung’s Enterprise Business, discusses the importance of privacy and security in the connected car industry.

Despite these benefits, some consumers are hesitant to utilize connected car technologies. Delivering the keynote speech at Samsung’s connected car event, Hyesung Ha, Senior Vice President of Samsung’s Enterprise Business, noted a McKinsey report that found two main reasons for consumers’ hesitations are privacy and safety.

“We understand our success depends on consumers’ trust in us and the products and services that we provide,” Ha explained. “The data and information of users is our top priority, and we work hard to safeguard the valuable information of our consumers.”

Samsung has taken steps to reassure hesitant consumers by securing Samsung Connect Auto with eSE (embeded Secure Element) based on Samsung KNOX, the most robust mobile security platform in the world. This essentially creates a firewall protecting hackers from accessing Samsung Connect Auto, preventing user data from falling in to the wrong hands.

Representatives of Samsung’s partner companies share their insights as automotive industry leaders on trends, challenges, benefits and the future of the connected car.

A Connected Ecosystem for a Truly Connected Car

Yet, even when armed with the technology and security needed to power a connected vehicle, the industry cannot fully thrive without a connected ecosystem. As such, Samsung is taking the reins to build a linked network of carriers, insurance companies, roadside assistance operators and maintenance networks that responds to the changing demands of current and potential automobile owners.

Representatives from Samsung’s major partner companies, including FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Willis Towers Watson, AT&T, SEAT, Cisco and Tantalum Corporation were part of a panel discussion at the event and explored how always-on automobiles have already begun to improve road safety and change driving behaviors for the better. The panel also touched on the existing challenges and potential benefits for all parties involved. Insurers, for example, can not only provide potential discounts to their current customers, but also new services to customers who are willing to opt-in and share their driving behavior data from their connected car.

By bridging the gaps between consumer electronics, IoT, and the automotive industries, Samsung is transforming the always-on automobile to be safe, secure, eco-friendly and productive.

In its establishment of valuable partner relationships, Samsung is helping to bridge the gap between the automotive, consumer electronics and IoT industries by making its products and partner services seamlessly integrated for a driving experience that is safe, secure, eco-friendly and, of course, fun.

And while this is only the beginning of the connected car era, the future of the industry is bright. With experts predicting that all cars will be connected in the not-too-distant future, there are huge opportunities for new applications and services that take advantage of this always-on connection. Samsung Connect Auto, as well as the technology leader’s efforts to build a diverse, connected ecosystem, is a step in the right direction. Through these endeavors, the company will bring the car into the already connected world of smartphones, smart homes and wearables, ultimately allowing the automobile to be the next part of the IoT revolution.

An overview of Samsung’s enterprise mobility booth in Hall 6 (#6A30) at the Fira Gran Via Exhibition Centre.

At the center of the company’s enterprise mobility booth is KNOX, a defense grade mobile security platform that works only on Samsung mobile devices to improve security, management and productivity.

As a market leader in the mobile industry, Samsung delivers the strongest mobile security and the most effective enterprise mobility solutions through KNOX.

Samsung KNOX is a suite of mobile enterprise security solutions that provides device protection, management and development options.

Compatible with both NFC and MST technology enabled registers, Samsung Pay is the world’s most widely accepted mobile payment system.

Anasoft, a member of the Samsung Enterprise Alliance Program, offers a solution that allos for the acceptance of an encrypted, legally binding signature in digital form.

KNOX, along with its key partners, is expanding to meet diverse customers’ needs, such as connected car solutions like Samsung’s new Connect Auto. The solution collects a user’s driving data securely to allow for a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.

Samsung’s new Connect Auto solution collects a user’s driving data securely to allow for a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.

Find out how Samsung Connect Auto works in the video below:

Visit Samsung’s enterprise mobility booth in Hall 6 (#6A30) at the Fira Gran Via Exhibition Centre to discover more about the KNOX total solution package and other various enterprise applications integrated with KNOX. To find more images of Samsung’s exhibition at the MWC 2016, please visit Samsung Newsroom Flickr.

Samsung Electronics announced that it has won the prestigious 2016 “AV Display Innovation of the Year” award from AV News for its OHD Series SMART Signage, an all-inclusive outdoor display solution for brilliant business messaging, and overall excellence in the integrated audio/visual (AV) arena.

“With state-of-the-art technological development and close collaboration, Samsung enables our partners to create customized, immersive and interactive experiences for their own audiences – even in potentially challenging outdoor environments,” said Seog-gi Kim, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are thrilled to be recognized by leading industry influencers and the media for our commitment to deliver impactful outdoor visual displays, and we look forward to building new, innovative AV technologies that will further enhance the customer experience.”

Featuring a flexible and customizable design as well as embedded tools to foster efficient content management, Samsung’s OHD Series outdoor displays make it easier for businesses to deliver critical, real-time messaging to widespread audiences. The displays’ reinforced composition and internal heating and cooling controls ensure uninterrupted performance even when exposed to extreme weather or temperature conditions ranging from -30 ℃ to 50 ℃, further driving continuous stress-free operations for users.

OHD Series has also been adopted in the Samsung Safety Truck, a technology for trucks that seeks to prevent road accidents. It has also been selected as one of the ‘25 best inventions of 2015’ by TIME Magazine.

Sponsored by AV News, a leading business and technology-focused publication in the AV industry, the AV News Awards celebrates exceptional contributions made by individuals and companies to advance the overall industry. Winners of the “AV Display Innovation of the Year” award and other categories were selected from a pool of nominees by a committee consisting of AV News’ editorial staff and wider AV industry influencers.

For more information about the AV News awards, visit www.avnews.org. To learn more about Samsung’s OHD Series SMART Signage and its complete line of outdoor display innovations, visit displaysolutions.samsung.com.

Bryan Denyer, editor of AV News (left), Damon Crowhurst, European Business Development Director of Samsung Electronics (right)

This growth may be attributed to Samsung’s recent moves: adding LED signage to its B2B display lineup, commercializing next-generation smart, transparent and mirror display solutions, and further strengthening its open platform. Continuing to attract the attention of businesses that need cutting-edge displays will help Samsung become No. 1 in the global commercial display market for nine consecutive years in 2016.

Winning Contracts Around the World

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) moved its head office into a new, landmark building in Bangkok on January 4. For the new building, Samsung supplied 230 Smart Signage displays to help SET provide comprehensive information related to stock exchanges. In addition, SET installed a video wall made of 36 55-inch Smart Signage displays to offer visitors a clear view of the status of exchanges and stock news. Based on its ten years of experience in the B2B display business in this region, Samsung plans to further expand its presence in neighboring countries, including Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

In mid-January, Samsung also signed a major contract with MSC Cruises, a Swiss shipbuilding giant, to create seven “smart” cruise ships over the next five years, supplying them with state-of-the-art B2B solutions. Initially Samsung will supply more than 6,600 devices to two cruise ships, including 95-inch Smart Signage displays, augmented reality (AR) mirrors, tablets and medical equipment. Construction on those first two ships will begin in early 2016.

The commercialization of futuristic products like transparent displays and mirror displays, which until recently looked like devices from sci-fi movies, has also become a reality. Last month, the BMW Driving Center in Korea installed a video wall made of six 55-inch transparent OLED displays from Samsung. Displaying a wide variety of information and videos, the wall invites visitors to enjoy the special features of the cars in a unique manner.

Furthermore, at an apparel shop operated by Samsung C&T Corporation, Samsung Mirror Display intelligently helps customers with their shopping. When customers try on a piece of clothing, this technology can show them photos of how they look from the sides and behind. It also can recommend the clothing options for customers by analyzing their gender, patterns and the colors of the clothes they are wearing.

In addition, Samsung is gaining attention from its plans to supply its Signage products to super-large landmarks in North America, Europe and Asia.

Three Advantages That Give Samsung a Major Competitive Edge

Three advantages are leading Samsung’s growth in its B2B display business in 2016. First of all, it added the LED Signage business to its portfolio to attract large outdoor facilities. Since last March when it acquired YESCO Electronics—a U.S.-based LED display manufacturer—Samsung has prepared new offerings that link those products with its own signage solutions. With significant advantages over existing models in terms of picture quality, reliability, and lifespan, Samsung’s LED Signage has proven to be a good fit for outdoor settings and large venues that specialize in sports and entertainment events. Combining the competitiveness of YESCO in LED Signage with Samsung’s capacity as the No.1 B2B display business in the world, the company expects its performance in the market will show significant progress starting this year.

Secondly, Samsung has been at the forefront of introducing futuristic display solutions. It recently commercialized new displays such as transparent OLED displays and mirror displays that provide consumers with a new shopping experience by displaying products and enriching their look in a unique way. To increase these advantages, Samsung plans to make retail environments even smarter by combining Smart Signage, Samsung Pay and its Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, allowing retailers to better predict the flow and demand of consumers and provide individualized information for them.

Finally, the rapid spread of its open-source B2B platform represents the third Samsung advantage. Since there are different kinds of systems, solutions and devices used by the typical business, an open display platform with reliable compatibility is a must. Samsung has long recognized the importance of software in the world of B2B displays in the development of its Samsung Smart Signage Platform (SSSP). Businesses can apply SSSP in the way that best suits various situations, fully optimizing their signage for the best operation of their products. 25 Samsung partners will be using SSSP in their exhibits at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2016 in Amsterdam from February 9 to 12, showing how the open display platform is spreading quickly.

Since 2008, Samsung has been the top company in the world in the commercial display market. According to IHS, a market researcher, Samsung’s global market share in the third quarter of 2015 accounted for 28.6 percent of unit sales, about three times higher than its closest competitor.

The global commercial display market has been posting an impressive annual growth rate of 19 percent on average, and is predicted to reach US$8.77 billion by 2019. By supplying its next-generation display solutions, Samsung intends to provide consumers with more information and change their way of making purchases.

Starting with MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside, which will come into service in June and December 2017, respectively, the strategic partnership with Samsung will supply all seven MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia and Seaside generation new builds with digital solutions and devices, including among others:

Visual displays: in-cabin flat screen HDTV’s, public screens and displays, ad hoc digital signage solutions like augmented reality mirrors

Mobile solutions: smartphones, tablets and accessories for virtual reality and 360° digital experience

Medical equipment: expert technology for on-board medical centres

Printing solutions: in support of MSC Cruises’ business needs

MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato commented: “Samsung is the master of technology, and at MSC Cruises we have consistently shown our commitment to both cutting edge innovation and working with best-in-class partners that can support and further enhance the on-board experiences we offer our guests.”

He added: “As well as being revolutionary in concept, design and marine architecture, the Meraviglia and Seaside generation ships mark a leap forward in terms of cruise ship technology. Equipped throughout with Samsung’s latest-technology products and solutions, they will make available to our guests the best of the next generation in smart ships at sea.”

Samsung Italia President Carlo Barlocco said: “Samsung has always been committed in providing its technology to improve the quality of people’s lives and to support the competitiveness of companies. The partnership with MSC Cruises is an example of how our advanced solutions are able to enhance the passenger experience: not only monitors and tablets to access information and  infotainment contents on board but also advanced medical equipment to support first aid in case of emergencies. This partnership, finally, allow Samsung and MSC to bring innovation to the whole cruise industry.”

The new agreement was signed today in Milan, Italy, at an international media event at Samsung’s local headquarters, the “Samsung District”.

Injong Rhee, Executive Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Team, recently wrote an editorial providing an in-depth explanation of how Samsung KNOX works and the advanced security features it offers. As I was in charge of the development of Samsung KNOX, I would like to continue the discussion by talking about why KNOX is necessary and where it can be applied.

The Optimal Enterprise Solution for Security and Convenience

Do you remember the early cellphones? Back then, mobiles phones weren’t commonly built for business activities. Even when companies provided cellphones for business use, they were mostly used for receiving calls and sending text messages.

However, the situation completely changed with the advent of smartphones—mobile phones started to gain access to the servers that stored company data. So we developed Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to prevent company information from being infected with malignant codes and to keep the access to servers and devices away from hackers. MDM is a tool that manages registered information and oversees the access of smartphones to servers.

Despite the constant risk of hackers, we understood that overly prioritizing security could make smartphone usage for businesses inconvenient, especially for management and employees. We wanted to come up with a platform that would provide tight security and be convenient at the same time. KNOX is the result of a design and development process that took over one year.

For personal devices, Samsung KNOX is a prime security platform that protects against external attacks. As an enterprise solution, however, KNOX truly shines. KNOX is the optimal tool that secures devices while simultaneously providing customized services.

For example, take a look at Samsung Pay, in mobile payment services. Because Samsung Pay is about making financial transactions, security is essential. KNOX constantly monitors devices that use Samsung Pay, guarding against signs of malware and protecting payment information and personal data from hackers. Samsung Pay is a good example of how effective KNOX is when used as an enterprise solution in which both security and usability are critical.

Approved by Governments Around the World and the U.S. Department of Defense

The security of KNOX is widely acknowledged and has been proved in highly regulated organizations around the world, such as U.S Department of Defense. Also, this year at MWC, KNOX won as the Best Security/Anti-Fraud Product or Solution by the GSMA.

But of course, it has not been an easy journey, as you can easily imagine. The enterprise solutions market is very conservative and security is of utmost importance. We tried to figure out how we would be able to build a solution that would not only be accepted, but also revered for its capabilities. That is when Senior Vice President Injong Rhee said, “If we are going to do it, let’s make it the world’s best.”

So we asked ourselves, what is an organization that holds security to the highest importance? Our answer: The military. As a result, we aimed to obtain security approval from one of the most secure organizations of the world: the U.S. Department of Defense. As one could imagine, it was extremely difficult. At first, it was nearly impossible even to schedule a meeting with officials. But we kept explaining the merits of KNOX and overcame all the major hurdles, ultimately obtaining the security approval.

Now, governments around the world have acknowledged KNOX’s security: the U.K., Finland and China have officially approved KNOX for use.

Surpassing 4 Million Users in Just 2 Years

Thanks to the security and usability of KNOX, we have witnessed steady but strong reactions within the enterprise solution market. Just two years since its introduction, the number of users who have adopted KNOX as their enterprise solution has reached four million. Moreover, the rate of adoption has been gaining momentum.

It is estimated that mobile devices for business use will make up at least 30 percent of the global mobile device market. KNOX has products that can satisfy all types of needs, from the heavy-duty power of its Workspace to the smaller and individual scale of My KNOX, while also offering customized solutions for businesses.

In addition, we have started an indirect B2B project called ‘KNOX Enabled Application,’ combining KNOX with banking applications. It supports the core security functions of KNOX while making complex business systems seem easier. KNOX fundamentally prevents other applications or unauthorized parties from accessing personal or banking information, while protecting banking applications, account transfer information and authentication certificates.

The Value of KNOX Grows in the Internet of Things Era

As we continue to work toward making Samsung KNOX the best mobile security platform, we are focused on two goals. Our first goal is to create an ecosystem in which partnering companies can freely create and use their products under the KNOX platform. In order to do so, we have opened up various Software Development Kits (SDKs) so that large enterprises and individual developers can freely build their ideas. Our second objective is to provide KNOX’s level of security and service to other non-Android OS platforms by expanding its compatibility.

The true value of KNOX will grow even more prominent as the Internet of Things (IoT) era arrives. As we reach the moment when all things are connected through the Internet, the importance of strong security to prevent personal information leaks will inevitably increase.

Because personal mobile devices will be a central collecting point for various IoT networks, security on those devices will grow even more vital. Similarly, protecting people’s data will become more important for wearable devices and connected cars. As wearable devices gain more functions each year, they are also collecting ever more sensitive information about us, directly from physical contact. The personal data being collected by connected cars is similarly sensitive since it directly affects people’s lives.

With all these trends and needs in the market, we will continue to invest in Samsung KNOX so that it can protect you and provide security on a wide range of devices.

James C. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomson Reuters(Left) and Dr. WP Hong, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Electronics (Right) discussed the collaboration for enterprise solutions in Suwon, Korea.

Samsung Electronics has announced its collaboration with Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading intelligent information provider for businesses and professionals, as an enterprise solution partner.

The two companies will explore the development and optimization of enterprise solutions through their joint expertise in mobile security, electronic devices and intelligent information technology for businesses and professionals.

“The collaboration with Thomson Reuters gives us a unique opportunity to create the unrivaled user experiences that will make individual employees more productive and businesses more successful” said Dr, WP Hong, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Electronics. “To meet the enterprise consumers’ ever-evolving expectation, the two companies will explore a variety of business opportunities together.”

“Delivering new, innovative and relevant solutions to our customers is vital,” said James C. Smith, president and chief executive officer of Thomson Reuters “Samsung’s variety of product ecosystems demonstrate our common commitment to supporting customers and connecting global commerce”

With this collaboration, selected Thomson Reuters’ industry-leading content and software applications are to be implemented on compatible Samsung devices and technologies to support enterprise clients in legal and financial areas in the first phase.

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world’s most trusted news organization. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, go to http://thomsonreuters.com.

In the past, smartphones were viewed as consumer-oriented products, and businesses issued their employees dedicated B2B mobile devices to help boost productivity and effectiveness. However, as smartphones and B2B apps grew more sophisticated, companies gradually adopted bring your own device (BYOD) policy, encouraging employees to use their own personal smartphones at work to perform business functions.

Unlike smartphones, we believe wearable technology will see much faster adoption in the B2B space, as wearables offer something that businesses have wanted for years from their mobile devices: at-a-glance access to actionable data and greater hands-free functionality.

A recent white paper published by IDG and Samsung Business, titled, Wearables Make Their Move to the Enterprise, highlights a wide range of prospective B2B use cases for wearable technology — from the ability to connect hands-free with e-mail, calendars and contacts, to more purpose-built productivity applications for training, collaboration and real-time notifications.

Demand for such technology has been growing. In a recent PwC survey, 77% of respondents saw benefits in wearable devices for boosting efficiency and productivity at work; and 70% of participants fully expect their employers to permit the use of wearable technology at work.

How will we meet this demand?

According to the latest IDC ConsumerScape 360 survey, Samsung Electronics is one of the most trusted wearable brands in the market. And, by leveraging our growing portfolio that includes the Gear S, Gear Circle, Gear Fit and Gear VR, we are actively working towards realizing the promise of wearable technology in the B2B space, integrating wearable technology with products, solutions and services targeted to the needs of specific vertical markets, including health care, education, financial services, retail/hospitality, logistics and transportation and government.

Although wearable technology is still in its early stages, we see tremendous potential. Here are just a few hypothetical examples that could employ a wide array of Samsung products and solutions:

• Hotel staff could use wearable technology to manually adjust a room’s smart thermostat, and send a list of local attractions to a networked printer. Meanwhile, kitchen staff could use their smart wearable devices to connect with smart refrigerators and see at a glance a full inventory of available ingredients.

• High school teachers could use wearable technology to remotely power up and control audio visual equipment in a classroom or auditorium, and select a pre-programmed lighting configuration for a presentation. Learning also goes beyond classrooms: with technologies such as QR codes and augmented reality, wearable tech can take field trips to a new dimension.

• Sales people in retail outlets could use wearable devices to connect with and control digital signage, enabling them to instantly switch and update promotional displays or call up store maps or images of specific products in inventory at the request of a customer.

• Nurses and caretakers can leverage vital sensors in wearables worn by patients, in order to monitor a patient’s vital condition, medical treatments, exercise programs, location in hospitals and any emergency situations. Patients can also be notified via messages about when doctors are on their way for appointments and check-ups.

• Logistics workers – many of whom already use Samsung wearable devices to help them conduct inventory, sort packages, and update shipping information – could someday also use wearables to unlock secured doors to allow access for deliveries, interact with automated storage/retrieval systems and adjust temperature and airflow in a smart storage environment.

There are certainly many potential, promising applications of wearable technology in the B2B space. The above examples are just the tip of the ice berg. By bringing wearable technology into the B2B space, those of us at Samsung hope to introduce a new generation of B2B products, services and solutions that will take productivity and efficiency to a whole new level.