Tata Communications has announced a strategic partnership with Cisco aimed at transforming the way enterprises connect, manage, and scale Internet of Things (IoT) devices across the world. The collaboration seeks to remove long-standing barriers to large-scale IoT deployments and establish new benchmarks in connectivity management.
Addressing IoT connectivity challenges
As enterprises expand IoT operations, many face persistent challenges in managing vast fleets of connected devices. Problems such as fragmented SIM hardware, lack of interoperability between networks, and complex provisioning processes often result in higher costs, delayed rollouts, and limited flexibility. These difficulties can prevent organisations from fully realising the potential of their IoT strategies.
The new partnership addresses these issues by embedding Tata Communications’ MOVE, a global eSIM orchestration solution, into Cisco’s IoT Control Center, a cloud-based device management platform. Tata Communications MOVE manages more than 350 million eSIM operating systems and provides connectivity across over 200 countries and territories. Cisco’s platform, meanwhile, supports over 32,000 enterprises and more than 270 million SIM-based IoT devices, including 100 million connected cars.
Enhancing scale and flexibility for enterprises
By combining these capabilities, enterprises will be able to activate and manage devices seamlessly across multiple SIM providers, networks, and eSIM standards. The integration aims to accelerate time-to-market with a simplified, unified connectivity experience, while giving organisations greater visibility and control over every layer of IoT deployment. Importantly, it reduces integration complexity and avoids the risk of vendor lock-in, offering businesses more flexibility to adapt as technologies evolve.
Marco Bijvelds, Vice President and Global Head of Tata Communications MOVE, said: “The continuous evolution of eSIM technologies is generating a transformative shift in the way enterprises connect and manage their IoT devices. The unmatched power of Tata Communications’ intelligent IoT fabric and Cisco’s proven device management platform will empower global businesses to unlock new opportunities, streamline operations, and accelerate digital transformation. We are excited to create a foundation for the future of connected enterprises – where they can scale faster, smarter, and with more confidence.”
Supporting critical industries
The collaboration is expected to benefit industries where reliable and flexible connectivity is essential. In transportation and logistics, for example, companies could activate vehicles and trailers instantly across borders without needing local SIM cards. In manufacturing and utilities, organisations could manage devices across private and public networks without having to reconfigure hardware, improving efficiency and lowering costs.
Masum Mir, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco Provider Mobility, said: “Together, Cisco and Tata Communications are enabling innovation and opening up new opportunities through our joint work on eSIM technology. As enterprises need greater simplicity, automation and scalability to effectively manage increasingly complex use cases, we see eSIM as a foundational technology. Tata Communications’ proven track record as a great Cisco partner made them a logical choice as we advance our vision for mobility services, particularly in managing connected vehicles over the full lifecycle – from manufacturing, to the dealership, to the road.”
Setting a new benchmark for IoT
With this partnership, Cisco and Tata Communications aim to set a new standard for IoT by prioritising interoperability, scalability, and lifecycle intelligence. The companies believe the collaboration will enable enterprises worldwide to innovate faster, unlock new revenue streams, and optimise connected operations. By building on their combined expertise, the two firms seek to deliver seamless, scalable connectivity that supports the next wave of digital transformation.
