QKS Group has recognized Soracom as both a Leader and an Ace Performer in the 2025 SPARK Matrix for IoT Connectivity Management Platforms (IoTCMP). Within the SPARK Matrix framework, the Leader category highlights companies that demonstrate exceptional performance in both Technology Excellence and Customer Impact. These organizations are known for delivering advanced, scalable, and forward-looking solutions. The Ace Performer distinction is awarded to vendors that have shown outstanding operational success over the past year, particularly in areas such as revenue growth, strategic partnerships, and customer acquisition.

According to Ignatius Daniel T, Principal Analyst at QKS Group, Soracom has strengthened its position in the IoTCMP market through its cloud-native, API-driven platform architecture, which aligns closely with the evolving needs of modern IoT deployments. The platform integrates global multi-carrier cellular connectivity with services that simplify secure device-to-cloud communication, protocol management, and private cloud integration within a unified control environment.

This approach enables enterprises to achieve greater flexibility, accelerate deployment timelines, and reduce operational complexity across widely distributed IoT ecosystems. Soracom’s innovations, including SGP.32-compliant eSIM orchestration, satellite connectivity capabilities, and cloud-integrated services, further demonstrate its balance of technological innovation and strong execution in the rapidly developing IoTCMP sector.

QKS Group describes an IoT Connectivity Management Platform as a centralized solution designed to oversee and manage IoT device connectivity across multiple network types such as cellular, Wi-Fi, LPWAN, and satellite networks. These platforms allow organizations to deploy, monitor, and manage IoT devices while providing real-time insights into network conditions, device performance, and data usage.

Typical functionalities include device onboarding, SIM lifecycle management, diagnostic monitoring, security enforcement, and intelligent network selection to ensure compliance with regional and regulatory requirements. Modern CMPs also support multiple communication protocols and leverage analytics and AI-driven capabilities to optimize connectivity, anticipate issues, and enhance network reliability, making them essential for scaling secure and efficient global IoT operations.

Soracom differentiates itself in the market through a software-defined and programmable connectivity approach rather than relying on traditional carrier-centric models. Its market strength comes from combining extensive global cellular coverage with a flexible service layer that enables secure data routing, cloud integration, and centralized connectivity management across distributed IoT environments.

Recent developments from the company highlight an intentional expansion of its platform capabilities, including support for IP-based devices via Arc, SGP.32-compliant eSIM orchestration through its Connectivity Hypervisor initiative, and integrated non-terrestrial network connectivity through its collaboration with Skylo. These advancements indicate that Soracom is evolving beyond a conventional connectivity management provider and positioning itself as a broader enabler of scalable and adaptable IoT operating environments. This strategy aligns well with enterprises seeking centralized management, agile deployment capabilities, and stronger cloud-to-edge connectivity frameworks for their IoT initiatives.

The SPARK Matrix report from QKS Group offers an in-depth assessment of global market trends, competitive dynamics, and the overall vendor landscape within the IoT CMP industry. The report also includes comparative rankings of IoT CMP providers and provides strategic insights that help organizations assess vendor strengths, market positioning, and competitive differentiation.

The global push toward digital transformation is reshaping every aspect of the automotive industry. At the forefront of this evolution stands the software-defined vehicle (SDV) — a concept that, while not entirely new, has rapidly accelerated in recent years. SDVs are redefining how cars are engineered, produced, and experienced by consumers.

More Than a Buzzword: What Makes a Vehicle “Software-Defined”?
Think of a software-defined vehicle as a smartphone on wheels — constantly connected, update-ready, and packed with dynamic features and applications.

In an SDV, most vehicle functionalities are driven primarily by software rather than fixed hardware. The move from traditional automotive design to SDVs requires separating software from hardware and adopting a layered, zonal architecture. This evolution results in safer, smarter, and more connected vehicles that can evolve over time through over-the-air (OTA) updates. Drivers benefit from continuous improvements, real-time data integration, and a personalized driving experience that feels more digital than mechanical.

From Mechanical Engineering to Software Innovation
Historically, vehicles were hardware-dominated machines where innovation relied heavily on mechanical engineering. Software served a limited role, confined to specific Electronic Control Units (ECUs) with minimal flexibility.

The rise of SDVs has flipped that model. Today, most vehicle systems — from infotainment to driving dynamics — are controlled, enhanced, and updated via software. This shift is powered by modular and zonal architectures that separate software functions from physical hardware, creating flexibility and scalability.

Defining Characteristics of a Software-Defined Vehicle
A modern SDV typically includes:

This paradigm shift does more than enhance technology — it redefines business models and customer engagement. Automakers can now extend vehicle lifecycles, generate recurring revenue, and build long-term relationships with drivers through connected services and continuous updates.

The Competitive Landscape
Software-defined vehicles are no longer just a vision of the future — they’re already shaping the present. Major automakers (OEMs) are investing in next-generation architectures, cloud ecosystems, and embedded AI computing, while new entrants are challenging traditional players with innovative approaches.

The competition to define the future of mobility is in full swing. The SDV marks not just a technological milestone but a complete reimagining of how we perceive vehicles, innovation, and customer value. For those prepared to lead, the opportunities are immense.

Stay tuned for the next part of our SDV Blog Series, where we’ll explore the architectural evolution from domain-based to zonal and service-oriented architectures, and how these developments are shaping the future of the automotive landscape.