AT&T has launched a major initiative to bring connected devices with plans to expand the universe of mobile applications beyond existing smartphones. The company has announced new software developer toolkits to help developers to connect, store, share data and fraud prevention of connected devices in the cloud.

The first of the toolkit is the new cloud-based machine-to-machine (M2M) “developer sandbox,” called the AT&T M2X Developer Kit, which is a combination of tools for application and device developers

AT&T M2X Developer Kit comprises AT&T M2X, a new cloud-based managed data storage service for M2M devices, and AT&T Control Center powered by Jasper Wireless, which allow M2M developers to sign up, receive and activate SIMs (subscriber identity module), and then transmit and collect the data from these SIMs on any connected machine. AT&T M2X allows developers to manage the data they collect from connected devices. The service is highly secure for data transmission and real time event management. AT&T M2X will debut for developers during the AT&T Developer Summit Hackathon on 4-5 January 2014.

AT&T Control Center offers a unique solution for network provisioning, device activation, customer support, billing options, performance audits and for connected devices.

“AT&T M2X is the direct result of AT&T Foundry innovation and agile execution,” said Mike Troiano, Vice President, Advanced Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions. “In a very short period of time, we’ve integrated various AT&T assets and created a sandbox that gives developers the tools they need to build M2M applications never seen before. The possibilities are endless for new M2M applications and services to emerge.”

AT&T next offering is a new application programming interface (API) toolkit that can help businesses make mobile transactions safer and easier for AT&T mobile subscribers.

Since security is a major concern of mobile users for mobile banking and m-commerce, the toolkit allows developers to automate fraud avoidance queries. When a mobile user transact business with a merchant that is using the toolkit, the service automatically performs a fraud avoidance query to check whether the device being used by the subscriber is authenticated to AT&T’s mobile network. If the mobile user then opt for the feature, the service further simplifies the registration process.

“As consumers use their mobile devices for more and more aspects of daily life, including online banking and m-commerce, they want assurances that these services are as secure as possible,” said Laura Merling, VP of Ecosystem Development and Platform Solutions, AT&T. “Tapping into the intelligence of the AT&T network as a trusted authenticator for mobile identity not only makes these services more secure, but also easier to use. We see this as the opportunity to realize one of the biggest promises of APIs for businesses.”

AT&T is strengthening its presence in the rapidly growing enterprise cloud and mobile verticals. The carrier recently announced a partnership with Microsoft to make Windows Azure available for users of its NetBond virtual private network offering. The company also joined forces with SAP to include SAP Mobile Platform, a solution for developing, distributing and managing apps that integrates into backend enterprise environments. In addition, the carrier introduced a new API program that aims to encourage wholesale partners, solution providers and corporate developers to leverage its network for content delivery and communications.