Today almost every device embedding intelligence (with integrated circuits, MCU or even processor) must provide a UI in order to allow basic configuration stuff, real-time monitoring or data retrieving. Not all the equipments host a keyboard and a LCD display and a computer is thus very often needed to access them. In this case the access is usually made through a standard RS232 serial connection and implies a technician displacement (with a laptop).

This operation costs money and can even requires several hours to be completed. Moreover once back in his/her office, the technician often needs to update the general database with the data downloaded from the device.

Most of these devices are used in an industrial/office location where a LAN takes place or at a location with GPRS coverage. The dialog through the serial port is often terminal style, similar as the one used with Telnet TCP/IP standard protocol.