M&A, Strategies, Alliances GE and SAP have announced a strategic collaboration for the IoT, initially focused on customers in the oil and gas industry. Microsoft has joined the Linux Foundation, as a platinum member. Verizon has acquired LQD WiFi, for its WiFi kiosk and smart city portfolio. The Z-Wave Alliance has voted to enforce its new S2 security certification framework, for all Z-Wave devices, starting in April. GE has acquired Bit Stew and Wise.io for an undisclosed amount, to expand its Predix IoT platform, as well as paying $915m for ServiceMax. Sigfox has secured $159m in Series funding, with Salesforce and Total joining. Forecasts, Reports, and Blue Sky Thinking CoinDesk has published its State of Blockchain report, which is well…