Systems, methods and apparatus for managing machine-to-machine (M2M) entities are disclosed. Included herein is a method that may include implementing one or more management layers for managing M2M entities in an M2M environment. The method may also include using a plurality of management layers to manage a M2M area network, wherein the M2M area network may include one or more M2M end devices. The M2M end devices may include, for example, an M2M gateway and/or an M2M device. The management layers may include any of an application management layer, service management layer, network management layer and a device management layer. The management layers may provide any of configuration management, fault management, and performance management of the M2M entities.