Alliance Delivers on Vision for Truly Interoperable,
Multi-Application Communications Architecture
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today that, in partnership with
Cisco, it has brought to market their combined next-generation smart
grid platform, delivering on the companies' vision to create a secure,
scalable and multi-service IPv6-based communications architecture. This
next-generation platform will help utilities accelerate adoption and
simplify deployment of smart grid solutions, reduce the total cost of
ownership of these systems, and unleash innovation for smart grid
applications and technologies in the marketplace.
The platform enables pervasive monitoring and control of energy
distribution networks to achieve a broad array of smart grid objectives
for both utilities and consumers. Key components of the integrated
solution include the Cisco 1000 Series Connected Grid Router (CGR),
Cisco Network Management System (NMS), OpenWay Reporting System, Itron
IPv6-enabled meters, and the OpenWay Collection Engine.
Since announcing their strategic alliance in September 2010, Itron and
Cisco, global leaders in smart metering and networking technology,
respectively, have collaborated closely to deliver an open,
interoperable communications architecture to support grid modernization.
This transformative platform is based on open industry standards and
provides native IPv6 networking services from Cisco to enable
multi-application support and simplify the path to Smart Grid device
interoperability. Utilities can now deploy a foundational communications
architecture to enable "plug and play" interoperability of smart grid
applications and devices, as well as freedom from vendor-specific,
proprietary integration requirements.
"Together, Itron and Cisco are setting the stage for the industry. We
are transforming the traditional purpose-built, meter-centric AMI
solution into an enterprise-class architecture featuring robust network
management, standardized security and quality of service," Philip Mezey,
Itron President & COO of Energy. "It is with this technology that we are
able to build the smartest grids in the world."
"Working together, Cisco and Itron have developed a transformative
platform that will enable utilities to more effectively and efficiently
modernize their energy infrastructures. Cisco's architectural approach
to smart grid transformation, enabled by industry alliances like the one
between Cisco and Itron, can help utilities achieve long-term, strategic
objectives while reducing operational expenses," said Laura Ipsen, SVP
and general manager, Cisco Connected Energy Networks.
First to deploy the IPv6 smart grid architecture is BC Hydro as a key
element of their Smart Metering and Program. BC Hydro serves over 1.8
million customers throughout British Columbia, Canada. Installation of
the new IPv6 communication infrastructure will begin in March 2012,
providing BC Hydro with enterprise-class network management, security
and quality-of-service (QoS) through all layers of their system. The
ability to "plug and play" smart grid applications and devices will give
the utility a future-proof, flexible solution. The new Cisco Connected
Grid Router will be deployed in the field to provide a secure
communications path to route critical data from Itron's IPv6-enabled
smart meters and other grid-enabled devices over an IPv6 RF mesh network.
"The Smart Metering Program will help keep rates in British Columbia low
by delivering $1.6 billion in savings to our customers over the 20
years. The Itron-Cisco partnership was a real game changer. The ability
to leverage our infrastructure with Itron's smart grid solution and
Cisco's Connected Grid networking and security capabilities is a great
stepping stone into smart grid. We will be able to leverage it for years
to come," said Gary Murphy, BC Hydro's chief project officer for the
Smart Metering Program.
More information about Itron and Cisco's secure, scalable and
multi-service IPv6-based communications architecture can be found at www.openthegrid.com.
About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that
transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information
about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com.
For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.
About Itron
Itron is the leading provider of energy and water resource management
solutions for nearly 8,000 utilities around the world. We offer
end-to-end solutions that include electricity, gas, water and thermal
energy measurement and control technology; communications systems;
software; and professional services. With nearly 9,000 employees doing
business in more than 130 countries, Itron empowers utilities to
responsibly and efficiently manage energy and water resources. To
realize a sustainable future, start here: www.itron.com.
Itron, Inc.
Sharelynn Moore, Vice President, Itron Marketing
& Communications, 509-891-3524
sharelynn.moore@itron.com
or
Barbara
Doyle, Vice President, Investor Relations, 509-891-3443
barbara.doyle@itron.com
Source: Itron, Inc.
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