At first, the idea of a “smart” infrastructure was limited to the ideology of a
smart grid, a philosophy to construct a system that delivers electricity from suppliers to consumers using digital technology in efforts to conserve energy.
While in theory this new idea would seem to rattle the cages of major
utility and telecom professionals like
Cisco, Intel and
IBM, companies have digested the idea and liked the ingredients, making more and more attempts to become involved in the projects as a whole.
And, now the smart grid idea has grown to capture other areas of the communications world. From
smart mobile devices that save energy and supply dynamic applications to
smart home – where energy management is a focal point with devices such as
smart meters hitting the mainstream – to
smart healthcare technology making things easier for doctors and medical staff to conduct businesses, the smart world is booming.
In discussing companies’ making their way into the smart market, Arcadian Networks, a wireless
broadband communications system designer – focusing on the energy sector – and Itron Inc., a technology provider to the global energy and water industries,
have collaborated to transition into the smart grid market.
Combining Itron’s end-to-end smart grid systems including smart meters and software, with Arcadian’s secure, enterprise-wide broadband communication systems for smart apps, the partnership makes for a complete package of services for the smart industry.
“This collaboration enables Itron and Arcadian to offer utilities a complete smart grid communication solution including integrated operations and backhaul communications for our advanced meter infrastructure and smart grid solutions,” Philip Mezey, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Itron North America, said. “Arcadian's SMART Network Methodology reflects their focus on providing smart grid communications solutions tailored specifically to the needs of the utility industry.”
Arcadian Networks CEO Ed Solar said that the company looks forward to joining forces with Itron to complement their leadership in smart grid solutions.
“Arcadian's strength as the market forerunner dedicated to meeting the stringent security and unique operational needs of utilities is a natural fit with Itron's expansive smart grid offerings and capabilities,” Solar added.
