Aclara Announces Industry's First Wi-Fi(R)-based HAN Solution at DistribuTECH 2010

CLEVELAND, March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Aclara(R), a leader in Intelligent Infrastructure(TM) solutions for utilities and part of the Utility Solutions Group of ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE), announces the industry's first home-area network (HAN) based on proven, widely adopted Wi-Fi technology. The solution is being demonstrated at DistribuTECH 2010 in Tampa, Fla., and was developed in conjunction with Intwine Connect, a technology company specializing in internet-based connectivity solutions.

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The demonstration illustrates how the Aclara HAN solution can connect numerous interoperable home devices through a portal operating on a standard Wi-Fi network, which can be found in tens of millions of American homes today. The demonstration is working in real time through an energy portal created by Intwine Connect, exemplifying the power of Wi-Fi to support HAN.

At DistribuTECH, the Aclara network utilizes a personal computer, programmable thermostat from Intwine Energy, an iPod touch from Apple Inc., and a meter equipped by Aclara with a Wi-Fi enabled interface card. Aclara's strategy is to Wi-Fi enable a variety of devices that allow electric, water, or gas companies to afford consumers direct access to critical data and control information to better manage resources.

"Aclara is committed to advancing HAN solutions that allow consumers to fully participate in managing resource use in their homes and businesses," said Gary Moore, President of Aclara RF Systems Inc. "The solution we are announcing shows how Wi-Fi acts as a conduit to innovation that truly meet the needs of both utilities and consumers."

As it develops its solutions, Aclara is collaborating with other Wi-Fi Alliance(R) members within the organization's Smart Grid task group. The Wi-Fi Alliance, with more than 300 member companies, is an international non-profit association that promotes interoperable Wi-Fi technology across devices and markets.

"Wi-Fi-based solutions are supported by an ecosystem of leading-edge companies that provide a stable development environment, allowing businesses like ours to create interoperable solutions that embed the security, reliability, and availability needed to meet the requirements of utilities, consumers, and regulators," said Mark Thompson, Vice-President of Strategic Communication Networks for Aclara RF Systems Inc.

"We congratulate Aclara on its new Wi-Fi solution in the HAN market, and its continued contributions to the Smart Grid environment. This demonstrates the great opportunity for Wi-Fi in the development of smarter and more efficient energy management for consumers and utilities alike," said Greg Ennis, Technical Director for the Wi-Fi Alliance.

The Wi-Fi Alliance recently recognized Aclara's work to promote wireless solutions for utilities with its Outstanding Leadership and Contribution Award for a New Member. The award acknowledges Aclara's contribution in the area of Smart Grid standards and its efforts to promote participation in the Alliance's Smart Grid task group.

About Aclara

The Aclara(R) brand represents the industry's leading Intelligent Infrastructure(TM) technologies for providing device networking, data-value management, and customer communications to water, gas, and electric utilities globally. Over 500 utilities in nine countries rely on proven Aclara solutions to connect with their customers. Aclara is part of the Utility Solutions Group of ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE), St. Louis. Create Your Intelligent Infrastructure(TM) www.Aclara.com.

About Intwine Connect

Intwine Connect is a creator of smart, integrated solutions that bring user-friendly, intuitive Internet-based connectivity to nearly any device. The Intwine Connectivity Suite is a secure, scalable and industry standard based solution which encompasses consulting services, embedded connectivity modules, middleware, device and web application hosting, Intwine web application framework, and command/control and business intelligence delivery. Intwine is privately held, headquartered in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Visit www.intwineconnect.com for more information.

About the Wi-Fi Alliance

The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global non-profit industry association of hundreds of leading companies devoted to the proliferation of Wi-Fi technology across devices and market segments. With technology development, market building, and regulatory programs, the Wi-Fi Alliance has enabled widespread adoption of Wi-Fi worldwide.

The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM) program was launched in March 2000. It provides a widely-recognized designation of interoperability and quality, and it helps to ensure that Wi-Fi enabled products deliver the best user experience. The Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 7,000 product certifications to date, encouraging the expanded use of Wi-Fi products and services in new and established markets. Learn more and search for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products at www.wi-fi.org.

SOURCE Aclara