Smart Metering Leader Itron Joins IPSO Alliance

Goal to drive adoption of full end-to-end IP solutions for utility metering

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The IPSO Alliance, the organization defining the "Internet of Things," today announced that Itron has become a Promoter member of the IPSO Alliance. By working with IPSO, Itron aims to drive and support full end-to-end IP solutions for the smart metering and smart grid markets.  Itron's products and solutions provide critical knowledge empowering customers to make informed decisions about the distribution and use of energy and water.

"As a leading global supplier of end-to-end solutions, Itron is pleased to be part of IPSO, and we look forward to working with like-minded organizations to promote the use of IP for networking solutions," said Patrick Mortel, Smart Metering Director, Itron International. "IP is a secure solution based on open standards which allows for interoperability, a key part of Itron's philosophy.  A secure, interoperable solution is vital to ensure the successful implementation of the Smart Grid," he added.

"Having Itron join IPSO further solidifies IP as the technology best suited to provide a consistent and reliable way to deliver Smart Energy technology and solutions into homes and businesses," said IPSO's Chairman, Geoff Mulligan. "We look forward to working with Itron on their efforts to deliver globally a more secure and intelligent energy infrastructure."

As a promoter member Itron may participate in meetings and committees, use the Alliance's technical guidelines and case studies; demonstrate their products at meetings, trade shows and other Alliance events. They also will be able to qualify their products and services in the interoperability program.

About Itron

At Itron, we're dedicated to delivering end-to-end smart grid and smart distribution solutions to electric, gas and water utilities around the globe. Our company is the world's leading provider of smart metering, data collection and utility software systems, with nearly 8,000 utilities worldwide relying on our technology to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Our offerings include electricity, gas, water and heat meters; network communication technology; collection systems and related software applications; and professional services. To realize your smarter energy and water future, start here: www.itron.com.

About IPSO Alliance

The IPSO Alliance is the primary advocate for IP networked devices for use in energy, consumer, healthcare and industrial applications.  The IPSO Alliance is a non-profit association of more than 50 members from leading technology, communications and energy companies. The Alliance's mission is to enable the foundation for a network that will allow any sensor-enabled physical object to communicate to another, just as individuals do over the Internet. Membership is open to any organization supporting an IP-based approach to connecting smart objects. For more information, visit www.ipso-alliance.org.

SOURCE IPSO Alliance