Itron (ITRI) and Cisco (CSCO) have announced an alliance this morning to help advance the smart grid.  The two will work on developing a next generation, open and interoperable, highly secure, enterprise class IPv6 based smart grid network for utilities.  Itron will end up licensing and embed Cisco IP technology within its OpenWay smart grid meters as well as distribute Cisco networking equipment and software needed for full deployment of the smart grid.  Truly a win-win situation.

“The alliance between Cisco and Itron represents a major step forward in the realization of a modern, more intelligent energy infrastructure. Together, we aim to enable standardization of the smart grid architecture and help create an end-to-end communications platform. As a result, utilities will benefit from an energy grid that is more secure, scalable and reliable, as well as solutions that are easier to maintain and able to support future needs,” said Laura Ipsen, Cisco senior vice president and general manager for the Smart Grid business unit.

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