In collaboration with Cisco (News - Alert), Itron, Inc., a global provider of energy and water resource management solutions, has brought to market their combined next-generation smart grid platform, which is believed to enable utilities to more effectively and efficiently modernize their energy infrastructures.

Built on secure, scalable and multi-service IPv6-based communications architecture, this next generation platform is expected to simplify the entire process of smart grid deployment. This transformative platform is expected to help utilities achieve long-term, strategic objectives while reducing operational expenses.

In addition, the platform is also likely to encourage innovations in the smart grid applications and technologies in the marketplace. All these, in turn will accelerate the smart grid adoption.

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.

The platform enables pervasive monitoring and control of energy distribution networks and both consumers and utilities will benefit from the platform, Itron claimed in a press release.

The open standards of this platform allows the utilities to deploy a foundational communications architecture to enable "plug and play" interoperability of smart grid applications and devices. This in turn means freedom from vendor-specific, proprietary integration requirements, the companies pointed out.

The new platform is the offspring of the strategic alliance between the two global leaders that was announced back in September 2010. Since the signing of the alliance, the two companies have been working toward the delivery of open, interoperable communications architecture to support grid modernization.

“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. It is with this technology that we are able to build the smartest grids in the world,” Philip Mezey, Itron’s president and COO of Energy commented in a statement.

Earlier this month Cisco announced additional solutions and services to its Connected Grid portfolio that will help utilities modernize the electric grid with built-in flexibility, security and interoperability enabled by the power of the network. Cisco's new technology architecture, solutions and related services address key utility concerns around cost, reliability and scalability in their communications infrastructures, the company said in an earlier media release.

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