cisco

Itron has announced that they have partnership with Cisco to brought to market their combined next-generation smart grid platform, delivering on the companies' vision to create a secure, scalable and multi-service IPv6-based communications architecture. This next-generation platform will help utilities accelerate adoption and simplify deployment of smart grid solutions, reduce the total cost of ownership of these systems, and unleash innovation for smart grid applications and technologies in the marketplace.

Itron announced that, in partnership with Cisco, it has brought to market their combined next-generation smart grid platform, delivering on the companies’ vision to create a secure, scalable and multi-service IPv6-based communications architecture. This next-generation platform will help utilities accelerate adoption and simplify deployment of smart grid solutions, reduce the total cost of ownership of these systems, and unleash innovation for smart grid applications and technologies in the marketplace.

For a while Google and Microsoft were encouraging utilities and consumer to get connected through their solutions to learn more about their energy use.  Google launched the Google PowerMeter through it iGoogle platform, Microsoft launched Microsoft Hohm and Cisco launched the Home Energy Controller gadgets and software. They all promised information at our finger tips so we can make more informed decisions on how we use our home energy.

Gitex, One of the leading Technology conferences in the Middle East, kicks off this week in Dubai. This year’s show is expecting over 3,500 ICT vendors from the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and South Asian markets demonstrating their technology.  A number of vendors such as Cisco, Buffalo, Netgear and Panasonic are expected to be spreading the concept of the connected home and showing visitors what is possible within the home using the latest in wireless technology.

The time has come when you and I will be able to watch the same television program across all three screens (Television, Mobile and PC) without any break in transmission.  All thanks to Videoscape and its ability to utilize the cloud, the network and our everyday IP-based (internet protocol) devices to deliver new video experiences over the internet to anywhere we are able to access it.

Broadcom has changed the way Microsoft mediaroom clients connect to each other, with the release of its Broadcom BCM4717V system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution. Previously, users with multiple set-top box would connect them together via wire network using MoCA, Ethernet or HPNA and connect to the TV.  The BCM4717 changes this and allow you to connect wirelessly throughout the home.

Cisco and Control4, two of the connected home heavy weights have entered into a strategic partnership around the creation of smart home energy management solutions.  Both companies already have their own platform; control4 has its EMS 100 Suite and Cisco has the Home Energy Controller (HEC).  Control4 recently announced that it was going through another round of funding, which could be the drive behind this partnership with Cisco.

Cisco’s switches and routers designed for smart grid systems have been selected by EnergyAustralia for its smart grid project. The deal for Cisco is said to worth $7.5Million over three years. The new kit is to facilitate the delivery of a range of business critical services as well as improve mobile computing for field engineers and upgrade the network infrastructure for up to 200 substations.

Cisco has added a new set of home energy management solutions to its recently introduced connected grid.  The new solutions are to help households’ better monitor and manage their energy consumption.  The Home Energy Controller (HEC) features easy to use and access countertop LCD touchscreen display.  From here users are kept up to date with information for them to make informed decisions.

Duke Energy today announced it has signed an agreement with Cisco – a worldwide leader in networking technology -- to pilot and further develop a smart grid-enabled home energy management solution that will provide Duke Energy customers with secure and reliable energy information and a simple-to-use tool to help them reduce the amount of energy wasted in their homes.