Cisco buys smart grid outfit Arch Rock

Michael Carroll | September 03, 2010

telecomseurope.net

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Cisco has made its second move on the smart grid market in as many days, unveiling plans to buy specialist networking firm Arch Rock yesterday.

The firm will integrate privately-held Arch Rock’s IP-based wireless technology into its smart grid products – its latest attempt to grab sales from utility companies as they add intelligence to their distribution networks.

Arch Rock’s technology enables utilities to connect smart meters and other remote devices over a wireless mesh network.

Laura Ipsen senior vice president of Cisco’s Smart Grid division, said the acquisition enables Cisco to provide end-to-end smart-grid offerings, which “further positions Cisco as a strategic partner to utilities working to better manage power supply and demand, improve the security and reliability of energy delivery, and optimize operational costs.”

The deal, which is expected to close during the second half, came hot on the heels of an alliance with smart grid provider Itron to develop an IPv6 communications network for utility firms.

Cisco announced its first smart grid routers and switches in May.

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Michael Carroll