Itron and Tropos Partner to Strengthen Smart Grid Communications Integration
Between Companies Provides Utilities with Smart Grid-optimized Solutions
TAMPA, Fla. — DistribuTECH 2010 — March 22, 2010 — Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) and Tropos
Networks announced today an agreement to jointly develop products for the utility market including an
integrated network solution. The joint solution will allow utilities to extend their smart grid foundation into a
comprehensive, privately owned broadband network for utility applications. This aligns with the larger goal
of the partnership, which is to simplify utility smart grid deployment and management while laying the
foundation for additional smart grid applications.
As utilities begin their smart grid deployments, systems like these will enable a class of network that
integrates easily with a wide variety of smart grid devices, while offering the unique extensibility, reliability,
longevity and system availability necessary for smart grids to become reality. The solution is already
successfully being used by several utilities.
―From its inception, Itron has viewed the smart grid as a ‗network-of-networks‘. This vision is coming to
fruition in the form of multiple partnerships that utilize networks beyond advanced metering,‖ said Philip
Mezey, Itron North America senior vice president and chief operating officer. ―Innovative collaboration
with Tropos Networks allows Itron to extend the functionality of its smart grid platform beyond the meter to
the next wave of applications, as well as offering carrier-class network management.‖
―We are pleased to work closely with Itron in providing utilities with a robust smart grid distribution area
network and wireless management platform,‖ said Tom Ayers, president and chief executive officer of
Tropos. ―The combination of Itron‘s expertise and successful track record in the utility industry along with
Tropos‘ capabilities and experience in outdoor IP mesh networking, provides a strong value proposition
for utilities making a strategic investment in their smart grid infrastructure.‖
Both companies‘ products are standards-based and designed for ease-of-integration with third-party
vendors and customization. The joint products leverage technologies from both companies including an
OpenWay® Cell Relay and Tropos‘ mesh router and wireless management software, providing a tightly
integrated multi-functional solution. The cell relay, acting as a router between OpenWay CENTRON®
smart meters and the OpenWay Collection Engine in the utility‘s back office, transports usage data
between the meter and the utility operations centers. In addition, Tropos routers support multiple
distribution area network applications and end points including distribution automation, substation security
and mobile utility worker applications. The joint products will be exclusively available through Itron and
Itron sales channels.
For more information, please visit Itron in booth 903, and/or Tropos in booth 1742 at DistribuTECH 2010,
March 23 – 25 in Tampa.
About Itron
Itron Inc. is a leading technology provider to the global energy and water industries. Our company is the
world‘s leading provider of intelligent metering, data collection and utility software solutions, with nearly
8,000 utilities worldwide relying on our technology to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water.
Our products include electricity, gas, water and heat meters, data collection and communication systems,
including automated meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI); meter data
management and related software applications; as well as project management, installation, and
consulting services. To know more, start here: www.itron.com <http://www.itron.com/> .
About Tropos Networks
Tropos® Networks (www.tropos.com <http://www.tropos.com/> ) is the worldwide market leader in IP
broadband mesh networks. Its solutions create greener, safer, smarter foundations for deployment of
high-value applications that increase efficiencies and reduce operational costs within communities.
Greener – smart grid and intelligent transportation systems. Safer – mobile public safety communications
and IP video surveillance. Smarter – enabling mobile workers to access information from the field.
Tropos delivers the highest levels of reliability, scalability, performance, security, and control in the
industry with more than 750 customers in over 30 countries. Founded in 2000, Tropos Networks is
headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, please call 408-331-6800 or email
info@tropos.com <mailto:info@tropos.com> .