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SmartSynch intros GridRouter for smart meters and the electric companies that love them

The last time we heard from SmartSynch it had inked a deal with AT&T to provide communications between its smart energy products and power companies. Now the company's back with a little something called the GridRouter, an IP-based device based that connects appliances, smart grids, and utilities -- no matter which communication protocol is used. The device is built on an open platform since the current grid is a mish-mash (or a hodge-podge, if you will) of proprietary hardware and software, and includes WiMax and Wi-Fi capabilities. Sounds like it just might be the thing for utilities struggling to catch up to the 21st century smarter energy revolution -- and those of you who are really, really into Google's PowerMeter beta. Want to give it a spin? Hit the source link to get in touch with the company. PR after the break.

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SmartSynch Launches GridRouter -- the Industry's First Universal Smart Grid Communications Solution

Next Generation Device Engineered to 'Connect the Silos' That Have Prevented Broad Smart Grid Deployment Across Geographies, Utilities and Vendor Solutions JACKSON, MS--(Marketwire - December 3, 2009) - SmartSynch, Inc., a smart grid infrastructure company, today launched the SmartSynch GridRouter™, the industry's first universal smart grid communications solution. With the GridRouter, utilities can seamlessly and easily communicate with every possible device on the smart grid regardless of make, model or communication protocol.

Designed on the principles of openness and interoperability, the IP-enabled GridRouter is a universal, interchangeable and remotely upgradeable solution engineered to revolutionize the smart grid. Specifically, the GridRouter:

-- Provides a point-to-point smart grid communications platform that can facilitate data transfer to any smart grid device on any network (public or private)
-- Can be managed by standard commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) network IT management tools that most utilities already implement
-- Functions like any other network appliance on an IP network, such as a PC or copy machine
-- Offers a standard, open platform that allows multiple companies to provide value to the customer as part of an 'ecosystem of innovation'
-- Is field upgradeable -- allowing utilities to add multiple communication technologies to their smart grid communications infrastructure based on future needs without having to replace an entire system backbone


Currently, utilities have no choice but to purchase and integrate non-interoperable proprietary technologies from multiple vendors that have purpose-built network communications. The GridRouter bridges the network gap between these types of devices and allows each vendor to participate in an open ecosystem, and helps utilities avoid being locked into one specific technology or device.

"The GridRouter is the 'Rosetta Stone' of the smart grid, allowing multiple digital energy language users to quickly understand each other for the first time," said SmartSynch CEO Stephen Johnston. "With the GridRouter, utilities can embrace the best technologies and future-proof the smart grid simultaneously, which significantly reduces the technology risk factor. Similar to how network routers transformed the Internet from slow, one-dimensional Web sites to a high bandwidth experience with voice and video, the GridRouter opens the door to new applications and networks, utilizes greater bandwidth and increases functionality -- transforming the smart electricity grid as we know it."

"The goal of the stimulus funding was to finance technology that would provide a foundation for years or even decades, but if utilities spend money on proprietary technology, they may have to replace it in a few years," said metering expert Dr. Aaron Snyder of Enernex in a recent issue of Smart Grid Today. "The vision of an interoperable, plug-and-play power grid cannot come to pass if each of the country's 3,000 utilities is in its own incompatible island of non-compliant technology."

Johnston said the smart grid industry should not view the GridRouter as a competitive product, but rather a solution engineered specifically to allow utilities to exercise choice over plug-in devices and grid assets from different vendors into their overall smart grid infrastructure. "It allows reclosers from Sweitzer and Cooper to be part of the same smart grid network along with meters from Echelon and other providers," Johnston said. "The GridRouter actually transforms competition into collaboration and facilitates an ecosystem of innovation in which multiple companies can provide value to utilities."

The GridRouter is available immediately. Visit www.gridrouter.com for more information on the product, including a virtual demonstration.

About SmartSynch

SmartSynch has been the only provider of standard, IP communicating end-to-end smart grid solutions utilizing public wireless networks for the utility industry since 2000. Our clean-tech innovations in the two-way delivery of real-time energy usage data over public wireless networks, in lieu of proprietary networks, have to-date simplified deployments for 100 major North American utilities, while enabling their clean-energy initiatives and delivering greater Returns on Resources.

As a smart grid infrastructure company, SmartSynch's IP-based solutions are capable of delivering grid intelligence to and from any device. Our products and services include SmartMeters™ and SmartBoxes™ that immediately IP-enable the grid, software solutions, and network management services for utilities and their customers, as well as clean-tech companies in need of remote communications and control functionality for products ranging from solar panels to plug-in hybrid vehicles.

IP-based public wireless networks enable utilities to strategically and rapidly deploy more secure and scalable smart grid solutions with minimal capital expenditures. IP networks and solutions may be remotely upgraded to interface with new technologies, since they are built upon open standards and leverage existing programs and tools. SmartSynch's IP-based Smart Grid communications infrastructure encourages rapid application innovation and delivery of new functionality by allowing the broadest spectrum of ecosystem participants to focus on providing maximum benefits to utilities and their customers.