Nexant announced today that it added $43 million to its coffers, and that Intel Capital isn’t the only VC that has taken an interest in the smart energy software firm. In addition to Intel, Oak Investment Partners has joined existing investors TeleSoft and Beacon in funding the new round. According to Nexant’s Executive Chairman, Arjun […]
Can we turn the corner on smart meter gloom and doom?
Poor smart meters. Over the past year or so, some high-profile debacles have made them gadgets non grata in some communities, most notably in Bakersfield, California and parts of Texas. Worse, this dark cloud is endangering smart grid roll-outs in other areas. The cause: confusing rate changes, human error and/or meters that were too accurate […]
Cisco snaps up smart grid firm Arch Rock
In case there’s any doubt that Cisco is taking the smart grid seriously, Earth2Tech’s Katie Fehrenbacher is reporting today that the computer networking giant is buying up San Francisco-based wireless smart grid networking firm Arch Rock. Terms, as they say, are undisclosed (drat!). The main draw? “Arch Rock’s wireless mesh technology enhances Cisco’s IP-based, end-to-end […]
Intel buys McAfee: New era of secure (green) clouds?
In a whopper of deal, Intel today announced that it is acquiring McAfee for $7.68 billion. On the surface it looks like Intel is elbowing into the software space, but snagging one of the premier IT security firms is also indicative of a three-pronged plan of attack for cloud computing and data centers. Intel’s CEO, […]
Enough with the smart grid pessimism, already!
With all the doom and gloom surrounding the smart grid of late, it’s hard not to get concerned about its future. But it’s important to realize that the smart grid is a lot bigger than the device that’s giving it a bad name. I’m talking about the smart meter. Cnet’s Martin LaMonica asks, “Is this […]
Stuxnet: Prelude to smart grid security threats
Have you heard of Stuxnet? Unless you run industrial or power control systems, the emergence of this nasty little piece of malware probably didn’t even cause the slightest blip on your radar. But that’s no reason to ignore it. Stuxnet targets Siemens Simatic WinCC, a Windows-based suite of software that’s used by industrial plants and […]
GE scoops up ECS in smart grid buy
GE snapped up SNC-Lavalin‘s Energy Controls Systems (ECS) division this week in a bid to shore up its smart grid portfolio. Based in Montreal Canada, the company supplies networked energy monitoring and management control software for electrical utilities. In a company statement, GE Energy Services’ vice president of GE Energy Services Digital Energy, Bob Gilligan […]
Smart Grid Industry Steps Up
While utilities are taking lumps from disgruntled customers, it doesn’t take a genius to know that the ill will eventually to trickle down to smart meter makers and smart grid infrastructure providers in a way that can really affect their…
IBM Power 7: A Smart Grid Processor?
This week, IBM unveiled the Power7 processor which will show up in four server models set to start shipping within the next few weeks. Mind you, the release of a faster, more powerful and energy efficient chip isn’t earth-shattering news…
e-Radio Enlists FM for Smart Thermostats
…in Canada. CBC Radio covers 99 percent of Canada. Enviable coverage to be sure, that’s why e-Radio got permission from the broadcaster to try out its FM-based demand-response-lite technology. Greentech Media reports, that e-Radio’s system transmits data over Radio Data…
