Monday, May 18, 2009

Prediction: "Smart" Electric Grid -- Bigger Than Internet

Cisco the Internet network company is betting that the "next big thing" will be bringing digital technology to the smart grid.

Cnet News.com Greeentech reports:

"The company, whose networking gear is installed in all corners of the Internet intends to make communications equipment for the electricity grid--everything from routers in grid substations to home energy controllers. CEO John Chambers is scheduled to discuss Cisco's smart-grid push Monday morning at a JP Morgan conference in Boston.

Cisco's move is a sign that the creaky electricity distribution system is poised for a digital upgrade. Other high-tech companies, including IBM, Intel, and several start-ups, are ramping up smart-grid efforts to capitalize on expected investments from utilities and federal governments. Cisco estimates that the communications portion of that build-out is worth $20 billion a year over the next five years." See full article.

No comments:

Post a Comment